Xlandia What is democracy?

Defining democracy People choose their representatives in government. A “Constitutional Democracy” is a government that provides rule by majority and limitations on the power of the majority. “Republic” -People hold the power “Republic” is used interchangeably with the terms democracy and representative democracy.

Democracies throughout the world

Geographic distribution of power Confederation – power of the federal government is limited. State and local government have a lot of power. Federalist – a balance of power between state and federal level. Unitary or Centralist – State and local government are subordinate to federal government.

Shared Powers Shared powers are the overlapping powers and functions among the separate branches of government.

Separation of Powers

Checks and Balances: No branch can act decisively without the support of another

Checks and Balance – each branch can check the other to prevent one branch from having too much power. Balance of power – each branch depends on the other to accomplish goals. Express powers – each branch has a specific function with limits power.

Authoritarian Political activity is controlled by a single person or a dominant elite Power is exercised by political party officials with the support of the military The military can often expel civilian rulers and institute a temporary military regime Those who rule cannot be held responsible to the will of the people, and the government is not accountable for its actions Power groups can also be an association of bureaucrats, religious leaders, or technocrats The media is subject to censorship Freedom of citizens is restricted There is no legal opposition to the elite T The public is not allowed to criticize the government Representative institutions either do not exist or are a formality Countries: Examples of authoritarian systems in history are Iraq under Hussein, Argentina under Peron, Mexico under Diaz, Spain under Franco, and Zimbabwe under Mugabe.

Totalitarian Power is based upon a dominant leader supported by a mass party Party actions are based upon an ideology No opposition parties are allowed The ruling group controls communication and the media—and controls through communication and the media Terror is used as a way of controlling people, generally through a secret police Planning (economic, social, and political) is highly centralized Religion is controlled, although historic totalitarian groups were fundamentally not religious The state attempts to control individual behavior, unlike authoritarian systems All organizations and individuals are subordinated under the ruling group The state attempts to control the whole society—including minds, bodies, actions, and thoughts—in order to mobilize the population The economy is controlled, but private enterprise is generally allowed The system does not evolve into a democracy, and tends to die with its singular leader Examples of totalitarian systems in history are Germany under the Nazis, Italy under Mussolini, the Soviet Union under Stalin, and the People’s Republic of China under Mao Zedong (and subsequent rulers up to the present).

Totalitarian Examples of totalitarian systems in history are Germany under the Nazis, Italy under Mussolini, the Soviet Union under Stalin, and the People’s Republic of China under Mao Zedong (and subsequent rulers up to the present).

Parliamentary System Voters elect the legislature (parliament) The legislature elects the executive (usually called a prime minister) The executive is usually the leader of the majority party in the legislature, if a single party dominates the legislative branch; otherwise, the executive is chosen by a coalition of parties within the legislature The executive chooses a cabinet generally of the majority party leaders The executive and cabinet are responsible for drafting laws that are then voted on by the legislature The executive maintains his or her position unless unseated through an election by the legislature

Parliamentary Systesm PROS CONS Minimal conflict b/w exec and leg. Efficiency Multiple parties Less effective minority Coalition governments are notoriously unstable Countries with Parliamentary system: United Kingdom, France, Japan, India, Germany, Russia, South Africa, and Egypt

Citizen Participation Proportional Representation Winner-take-all Compulsory vs. non compulsory voting

How can a nation build and sustain democracy?

1) A strong middle class Taxes=caring about government policy Strong base of support

2) A relatively classless education system Working class and the poor must have access to education Literacy increases political opportunity

3) An understanding of democratic principles This is why you are taking a Gov class

4) A political consensus The general population must believe that democracy is a good thing Difficult to force democracy on the unwilling

5) A growing economy Poverty does NOT foster democracy Democracy is not cheap…it is fairly expensive and inefficient Access to economic opportunity is an expectation to those living in a democracy.

6) Support from other nations International aid Trading preferences: “economic interdependence” “mentor country”

7) A free press “Watch Dog” function of the press Exchange of ideas Seeking truth

8) A professional military Military must serve the people Does NOT participate in politics Military leaders are not simultaneously government leaders Is NOT used as a repressive force against its own citizens