Since neither democracy nor authoritarianism really works...

Perhaps representatives should be selected by random number generator as some kind of fair sampling of the population. If the person declines, just draw another one until a suitable number is met.

Never allow a single person to make any decisions, but instead have all decisions made by some set of representatives which are shuffled every now and them. To guarantee a majority decision, always use odd number of representatives.

Bonus principle: after every term let's select by random 50% of the representatives for the next term so the system may also utilize experience to certain degree (hopefully healthy degree).

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TV-series I've recently enjoyed:

12 Monkeys
The Crossing
Marvels Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Designated Survivor
Helix
Van Helsing
Blacklist