Forms of Democracy

Principles of Government Democracies From the Greek demos (people) and kratia (to rule). Thus, rule by the people Even though democracies are based on the same principles, they do not work in the same ways. There are two types of democracies: direct and representative.

Direct Democracy power is placed in the assembly of all citizens who participate Ex) Ancient Athens, colonial town meetings, Swiss Cantons, labor union votes Problems – only works in small settings

Athenian Democracy

Republic (Representative Democracy) People elect representatives to make decisions for them Decisions based on majority rule - which is the doctrine that the numerical majority of an organized group can make decisions that bind the whole group Problems include oppressing minorities, special interest influence Ex) United States

Characteristics of Democracy Civil liberties (freedom) is relative, not absolute Give up some freedom for security and rule of law (social contract) Freedom of speech does not give a person the right to scream, “Fire!” In a crowded theater ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes

Characteristics of Democracies 2) Majority rule should be balanced with minority (numerical not racial) rights “tyranny of the majority” refers to oppression of minorities through laws or court decisions Ex) Japanese Internment Camps, Slave laws, same-sex marriage

Characteristics of Democracy 3) Free Elections People to choose leader to voice opinions Characteristics of free elections “One person, one vote” Voting requirements Secret ballots

Characteristics of Democracy 4) Competing Political Parties Political party – A group of individuals with broad common interests Purpose of Political Parties Nominate candidates for office Conduct government and public policy Serve as watchdog against government waste and corruption

Characteristics of Democracy 5) Active Citizen Participation Requires citizens who are willing to be involved and knowledgeable about local, state and national issues 6) A Favorable Economy Free Enterprise – Opportunity to control one’s economic decisions Countries with stable, growing economies seem better able to support democratic governments

Characteristics of Democracy 7) Strong Civil Society A complex network of voluntary associations and groups who look for ways to protect rights and/or advocate for special interests Ex. Red Cross, Humane Society, NRA, ACLU 8) Social Consensus Shared ideas/beliefs Democratic values: individual liberty and equality for all