Democracy - CF Flashcards
(172 cards)
1
Q
What is the Elitist theory of democracy?
A
The Elitist theory of democracy denies the possibility of democracy as ‘rule of the people’, suggesting that a small group of elites holds power and makes decisions on behalf of the larger population, undermining true democratic participation.
2
Q
What is the significance of deliberation in democracy?
A
Free and fair deliberation is key to the foundation of democracy as it allows for open discussion, debate, and consideration of diverse viewpoints, ensuring that decisions reflect the collective will of the people.
3
Q
What are the key features of Deliberative Democracy?
A
Deliberative Democracy emphasizes the importance of discussion and reasoning among citizens in decision-making processes, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered, leading to more informed and legitimate outcomes.
4
Q
What is Substantive Democracy?
A
Substantive Democracy focuses on the outcomes of democratic processes, ensuring that the rights and interests of all citizens are protected and that the government is accountable and responsive to the needs of the populace.
5
Q
What are Macpherson’s views on Democracy?
A
Macpherson’s views on Democracy critique traditional notions of democracy, emphasizing the importance of economic and social equality in achieving true democratic governance, rather than merely focusing on electoral processes.
6
Q
How do Deliberative and Participatory Democracy relate to each other?
A
Deliberative democracy does not have its salience without participation, and participatory democracy does not have its credence without deliberations, highlighting the interdependence of active citizen engagement and informed discussion in democratic processes.
7
Q
What is the role of grassroots democracy in good governance?
A
The goal of good governance will be achieved only by strengthening grassroots democracy, as it ensures that local voices are heard and that governance is responsive to the needs of the community.
8
Q
What are the features of Representative Democracy?
A
Representative Democracy is characterized by elected officials representing the interests of the citizens, regular elections, and accountability mechanisms that ensure representatives act in the public’s best interest.
9
Q
What is the difference between Participatory and Deliberative Democracy?
A
Participatory Democracy emphasizes direct involvement of citizens in decision-making, while Deliberative Democracy focuses on the quality of discussion and reasoning in the decision-making process, highlighting different aspects of citizen engagement.
10
Q
What are the features of deliberative theories of democracy?
A
Deliberative theories of democracy emphasize the importance of reasoned debate, inclusivity, and the consideration of diverse perspectives in the decision-making process, aiming for informed and legitimate outcomes.
11
Q
What is Direct Democracy?
A
Direct democracy is a form of governance in which citizens have a direct and active role in making decisions on laws, policies, and other matters of public importance, with minimal reliance on elected representatives.
12
Q
What are the key features of Direct Democracy?
A
Key features of direct democracy include citizen participation, referendums and initiatives, town hall meetings and public discourse, and citizen oversight.
13
Q
How does citizen participation manifest in Direct Democracy?
A
Citizen participation in direct democracy emphasizes the direct involvement of citizens in political decision-making, allowing eligible voters to participate in determining specific laws, policies, or issues through voting or other forms of direct engagement.
14
Q
What role do referendums play in Direct Democracy?
A
Referendums are a common mechanism in direct democracies, involving citizens voting on specific policy proposals, constitutional amendments, or other critical matters.
15
Q
What is the significance of citizen oversight in Direct Democracy?
A
Citizen oversight in direct democracies allows citizens to oversee the actions of elected officials and hold them accountable, including mechanisms for recalling elected representatives before their terms expire.
16
Q
What are the advantages of Direct Democracy?
A
Advantages of direct democracy include enhanced citizen engagement, fostering a sense of civic responsibility and empowerment among citizens.
17
Q
What is direct democracy?
A
Direct democracy is a political system where individuals acquire the power to decide on political decisions through a competitive struggle for the people’s vote, encouraging active engagement and participation.
18
Q
What are the challenges of direct democracy?
A
Challenges of direct democracy include complexity in decision-making, limited expertise among citizens, potential for populism, low voter turnout, and resource intensity in conducting referendums and initiatives.
19
Q
What is representative democracy?
A
Representative democracy is a political system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions and enact policies on their behalf, based on the consent of the governed as emphasized by John Locke’s social contract theory.
