American Democracy
Democracy is rule by the people
Democracy: Two Types A. Direct (pure): rule by the people themselves. B. Indirect (representative): rule by elected representatives. Founders' distrust of direct democracy: 1. Impracticalities. 2. Fleeting passions of the people --->concern that they would be swayed by demagogues.
Republic *Indirect democracy, wherein elected representatives are accountable to the People. “Secures the advantages of direct democracy while curing its weaknesses.”
Fundamental Democratic Values A. Popular sovereignty. B. Respect for the individual (State serves individual, not vice versa.) C. Liberty. D. Equality (of opportunity, and before the law.)
Fundamental Democratic Processes A. Free and fair elections, with competing political parties. B. Majority rule with minority rights. (Fear of “tyranny of the majority” led to protection of property rights.) C. Freedom of expression. D. Right to assemble and protest.
Challenges to Democracy: -Increased complexity of issues make it harder for citizens to make decisions. -Limited participation in government, especially voting. -Escalating campaign costs stop people from running for office. -Diverse political interests result into policy gridlock.
Theories of Power: Who Governs America? Majoritarianism Elitism Pluralism Hyperpluralism Bureaucratic Rule
Democratic Theory A. Majoritarian politics view: numerical majorities determine issues of policy. Leaders are heavily influenced by the will of the people. B. Elite and Class Theory contends that minorities dominate policy-making. Societies are divided along class lines and an upper-class elite will rule.
Elite politics view: Government policies benefit those with money and power. Influence of economic elites. 2. Influence of power elites: corporate, military, political (Eisenhower’s “military industrial complex.”)
C. Pluralist Theory emphasizes that politics is mainly a competition among groups, each one pressing for its own preferred policies. Groups must bargain and compromise to get policies.
Pluralist view: 1. Political resources are so scattered that no single elite has a monopoly on them. 2. There are so many institutions in which power is exercised that no single elite could possibly control all of them. 3. Many groups compete with each other for control over policy. Policy is therefore the outcome of political haggling, innumerable compromises, and ever- shifting alliances among groups.
Hyperpluralism is a theory of government and politics contending that groups are so strong that government is weakened. Confusing and contradictory policies result from politicians trying to placate every group.
Hyperpluralist View: 1. "Pluralism gone sour." Policies are decided through power wielded by special interest groups. 2. There are so many competing groups, and they are so strong, that government has become gridlocked and is unable to act.
D. Bureaucratic Rule View that political power resides in the hands of career government bureaucrats. Power gravitates towards experienced administrators at the top of large-scale government organizations. Raises possibility of a large, permanent government run by unelected, unaccountable administrators.