Democracy? Is Democracy Evil?

Traditional Democratic Theory Democracy should fulfill the following: Equality in Voting- My vote equals Obamas vote Effective participation- equal opportunity Enlightened Understanding- must have ideas with the freedom to express Citizen Control Agenda- government policy Inclusion- must include and extend rights to everyone Majority/Minority

2 Types of Democracy Direct/Pure Democracy “Rule by the people” “…and to the REPUBLIC for which it stands. Direct/Pure Democracy Indirect Democracy (Republic) Ancient Greek Style – All “citizens” had a vote. 1 2 3 4 4 different ways we look at our country’s republic

Direct/Pure Democracy In a democracy (Athenian-pure-direct) the Idol Judges have no say. The masses have total power to “judge or determine right.” WE WANT SANJAYA!

Republic (Indirect Democracy) WE DON’T! WE WANT SANJAYA! Republics don’t allow the people’s voice to directly affect the government. Their voice has to go through elected representatives.

Democratic Theory 1. Majoritarian Democracy The people’s voice SHOULD directly impact the government. RECALL: An election to “un-elect” a government official REFERENDUM: Legislation is put on the ballot for voters to approve or vote down INITIATIVE: Same as a referendum but the issue is placed on the ballot by the people (through a petition process) instead of by the government. Do California’s Props Make California impossible to govern?

#2 Pluralism Many (plural) groups compete to attempt to influence government policy.

Pluralism Another View

Groups with shared interest influence public policy EX. NRA, NOW-National Organization for Women, UAW-United Auto Workers Compete over control of Policy No one group dominates- all are focused on 1 issue Good or Bad?

#3 Elitism http://thedailyshow.cc.com/videos/3idf3c/little-crop-of-horrors

Elite and Class Theory Elitism 1/3 of Nations wealth held by 1 % of Country

Stop screaming and you can have two! #4 Hyperpluralism A parent’s job is to make sure the kids are healthy. What if the kids (Interest Groups) were more powerful than the parent (the Government)? Stop screaming and you can have two! If you say you love me… OK Stop crying Fine I want... I want... I want... I want... I want...

Hyper-Pluralism Pluralism Gone Wrong Strength in interest groups = weakness in government Too many suggestions Politicians refuse to compromise and try to please everyone

2 Types of Democracy Direct/Pure Democracy “Rule by the people” “…and to the REPUBLIC for which it stands. Direct/Pure Democracy Indirect Democracy (Republic) Ancient Greek Style – All “citizens” had a vote. 1 2 3 4 Majoritarian Pluralist Elitist Hyperpluralist

Challenges to Democracy Two Many Experts Limited Participation Campaign Cost Too many interest Policy Gridlock- 2 many cars on road

Why do we keep Democracy? Political Culture- Motivates people to demand freedom and a responsive government 1. Liberty- “Give me liberty of give me death” “Better dead then red” Does our government set us up to play along? Traditions Iraq?

Political Culture- Laissez-Faire Promote Free Market and Limited Government “Invisible Hands”

Egalitarianism- “We hold thee truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.” Are we all Equal?

Political Culture- Egalitarianism

Political Culture Populism- support the rights of the average person, against the privileged elites.

People should and can get ahead on their own. Individualism People should and can get ahead on their own.

Culture War Polarization- so upset with rival group, intense commitment to one side