20
Q
What are the features of representative democracy?
A
Features of representative democracy include elected representatives, delegated decision-making, regular elections, separation of powers, and adherence to the rule of law.
21
Q
What are the merits of representative democracy?
A
Merits of representative democracy include its practicality in large societies, efficiency in decision-making, and the ability to manage complexities through elected representatives who specialize in policymaking.
22
Q
What is the role of accountability through elections in representative democracy?
A
Regular elections provide citizens with a mechanism to hold elected representatives accountable, allowing them to replace ineffective or unresponsive representatives through the electoral process.
23
Q
What is the significance of the separation of powers in representative democracy?
A
The separation of powers ensures that no single branch of government becomes too powerful, maintaining a system of checks and balances essential for protecting individual liberties.
24
Q
What are common criticisms of representative democracy regarding citizen participation?
A
Critics argue that representative democracy reduces citizens’ direct involvement in decision-making, leading to feelings of disconnection and disengagement from the political process.
25
How does the risk of elite capture affect representative democracy?
Elected representatives may become disconnected from the needs of constituents, serving the interests of powerful elites or special interest groups rather than the general populace.
26
What are the implications of underrepresentation in representative democracies?
Underrepresentation of certain groups can lead to disparities in resource allocation and policy outcomes, undermining the democratic principle of equal representation.
27
What is the concept of popular sovereignty as articulated by Jean-Jacques Rousseau?
Popular sovereignty is the idea that sovereignty originates in the people and is perpetually retained by them, meaning that the government serves merely as an instrument to execute the instructions of the general will.
28
How does John Stuart Mill view the role of participation in democracy?
John Stuart Mill argues that participation protects ordinary citizens from autocracy and serves as a conduit for advancing the development and progress of humanity.
29
What are the challenges posed by party politics in representative democracies?
Party politics can dominate representative democracies, potentially prioritizing party goals over the broader public interest, leading to disparities in policy outcomes.
30
What concerns arise from complex campaign financing in democratic systems?
Complex campaign financing raises concerns about the fairness and transparency of elections and representation, highlighting challenges in maintaining democratic integrity.
31
What is the impact of gridlock and inefficiency in decision-making within a representative democracy?
Gridlock and inefficiency occur when the separation of powers leads to conflicting interests among government branches, hindering effective decision-making.
32
What does Iris Marion Young mean by 'democratic participation and equality'?
Iris Marion Young emphasizes that certain marginalized or minority groups may have limited representation in government, resulting in disparities in policy outcomes, which undermines democratic participation and equality.
33
What is the significance of inclusivity in representative democracies according to critics?
Critics argue that representative democracies may lack mechanisms for direct citizen participation on critical issues, leading to a perceived lack of inclusivity in decision-making.
34
What is the role of democratic institutions in nurturing active citizenship?
Democratic institutions serve as 'schools of political capacity' where individuals are motivated to consider the common good over narrow self-interests.
35
What is Participatory Budgeting and where is it implemented?
Participatory Budgeting is a program in Porto Alegre, Brazil, where citizens directly participate in allocating a portion of the municipal budget by attending public meetings to prioritize and decide on local projects and initiatives.
36
What is the Instrumental View of citizen participation in political theory?
The Instrumental View posits that citizen participation is primarily driven by the pursuit of personal interests and objectives, where individuals engage in political processes after calculating expected benefits and costs.
37
How does Rational Choice Theory relate to political participation?
Rational Choice Theory emphasizes that individuals engage in political activities, such as voting, based on a rational assessment of the advantages and disadvantages associated with their participation.
38
What does the Developmental or Educational View suggest about citizen participation?
The Developmental or Educational View contends that participation enhances participants' moral, social, and political awareness, contributing to the development of informed and socially responsible citizens.
39
What is the significance of John Dewey's perspective on democracy and education?
John Dewey emphasizes that democracy needs to be renewed every generation, and education plays a crucial role in this renewal by fostering active citizen engagement in democratic processes.
40
What is the concept of Participatory Democracy?
