The world’s reaction to the death of Nelson Mandela showcases the mentality that prevents self government from working. Many governments around the world claim to be governed by their citizens. The U.S. is organized as a republic and most citizens are convinced that it operates in that capacity.
Self government requires citizens to keep a tight rein on their leaders. Citizens worship them instead. The aspiration of every voter is to find a messiah who will fight for causes on his behalf.
Politicians run for office to obtain power and pursue their own goals and aspiration. Once in office, they represent those who help them build a power base and present them with profit opportunities.
Only sociopaths have the people skills needed to compete successfully in politics. Many South Africans benefited from the efforts of Nelson Mandela but not because he was a good person with high values. Those who benefited from Nelson Mandela as a leader were useful to him.
For 50,000+ years, governments have provided an efficient means for people who rise to the top to profit from the efforts of ordinary folk. The American Revolution did not put an end to this system. For 237 years folk have been trading their freedom for comfort and security just as they did when they served a king. Passing laws and writing constitutions does little to change behavior that is caused by instinct and eons of conditioning.
The world’s worshiping of leaders along with massive displays of recreational grief serve as evidence that true self government will not exist on the globe for another 1000 or so years.