In general, democracy is a pretty high-maintenance form of government. Staging the wonders of democracy in front of the camera has proven too logistically demanding for FX. The network has pulled the plug on the proposed reality series "American Candidate," saying the show would just cost too much money.

The proposed mission of "American Candidate" was essentially to create a grass-roots candidate for president to run in the 2004 election. According to the Associated Press, the costs became prohibitive because of FX Entertainment President Kevin Reilly's commitment to do the democratic process justice.

The show was set to be produced by R.J. Cutler, maker of the political documentaries "The Perfect Candidate" and "The War Room" as well as the FOX documentary series "American High."

"If he [Reilly] feels it's too expensive for them, it is. That's the way it is," Cutler says. "We have to respect that and carry on. I know it can be produced at a number of different price points."

Cutler is still planning to continue with the show and intends to begin the audition process in September. All applicants must be natural-born citizens who will be 35 by Jan. 20, 2005. A petition signed by 250 supporters is also required.