Fortunately, most of the time voters choosing "representatives". As human creatures, we do tend to be better (yet far from optimal) at recognizing worthy people to follow.
I was wondering just that a few weeks ago. I found this perspective interesting to think about, even if it's impractical...
http://www.see.org/garcia/e02.htm
Lichtenstein, Singapore. Consumer capitalism is not tied to democracy. And it is consumer capitalism that is raising the world's desperate out of subsistence.
Democracy is a luxury good that rich nations purchase.