You're really hung up on the term "democracy"; it comes in different flavors.

Like I said, there's "representative democracy," like the US Congress, Roman Republics, Canadian parliament, etc.

There is also "direct democracy," which I believe fully achieves the aims of democracy, while "representative democracies" fall short. Historical experiments in direct democracy pop-up in many parts of the world, but North America has few examples: New England's town halls are some the longest standing traditions of direct democracy.

The AMS is a "representative" democracy, whereas I feel an all-and-only undergrad "direct" democracy has a better ability to solve students' problems more effectively and with much more involvement from the student body.

The issue is UBC's student body lacks solidarity. We divide ourselves in sects of language, then race, then faculty, then majors. That way the students are more so pitted against each other rather than organized in a unified effort.

Don't let me come across too hopeful or idealistic. Direct democracy works, and it works better. It just needs to be organized and operated in an open and transparent manner. If we had a vehicle of power, like a "direct democracy" style of the ams or something, call it the Undergrad Union, we'd have leverage against the admins, and we'd be able to assist the AMS in garnering collective support around issues and referendums.

This may take 4-5 years to build the community, but once established, I can only see it growing in influence and cooperation.