Let me give you a short answer before I give you a long answer:
Madison and the founders strived to NOT give the popular voice substantial powers in the government. I not only respect their opinion, I believe it was the ultimate act in wisdom, having drawn their conclusion from much of history.
Back in their days the founders had seen lynch mobs, duels, actual tar and feathering (oh, the days!). They wanted to insulate government from such emotion. The House -alone- was designed to calmly reflect popular opinion, hence its 2 year terms.
Popular opinion can change from minute to minute. Popular opinion does not guide ships, nor pilot aircraft. Popular opinion produces more problems than it solves, because it empowers many elements, the least of which is wisdom.
If we make the constitutional change to elect judges, believe me, the Electoral College is doomed, as may be our entire republican form of government.
I don't know that I entirely agree with this but will agree that we should be VERY careful in amending the Constitution. Our forefathers failed miserably during ONE presidential administration and we got the two most damaging amendments in our history as a result. The 16th and 17th.
You’re talking about Democracy vs. Republicanism. I’m talking about Republicanism and how to apply it to judges. The question is, should our Judicial branch be filtered through the executive branch. The fact is that filter has it’s downsides which you have not addressed. Neither have commented on whether states that elect there judges find themselves in a better or worse situation. Those are the questions that I have. Not for you specifically but the ones I am looking into. Believe me I have a fair grasp of the theory behind Republicanism and the discovery of truth through discourse.
The question I do have for you is, what natural rights exist and are recognized by the Ninth Amendment that are not enumerated in the other amendments?
Madison and the founders strived to NOT give the popular voice substantial powers in the government.
I’m sorry but I can’t let this one go either.
Madison was primary proponent of the Virginia Plan, which had a strong Bicameral Legislature. Both Camerals (ha! Camerals!) of which were to have proportional representation. If you’re arguing against a Republic via proportional representation, you’re arguing against Madison.