Participatory Democracy emphasizes direct citizen involvement in political decision-making, allowing individuals to engage in discussions, debates, and policy formulation rather than relying solely on elected representatives.
41
What does Amitai Etzioni argue regarding individual social responsibility?
Amitai Etzioni argues that individuals have a moral duty to actively engage in their communities and contribute to their betterment, which includes participation in the political sphere for the greater good.
42
What role does transparency play in Participatory Democracy?
Transparency is a fundamental principle in Participatory Democracy, ensuring that all government actions and decisions are openly accessible to the public, fostering accountability and allowing citizens to monitor government performance.
43
How does public deliberation contribute to Participatory Democracy?
Public deliberation, through forums and town hall meetings, allows citizens to discuss and deliberate on policy matters openly, facilitating rational discourse and consensus-building in democratic decision-making.
44
What is the significance of civic education in Participatory Democracy?
Active civic education is prioritized in Participatory Democracy to ensure that citizens are well-informed about political issues and processes, encouraging responsible and informed participation.
45
What is the bottom-up decision-making approach in Participatory Democracy?
The bottom-up decision-making approach in Participatory Democracy starts at the local level and gradually moves upward, empowering citizens at the grassroots level to influence decisions that affect their lives.
46
What is the significance of Protection of Minority Rights in participatory democracy?
Participatory democracy places a strong emphasis on safeguarding the rights of minority groups to prevent the tyranny of the majority, ensuring equal protection and representation for all citizens.
47
How does Community Engagement function within participatory democracy?
Community engagement encourages citizen involvement and grassroots activism, enabling citizens to work together to address local issues and improve their communities.
48
What are Diverse Forms of Participation in participatory democracy?
Participatory democracy acknowledges that citizen involvement can take various forms, including voting, participating in public hearings, volunteering for community projects, and engaging in online activism.
49
What does Continuous Engagement mean in the context of participatory democracy?
Continuous engagement fosters the idea that citizens should remain politically active beyond elections, encouraging involvement in political processes at all times.
50
What is Citizen Oversight in participatory democracy?
Citizen oversight refers to mechanisms that allow citizens to oversee the actions of elected officials and government institutions, ensuring adherence to the public's will.
51
What is a criticism regarding the Feasibility in Large Populations for participatory democracy?
It becomes increasingly challenging to ensure meaningful participation and representation when dealing with millions of citizens, as argued by Robert Dahl.
52
What does Limited Expertise refer to in the context of participatory democracy?
Limited expertise refers to the argument that citizens may lack the specialized knowledge required for complex policy decisions, potentially leading to suboptimal outcomes, as noted by Joseph Schumpeter.
53
What are the dangers of Populism in participatory democracy?
Populism can influence direct decision-making by emotions and short-term considerations rather than reasoned deliberation, as discussed by Hannah Arendt.
54
What is the issue of Low Turnout in participatory democracy?
Low turnout refers to the variability in voter participation in democratic processes, which can result in decisions that do not adequately represent the broader population, as highlighted by Carole Pateman.
55
What does Resource Intensity mean in the context of participatory democracy?
Resource intensity refers to the argument that conducting referendums and initiatives can divert resources from other essential governance tasks, as discussed by Benjamin Barber.
56
What is the concern regarding Inequality in Participation in participatory democracy?
There is a concern that participatory democracy may not effectively address existing social and economic inequalities, leading to disproportionate influence from those with more resources, time, and education.
57
What did John Stuart Mill say about Slow Decision-Making in direct democracy?
John Stuart Mill highlighted the potential for slow decision-making in direct democracy, emphasizing the importance of swift action in governance.
58
What is the concept of Lack of Accountability in participatory democracy?
Lack of Accountability refers to the challenge of clear responsibility in collective decision-making processes, as discussed by Hans Morgenthau, a political realist.
59
What does Overemphasis on Local Issues mean in the context of participatory democracy?
Overemphasis on Local Issues highlights the potential for participatory democracy to focus excessively on local or parochial issues, potentially neglecting broader national or global concerns, as noted by Benjamin R. Barber.
60
What is the risk of Manipulation and Coercion in participatory processes?
