Industrialized Democracies Modified from Mr. Carrodo’s website at

Industrialized Democracy – the richest countries with advanced economies and liberal states. A liberal state is one where individual rights and liberties are protected.

Thinking About Democracy Rights Competitive Elections Rule of Law Civil Society and Civic Culture Capitalism and Affluence

The Origins of the Democratic State Origins of democratic thought – individualism, capitalism, Protestantism, scientific revolution, and exploration – Hobbes – Laissez-faire – Locke – Suffrage, expanded until there were nearly universal voting rights in the 20 th century

Similarities and Differences Within Democratic Countries Similarities Regular free and fair elections (this means they are held at reasonable intervals and are competitive) Dissimilarities – Electoral systems — direct or indirect, single-member district or proportional – Separation of powers or fusion of powers

Democratic Political Culture Legitimacy—the people believe that the government has the right to rule and accept the rules of the game Political Efficacy—people believe that their political participation can make a difference Civil Society—independent associations that build trust and cooperation

The Political Spectrum Communist Parties are on the left. Social democratic parties are center left. Liberals are in the Center Christian Democrats are in the center right. Secular conservatives (like the British Conservatives) are on the right. They do not oppose state intervention in the economy.

Catch-All Parties Parties have adopted more moderate positions throughout the years. Public opinion has shifted toward the center. Catch-All parties are ideologically broad and try to appeal to all voters.

Postmaterialism Postmaterialist voters are affluent and can realistically assume they will have productive and rewarding careers. They focus on “higher order” values. They are most likely to support parties like the Greens. Members of parties like the National Front feel threatened by changes and want to protect their positions through nationalism.

The Democratic State Presidential and parliamentary systems – Presidential: Power is diffused. Gridlock is common because policymaking is made difficult to prevent abuse of power – Parliamentary: secure majority party or coalition, the prime minister rarely has to compromise as much as U.S. President, which allows their government to act more quickly and decisively. Power is fused. Cabinet responsibility – principle that requires a prime minister and government to retain the support of a parliamentary majority. Votes of confidence – a vote in which the members express their support (or opposition to) the Government’s policies. If it loses, the government must resign.

The Media Telecommunications revolution: It is getting ever easier for people to find out about politics at home and abroad, but the information has less depth and credibility than in the past.

Interest Groups Trade unions are weaker than in the past. Business groups have more influence than unions. Groups represent environmental concerns, women’s rights, minority rights, and foreign policy issues.

Iron Triangles Iron Triangle – A variety of close relationships between business leaders, politicians, and high level civil servants. Those states with the most integrated elite, like France, Germany, and Japan, have been among the most successful economically.

Public Policy The interventionist state – governments in industrialized democracies that actively intervene in economic activity. – Basic health care and education – Subsidized and/or free education at all levels including universities – Unemployment compensation – Pensions and other programs for seniors

Foreign Policy Industrialized democracies are pursuing foreign policy independent of the United States. The EU represents it members in negotiating international economic agreements.

Conclusion In uneven and imperfect ways, democratic regimes achieve a series of balances better than any other type of government: – Between the governors and the governed – Between the political world and the rest of society – Between unbridled capitalism and the interests of those who do not benefit (much) from it – Between personal freedoms and the need to maintain order and forge coherent public policy