Let's just imagine that Earth gets its first interstellar visitor today. We all know this because the visitor goes on a global press conference and offers Earth the following;
"People of Earth, I bid you hello. I represent the interstellar alliance and I have been authorized to extend to your people membership into that alliance. If you choose to join you will hold a global election to decide which three of you will represent your planet in our council. As alliance members you will receive unfettered access to our vast database including all alliance technology and scientific study. All we ask is that you completely abide by alliance planetary and interstellar law. Once Earth is granted membership you will be required to dissolve all governments, all constitutions will be null and void without exception. Our laws will become your laws. If you choose to reject this offer then I will simply leave and you will be free to govern yourselves as you see fit. However, I will not be able to grant you any access to our database. I will leave behind a chart of alliance member worlds that you can attempt to contact on your own should you change your mind later. I await your decision."
What would you decide?