Manipulation and Coercion refer to the potential for interest groups or powerful actors to undermine democratic ideals in participatory processes, as discussed by Jürgen Habermas.
61
What is Deliberative Democracy?
Deliberative Democracy is a political theory that emphasizes public deliberation, reasoned discourse, and inclusive dialogue in shaping decisions and policies within a democratic society, contrasting with traditional models that focus primarily on voting and representation.
62
Who is a prominent proponent of Deliberative Democracy and what is their view?
Jürgen Habermas is a prominent proponent who views public deliberation as a means for citizens to achieve consensus and make decisions based on rational discourse, countering economic and administrative forces.
63
What is John Rawls' contribution to Deliberative Democracy?
John Rawls incorporated elements of deliberative democracy in his theory of justice, arguing that principles of justice should be determined through fair deliberation among citizens behind a 'veil of ignorance' regarding their circumstances.
64
What do Amy Gutmann and Dennis Thompson advocate for in their work on Deliberative Democracy?
Amy Gutmann and Dennis Thompson advocate for deliberative democracy as a means to address moral and political disagreements, emphasizing the importance of public reason and improving the quality of public justification for political actions.
65
What is the central aim of democratic deliberation according to Joshua Cohen?
The central aim of democratic deliberation is not consensus, but the respect of each other as free and equal persons.
66
What critique does Nancy Fraser offer regarding deliberative democracy?
Nancy Fraser critiques deliberative democracy by highlighting the challenges of ensuring inclusivity and addressing issues related to power imbalances, suggesting it may constitute a 'tyranny of the articulate' that excludes those less skilled in argumentation and rhetoric.
67
What is meant by 'Reasoned Discourse' in the context of deliberative democracy?
Reasoned Discourse advocates for rational, informed discussions among citizens, fostering democratic legitimacy through 'communicative rationality.'
68
How do Amy Gutmann and Dennis Thompson view inclusivity in deliberative democracy?
Amy Gutmann and Dennis Thompson believe that deliberative democracy can accommodate diverse perspectives and different values better than any alternative approach to politics.
69
What is the principle of 'Public Reason' in deliberative democracy?
Public Reason states that policies and decisions should be justified through reasons accessible and acceptable to all citizens, as articulated by John Rawls.
70
What does 'Active Citizenship' encourage in the context of deliberative democracy?
Active Citizenship encourages citizen participation beyond voting, involving them in discussions and policymaking, exemplified by Ireland's citizens' assembly on abortion.
71
What is the goal of finding 'Common Ground' in deliberative democracy?
The goal of finding Common Ground is to achieve consensus through reasoned discourse, even if complete agreement isn't achieved, as noted by James S. Fishkin.
72
Why is 'Transparency' important in deliberative processes?
Transparency is important because it is the necessary condition for accountability, deliberation, and public mobilization, according to Archon Fung.
73
What impact does deliberative democracy have on public policy?
Deliberative democracy allows citizens to have a say in shaping public policy rather than just choosing between policy alternatives already determined by elites, as stated by John Dryzek.
74
How does deliberative democracy contribute to 'Democratic Legitimacy'?
Deliberative democracy contributes to democratic legitimacy by ensuring that decisions are made through inclusive and reasoned discussion among citizens.
75
Why is 'Transparency' important in deliberative processes?
It is the necessary condition for accountability, deliberation, and public mobilization.
## Footnote
According to Archon Fung.
76
What impact does deliberative democracy have on public policy?
It allows citizens to have a say in shaping public policy rather than just choosing between policy alternatives already determined by elites.
## Footnote
As stated by John Dryzek.
77
How does deliberative democracy contribute to 'Democratic Legitimacy'?
By ensuring that decisions made through inclusive and informed deliberation are seen as more legitimate.
## Footnote
As noted by Simone Chambers.
78
What role does 'Citizen Education' play in deliberative democracy?
It enhances citizens' reasoning and empathy by providing for the exchange of reasons and educating them about political issues.
## Footnote
As expressed by Benjamin Barber.
79
What is respectful discourse in the context of deliberative democracy?
