Those with the stronger influence gain the upper hand and thereby control the populace. Leaders and followers, pessimist's and enthusiasts, we are humans in every regard. Thankfully in our country the populace controls the controllers, at least one day every two to six years, after that we're under their control. They proceed to make the laws that save us from our freedoms whether we like it or not. But we have the right to veto change.
Rights are what a civilized world revolves around.
Sounds like a totalitarian government would love to move in and reap the benefits of apathy bound people. The right to vote seems to be the alternative that many people do not exercise. I don't have the time. Excuse after excuse, the only ones who seem to have the time are the people that are duty bound and patriotic or are so partisan about there opinions that they will do anything to make sure their party has the upper hand. Some people may not like it but isn't the point majority rules.