I would have accepted “Disembodied Voices” as a legitimate 4th choice on the ballot.
Why isn’t “conscience” an option here? That’s far more important than any of the other three.
Isn’t that just Self?
Or, Constitution. I wouldn’t assume that constitution = country.
IN a sense, but I think of “self” meaning pursuit of power, personal satisfaction, money, sex, and so forth.
Then you’ve just made the President far less powerful. Sure, if the president is an idiot, it is helpful. But if they are really serving the country, you want them to have the power to do so. And most of that power (except figurative and literal nuclear options) come from having your party in Congress.
You did make a good argument about putting self second, though. Now I can’t decide. Normally I say to put self last, as I’m thinking about selfishness and self interest.
To me, that’s just an intermediary toward serving the country. I was thinking more of the sort of the “Party of Lincoln” types; those who tout a party as they would a sports team or a social club. If you join an organization because it’s a means of promoting something you believe in, that’s one thing. But if you’re just in it for the flag waving and the cheer leading, what’s the point?