Theories of Democracy AP Government and Politics: Chapter 1 Adapted from: Michael P. Fix

Theories of Democracy (?) “It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except for all the others that have been tried.” “The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.” - - Churchill

What is Democracy? Photo from freerepublic.com

What is Democracy?

Photo from whitehouse.gov

What is Democracy? All pictures from

What is Democracy? Picture from

What is Democracy? Photo from supremecourtus.gov

What is Democracy? Certain basic principles are necessary in any definition of democracy. –Free and fair elections between competing political parties How do we define “free”, “fair” and/or a legitimate competition? –Majority rule while preserving minority rights –Freedom of expression – within limits Can you “flip off” a cop? –Freedom of assembly and the right to protest

3 Types of Democracy -Direct Democracy -Aka Participatory Democracy -Representative Democracy -Aka Republics -Elite Democracy -Aka Revisionist Democracy

Direct Democracy δημοκρατ ί α – demokratia –Rule by the people Built on the Athenian model. Still present in US town hall meetings. “A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty- nine.” - Jefferson Is this practical in modern America? –Problems, solutions

Representative Democracy “Delegate” representation –Citizens elect political leaders who will represent their preferences. –Majoritarian politics: when leaders know what the people want, and act accordingly Assumptions: –Voters are aware. –Voters are rational. –Voters are tolerant. –Voters are informed.

Representative Democracy Problems: Tyranny of the Majority –Examples in US history? Complexity of Issues –“You just don’t understand...” Utility of voting –Does it matter?

Elitist Democracy aka, The Masses are A#%es What does this mean? “Trustee” Representation Voters should select those most able to run the government and trust that they will make the best decisions, relatively independently. –Only elites should have any real power over government policy. –Who are these “elites”? –Most individuals are too ignorant, unaware, or apathetic to have an informed role. “Democracy consists of choosing your dictators, after they've told you what you think it is you want to hear.”- Alan Coren

Delegate vs. Trustee At what times, or for which issues, should our elected officials act as delegates? When should they only act as trustees? Can we agree on these points?

Who (Really) Has the Power? –Marxists perceive that government is dominated by capitalists. Examples from US history to refute? –The Power elite perspective holds that government is dominated by a few top leaders, but not just economic leaders, Most are outside of government; Eisenhower’s MIC would fit here –The bureaucratic view holds that the government is dominated by appointed officials. Why/how would bureaucrats “rule from the desk?

Eisenhower Farewell Speech (1961)

Pluralism A more optimistic view Pluralist view is the belief that competition among all affected interests shapes public policy. –How are political resources distributed? No single group dominates the political process. –Competing interests often check each other, result is compromise –Win-Win, or Lose-Lose?

Public Opinion Is the United States a representative or elitist democracy? Public opinion shows that a majority of Americans believe that government serves the interests of a few elites.