Democratization and Reform: Institutions and Behavior in Democratization Gregory Mahler Earlham College Richmond, Indiana U.S.A. December 9-11, 2007

Pluralism and Corporatism Pluralism: Multiple, Competing Groups “Advantage Groups,” or “Interest Groups” Corporatism: “Close Interaction of Groups and Government”

Interest Groups Differ from political parties in goals Share common beliefs, attitudes values, concerns Interest groups vs. pressure groups

Political Parties Goal: capturing political power Different sources: – Factions in legislature (Gaullists in France) – Labor movements (Labour Party in Britain) – National-liberation movements (Congress Party in India) – Ideological movements

Political Parties Important to theory of pluralism Many functions in political regime Mobilize the electorate Important role in political development – Encourage participation – Stimulate sense of government legitimacy – Contribute to sense of national integration – Transmit attitudes and values between generations

Electoral Systems District-based vs. proportional Open vs. closed electoral systems Dominant-party vs. competitive Role of Electoral Law – Who can be a candidate (age, gender, race, residence) – How election campaigns are to be run (fund raising, media) – Which parties can compete – Who can vote

Why Have Elections? Choosing representatives Choice among parties Creating Governments Influencing Policy Providing legitimacy for Government Education of public Influencing political parties

Political Participation and Voting Voting is a kind of participation, but not the only kind Demonstrations Paying taxes Participating in discussions

The Role of the Political Elite What does “elite” mean? “Open” vs. “Closed” elite Theory of Democratic Elitism

The Role of the Military In many systems the military is non-political Sometimes military leaders are the political elite Political culture of military coups, especially in some nations (Latin America, Asia) Military coups are often undertaken in the name of protecting democracy

Participation and Political Violence Violence. How do we define “violent” acts? – “symbolic” violence Even “stable” systems have political violence Revolutions Coup d’etat (military, reform) Terrorism Guerrilla warfare

Concluding Comments: Institutions and Behavior in Democratization Democracy isn’t “tidy” or “quiet” Sir Winston Churchill ( ): “No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government, except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” [Speech, House of Commons, November 11, 1947]

Democratization and Reform: Institutions and Behavior in Democratization Gregory Mahler Earlham College Richmond, Indiana U.S.A. December 9-11, 2007