It promotes empathy and understanding in discussions, crucial for a constructive political culture.
80
What are the criticisms of deliberative democracy regarding inclusivity and participation?
Critics highlight the risk of amplifying dominant group voices, potentially sidelining marginalized groups.
## Footnote
As noted by Nancy Fraser.
81
What does David Estlund mean by elitism and expertise in deliberative democracy?
It may favor individuals with greater communication skills or expertise, creating an epistemic elite.
82
What are the implementation challenges associated with deliberative democracy?
Logistical difficulties and resource demands of applying deliberative democracy on a large scale.
## Footnote
As pointed out by Mark E. Warren.
83
What is procedural democracy?
It emphasizes the procedures and mechanisms through which democratic decisions are made, focusing on free and fair elections and the rule of law.
84
Who is Joseph Schumpeter and what is his contribution to democratic theory?
He is known for the concept of 'competitive elite theory,' emphasizing the importance of competitive elections as a defining feature of democracy.
85
What did Robert Dahl emphasize in the study of procedural democracy?
The importance of inclusivity and the rule of law.
86
What is the significance of John Locke's work in the context of procedural democracy?
It laid the foundation for many democratic principles, including the protection of individual rights and the rule of law.
87
What observations did Alexis de Tocqueville make about democracy in America?
He highlighted the role of democratic institutions and processes, such as elections, in shaping American democracy.
88
What is the significance of free and fair elections in procedural democracy?
They are prioritized as the primary means of selecting representatives and leaders.
89
What does the rule of law emphasize in procedural democracy?
The importance of a legal framework that upholds the rights and freedoms of individuals.
90
How does procedural democracy protect minority rights?
It ensures that minority rights are protected and that decisions are not merely the result of majority rule.
91
What role do checks and balances play in procedural democracy?
They incorporate mechanisms within government institutions to prevent the concentration of power.
92
What is John Stuart Mill's criticism of procedural democracy?
He cautioned against the 'tyranny of the majority' and highlighted the importance of protecting individual liberties and minority rights.
93
What is Robert Dahl's critique of procedural democracy?
He criticized it for its potential to perpetuate social and economic inequalities.
94
What does Michael Sandel argue regarding procedural democracy?
He criticizes it for its failure to engage citizens in meaningful moral and ethical debates.
95
What is Nancy Fraser's perspective on procedural democracy?
She critiques it for its potential to exclude marginalized groups.
96
What is Amartya Sen's criticism of procedural democracy?
He criticizes its limited focus on political processes without addressing broader social and economic issues.
97
What is Substantive Democracy?
It shifts the focus from procedural aspects to the actual outcomes and impacts of democratic governance.
98
Who is a proponent of Substantive Democracy that emphasized the role of citizens in shaping their communities?
John Dewey.
99
What does Substantive Democracy seek to address in terms of social and economic justice?
It seeks to address social and economic inequalities through policies aimed at wealth redistribution.
100
What is the significance of Inclusivity in Substantive Democracy?
It prioritizes the inclusion of marginalized groups in decision-making processes.
101
What role does Active Citizenship play in Substantive Democracy?
It encourages citizens to actively participate in civic life beyond elections.
102
What is the definition of Quality of Life in the context of substantive democracy?
It aims to improve the overall quality of life for citizens by ensuring that people's basic needs are met.
103
How does Economic Equity relate to substantive democracy?
It addresses economic disparities to reduce poverty and enhance economic opportunities for all.
104
What does Human Development encompass in substantive democracy?
Factors like education, health, and personal freedoms.
105
What is the role of Empowerment in substantive democracy?
It involves actively engaging citizens to participate in shaping their communities.
106
What is the significance of Long-Term Sustainability in substantive democracy?
It emphasizes environmental sustainability and responsible resource management.
107
What is Political Accountability in the context of substantive democracy?
It requires accountability from elected officials and government institutions.
108
How does substantive democracy help in Preventing Social Crises?
By addressing issues like inequality and discrimination.
109
What are some criticisms of Economic Inefficiency in substantive democracy?
