I see the issue of enfranchisement as a choice, and thus a compromise between two competing values (expanding franchise and avoiding populism), both working towards a similar end.
I would define the end goal as responsible government. A necessary component of responsible government is accountability to, and representation of, the people. As such democracy becomes a necessary condition for good government.
This being true however, does not mean our current system is optimal, or that we should accept this system as the only way for a functioning democracy to operate. There are many different examples of democracy and we would be well served to have REAL debate on the merits of each.
Another condition of responsible government is a large, healthy, informed and participatory citizenry. The best way to achieve this is meaningful education and in that regard we have failed our children. When a population is ill-informed, and non-participatory, they become susceptible to populism and the rule of demagogues,(which could arguably exist today with our politics of ‘soundbites’) Rule by demagogue/mob being just as bad as rule by tyrant.
We must of course always work to expand franchise to as many informed and participatory citizens as possible, however we must be equally aware of the danger populism presents us.
