Page:The Wisconsin idea (IA cu31924032449252).pdf/196



may seem strange at first glance that the system of appointive offices meets with so much approval in a state where there is such confidence in democracy and where the direct primary election is in favor. This is easily explained; the primary election is practically applied only to the executive officers and to those who legislate and formulate policies. The fact that the insurance commissioner has been made an appointive officer and that the election of judges and state superintendent of public instruction does not coincide with the regular political elections, together with the efforts which doubtless will be made in the near future to withdraw the attorney-general, the secretary of state and the state treasurer from political elections, shows that the people are slowly working towards a distinction between those who determine a policy and those who are chosen for administrative or technical skill—as servants merely to carry out the will of the people as expressed in the law. Thus the appointive commission is an aid to democracy. There is no inconsistency in these two principles.