Democracy and Dictatorship Flashcards
democracy
a system of government by the whole population or the quialified members of a state, typically through selected representatives
direct democracy
when the citizens of a country directly participate and make democratic decisions.
Popular support of Government
The legitimacy of a policymaker depends on the support of votes.
The right to occupy a political power isn’t inherited.
There are elections with regular intervals and re-election is permitted.
Relection is the peolpe expressing support and directing the government policy.
political competition
People will reject unsatisfactory officials.
In many systems, people choose a candidate. One representative may be identified with a specific issue, e.g. “peace”, “schools”, etc.
alternation in power
The party that lost their power are now a minority.
In a strong democracy, this kind of changes should be accepted. The opposition should be respectful, tolerant and civil.
They should be willing to take the power back by the next election but still engages in political process meanwhile.
popular representation
The voters vote for the representatives they wish to act as legislations, to voice and protect their general interest.
majority rule
The majority should always decide.
However, a modern concept of democracy is: “majority rule with minority rights”
Every view that is now widely held was once a minority, e.g. women’s right to vote.
The majority should not be used to opress minorities. They should instead persuade the minority.
the right of dissent and disobedience
to dissent - have a different opinion.
The people should have the right to resist the government if they no longer serve the public will.
political equality
everyone is equally able to participate in influencing the government and to compete in public office.
popular consultation
The politicians need to know the needs of the people, what they want/if something is disturbing them. E.g. too high living costs.
By:
public opinion rolls
debates
news interviews
letter to the editors
social media
totaliarianism
total control, brainwashing, worship of the state and its leaders.
an all-encompassing ideology, a single party
organised terror, monopoly of communications
monopoly of weapons, controlled economy
authoritarianism
