Democracy An Option (for 2 nd hour and Other hours, too)

Robert Dahl’s 5 Key Elements for DEMOCRACY equality in voting effective participation enlightened understanding – free exchange of ideas citizen’s control the agenda inclusion of all Do we have these elements in the US? Play Devil’s Advocate w/ Each

Other Key Elements? Majority rule and Minority rights Representation -> Republic An Acceptance of “rule of law” Tolerance of ideas “Acceptance” of Election Results Others

Other Definitions A simple question is asked: Are decisions in the true interests of the people (regardless of vote) – Democratic Centralism The rule of many (Aristotle) -> – Participatory or Direct Democracy – Is it possible? Examples? – Attempts to add more: Referendum and Initiatives Mail in Ballot Internet-based Voting? Representative Democracy (Schumpeter) – practical due to size of community and # of issues – leads to better decisions as it takes away public’s quick emotional response

Theories of Representation in a Democracy Majoritarian with delegates – As a representative, I will act in accordance with the people I represent as if it was a popular vote is taken on each and every issue Trustee – The voters elected me to come and make the best decisions for them (which might not be what they would choose in a popular election) and my job is to make the best decisions I can

One other Theory of Representation Elite rule - a small, select group of people frames what the public will discuss, chooses the options, makes decisions, and implements policy that is best for them (and maybe for the people, too).

Theories of Elite Rule (Or Who is the Elite? Marxist Theory - those with economic power (Capitalists) will possess political power and will make decisions that help them maintain their economic and political power Mill’s the Power Elite - Corporate leaders, top military officials, a handful of key political leaders, media owners, labor leaders, special interests leaders are all part of the elite - but power on all issues rests in the hands of these elite few.

Theories of Elite Rule (Or Who is the Elite? Weber’s Bureaucrats – power rests with the bureaucrats as decisions are made by those who have expertise with regards to the day to day decisions on how policies are implemented (they might not make the laws, but they enforce them!)

Theories of Elite Rule (Or Who is the Elite? Dahl’s Pluralists - there are numerous political resources ($, people, media access, votes, expertise, positions in bureaucracy) that are scattered amongst groups and, on various issues, different groups possess the necessary resources to win. Some have no or few resouces ever. Others always have resources. But even if one group possessed all resources, they still must deal with national, state, local, legislative, executive, judicial, etc… Thus, NO one groups ALWAYS wins. Instead, power is relative to the time and situation.

Theories of Elite Rule (Or Who is the Elite? Hyperpluralism – There are too many groups with too many interests working in a system with too many official roadblocks so that, in the end, govt is unable to act. Thus, we have a fragmented system with no conclusions and never reach a true public interest as each group fights in the system to stop policy from implementation Examples – Clean Air Act (1971 – today) or Health Care reform??????

So… Who is right? Very difficult to quantify power! You or I might think… or find one example… BUT the key to studying politics is that it isn’t that easy. TOO MANY VARIABLES as you are defining and explaining human behavior where there are no easy answers. Challenges to the discussion – Technology, Participation, Costs (more on gum!)Diverse Interests, Gridlock

THE POWER PAPER ONE PAGE – Typed – NOT SINGLE SPACE (so 1.5 is great!) – normal margins and a readable font Complete the statement and support… “IN AMERICA, POWER …” Due: Monday, September 21