Policies aimed at wealth redistribution may hinder economic growth and innovation.
110
What concerns are raised about Government Overreach in substantive democracy?
It can lead to an expansion of government power and control over various aspects of citizens' lives.
111
What issues arise from Resource Allocation in substantive democracy?
Efforts to achieve social justice may result in misallocation of resources.
112
How can Political Polarization be a challenge in substantive democracy?
Pursuing substantive goals can exacerbate political polarization.
113
What is the criticism regarding Lack of Individual Responsibility in substantive democracy?
It may discourage individual responsibility and self-reliance.
114
What is the definition of Regulatory Burden?
Policies that may lead to increased regulation and bureaucracy.
115
What does Fiscal Sustainability refer to in the context of social programs?
Concerns about the long-term fiscal sustainability of expansive social programs.
116
What is meant by Dependence on Political Will?
The reliance on the political will of elected officials to achieve substantive goals.
117
What are Cultural and Value Differences in relation to social justice?
Different cultures may have varying interpretations of what constitutes social justice.
118
What is the focus of Procedural Democracy?
Means and mechanisms of democratic governance.
119
What distinguishes Substantive Democracy from Procedural Democracy?
Substantive Democracy focuses on achieving specific social and economic outcomes.
120
What does Elite Dominance mean in the context of the elitist theory of democracy?
Political power and influence are concentrated in the hands of a select elite.
121
What is the 'ruling class' or 'power elite' in elitist theory?
A minority of individuals or groups who possess substantial resources and influence.
122
How does elitist theory view political participation among citizens?
It posits that most citizens have limited influence over substantive policy outcomes.
123
What is the relationship between economic inequality and political power according to elitist theory?
Economic and social inequality is linked to political power.
124
What do elitist theorists mean by 'interlocking elites'?
Collaboration between different elite groups to safeguard their shared interests.
125
How does elitist theory challenge the concept of pluralism?
It argues that not all interest groups are equally influential.
126
What is the Iron Law of Oligarchy?
Organizations with democratic ideals tend to develop a small, self-serving leadership group.
127
What are the criticisms of the Iron Law of Oligarchy?
It lacks empirical evidence and neglects the role of pluralism.
128
What is pluralism in the context of democracy?
A set of political theories focusing on the distribution of power among various interest groups.
129
Who is Robert Dahl and what is his contribution to pluralist theory?
He emphasized that power is widely distributed among various interest groups.
130
What is David Truman's contribution to pluralist theory?
He examined the role of interest groups in influencing public policy.
131
What is Group Pluralism?
The idea that diverse interest groups compete for influence in a democratic society.
132
What does Equality of Access mean in the context of pluralism?
The importance of equal access to government institutions for all interest groups.
133
What is the significance of Democratic Competition in pluralist democracies?
It leads to negotiation and compromise required for policy decisions.
134
Who is Arthur Bentley and what was his contribution to the understanding of pluralism?
He explored the impact of social pressures and interest groups on government decision-making.
135
What does Robert Dahl mean by 'the political process is a competition among groups'?
The political process involves numerous interest groups competing for influence.
136
How do interest groups contribute to policy development in pluralist democracies?
By engaging in dynamic debates and representing various perspectives.
137
What is the concept of Equal Access to Decision-Making in pluralist theory?
Interest groups have relatively equal access to decision-makers.
138
How does pluralism address Conflict and Compromise in society?
It provides mechanisms for resolving conflicts through negotiation and compromise.
139
What do pluralist theorists mean by Policy Outcomes Reflect Group Preferences?
Policies reflect the preferences and compromises among various interest groups.
140
What role does Active Civil Society play in pluralism?
It assumes the existence of an engaged citizenry participating in various interest groups.
141
What is the significance of Democratic Institutions in pluralist theories?
They are essential for distributing political power and allowing citizen influence.
142
What are Elitist Critiques of pluralism?
They argue that pluralism downplays the influence of economic elites in shaping policies.
143
What is the concern regarding Limited Political Equality in pluralism?
Certain groups may still face barriers to access and influence.
144
What is the definition of Polyarchy according to Robert A. Dahl?
