Introduction to American Government Susan B. Hansen Cell: Lecture 2: Democracy

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Definitions democrat – favors popular government republican – representative government Republican - political party member Democrat – political party member Classical liberalism – values individual rights, economic freedom, limited government Modern liberalism – favors active government role in society and economy Federation: central government is more powerful Confederation: states have more power

Key Values of Democracy (Hudson) Popular rule –“One person, one vote” Liberty –Human rights Equality –At least equal in political power Many different institutions can be compatible with these values

Other Key Values of Democracy Choice + Voice Choice –fair and frequent elections –alternative parties or candidates with equal access to media, campaign funds –can move freely to other countries/states/cities –Peaceful transitions to opposing parties (Korea 1993) Voice –access to ballot –can freely organize, protest, criticize, publish

Models of Democracy ProtectiveDevelopmentalPluralistParticipatory Goal or purpose Protect liberty (market relations and private property) Nurture citizenship Protect and promote diversity Foster participation Role of Citizens PassiveActivePassiveActive Institutional mechanisms Separation of powers and representation Representation Interest groups and elections Neighborhood assemblies and workers' councils Equality Political Political and Social PoliticalEcon/Pol/Soc Human nature Selfish and acquisitive Capable of civic virtue Selfish and acquisitive Capable of civic virtue

Preconditions for Democracy? Political order Level of development-wealth Capitalism Education-literacy Shared culture/values/language Nongovernmental organizations, unions, political parties -Can the US export democracy to Iraq???

Democracies Aren’t Perfect! Can make bad decisions Viet Nam – Iraq – racism - drug policy May ignore majorities, suppress minorities Internment of Japanese-Americans Economic policy failures – 1933 German Weimar Republic, Latin American inflation Institutional paralysis – unable to decide

Cybernetic Democracy Open to change in people, institutions Frequent elections Transparency of rules and policies Limited terms of office Competition for support = responsiveness Dictators are rigid, hard and costly to dislodge: Hitler, Stalin, Saddam Hussein, Mao