It used to be that we elected representatives who would essentially serve as our trustees for a set period of time. Sure, they received constituent mail and phone calls and lobbyists visited them. And sure, they might occasionally see some polling numbers or a tough letter to the editor. And yes, on big votes, party leaders and bosses (now mostly impotent) would twist arms. But rank-and-file members generally could vote their conscience, knowing they wouldn’t be called on the carpet until Election Day, which — depending on the office one held — was two to six years down the road.

This is not to say they weren’t accountable. It’s just that they would be held accountable at the appointed time. But until that time, they could largely act without fear or consideration of snap public opinion or too much immediate retribution. They were free to take a relatively long view of politics — to sometimes take unpopular stands…

We still have elected officials, and they still must stand for re-election at the appointed time. But the amount of information and input they receive from constituents and interest groups and basically anyone anywhere in the world who has an opinion on something makes it almost impossible for them to ignore the stimuli. Today’s politicians must feel more like American Idol contestants who survive by constantly seeking our approval than statesmen who are empowered to take tough stances.

With Twitter, email, constant polling, and 24-hour cable news, our leaders must forever be at the beck and call of their constituents and pundits, and that’s not as salutary as it sounds. Everyone might not get to vote on everything, but they have a giant megaphone with which to weigh in. And that digital version of direct democracy is undermining our representative democracy.