True democracy involves participation in decision-making and the opportunity for opposition groups.
145
What criticism does E.E. Schattschneider make about pluralism?
It tends to favor well-organized, upper-class interests.
146
How does globalization challenge traditional pluralist theories?
It raises questions about the distribution of power and influence on a global scale.
147
What is the concern regarding group bias in pluralism?
It may lead to policy decisions that benefit well-organized, well-funded interest groups.
148
What does Martin Gilens suggest about the preferences of the majority in American politics?
They have essentially no impact on which policies the government adopts.
149
What is the Minimalist Definition of Democracy according to Dahl?
It is unnecessary for all citizens to actively participate in every decision.
150
What does Martin Gilens suggest about the preferences of the majority in American politics?
The preferences of the vast majority of Americans have essentially no impact on which policies the government adopts.
151
What is the Minimalist Definition of Democracy according to Dahl?
Dahl's concept of polyarchy offers a minimalist definition of democracy, arguing that it is unnecessary for all citizens to actively participate in every decision.
152
What are the seven key dimensions of polyarchy identified by Dahl?
1) Elected Officials
2) Free and Fair Elections
3) Inclusive Suffrage
4) Right to Seek Alternative Sources of Information
5) Freedom of Expression
6) Associational Autonomy
7) Institutional Competence
153
How does Dahl distinguish between polyarchy and democracy?
Dahl distinguishes polyarchy as the minimal conditions necessary for a political system to be considered democratic.
154
What is the significance of Dahl's Polyarchy in assessing political systems?
Dahl's Polyarchy provides a framework for evaluating the extent to which different political systems meet the minimal conditions for democracy.
155
What is Dahl's Polyarchy?
Dahl's Polyarchy represents a pragmatic and minimalist approach to understanding and assessing democracy.
156
What is the main criticism of Dahl's minimalist approach to democracy?
Critics argue that Dahl's minimalist approach can lead to a shallow and procedural understanding of democracy.
157
How does Neo-Pluralist theory differ from Pluralist theory?
Neo-Pluralist theory extends pluralism by acknowledging power imbalances.
158
What role does government play in Neo-Pluralist theory?
Government and non-government actors mediate power, recognizing the need for some state regulation.
159
What is Macpherson's concept of democracy?
Macpherson's concept of democracy, often referred to as the 'Radical Theory of Democracy,' challenges traditional notions of democracy.
160
What is negative freedom according to Macpherson?
Negative freedom is defined as freedom from interference or coercion.
161
What is positive freedom as described by Macpherson?
Positive freedom refers to the capacity to act and achieve one's goals.
162
How does Macpherson view the relationship between political rights and participatory democracy?
Macpherson advocates for a participatory form of democracy where citizens have meaningful opportunities to participate in decision-making processes.
163
What does Macpherson mean by economic democracy?
Economic democracy extends the concept of democracy to include economic decision-making.
164
What is the significance of equality of access in Macpherson's theory of democracy?
Equality of access emphasizes that true democracy requires substantive equality.
165
What is Macpherson's stance on anti-oligarchy in liberal democracies?
Macpherson criticizes liberal democracies for creating oligarchic systems.
166
How does Macpherson define social justice within the context of democracy?
Macpherson's concept of democracy includes a strong emphasis on social justice.
167
What role does direct action play in Macpherson's vision of democracy?
Direct action is supported by Macpherson as a means for citizens to influence politics outside of formal institutional channels.
168
What is the significance of democracy in governance?
Democracy is celebrated for its principles of accountability and representation.
169
How did Winston Churchill describe democracy?
Winston Churchill famously said, 'Democracy is the least bad of all systems.'
170
What did Abraham Lincoln mean by democracy being a government 'of the people, by the people, for the people'?
The phrase emphasizes that democracy is fundamentally about representing the diverse voices and interests of its citizens.
171
What challenges does democracy face in the digital age?
Democracy faces new challenges related to the influence of digital technology and social media.
172
How does democracy continue to evolve?
Democracy continues to evolve and adapt in response to new challenges and changing societal needs.
