Democracy in America

I. Democracy A.Rule by the people B.Two types: 1. Direct: Rule by the people themselves (mob-rule) a.Greek city-states b.New England town hall meetings 2. Indirect (representative): rule by elected representatives C.Founders distrust of direct democracy 1. Impractical 2. Fleeting, easily manipulated passions of the masses 3. Ignorant II. Republic A.Representative government B.Same as indirect democracy C.Retains advantages of direct democracy and solves its problems

III. Distribution of power in our system A.Majoritarian view: 1. Leaders are heavily influenced by the will of the people 2. Majority rule B.Elite theory of politics (elitism): 1. Minorities dominate policy making a.Marx: economic elites b.Mills: power elite (corporate, military, political) c.Weber: influence of bureaucracy

C. Pluralist View: 1.Political resources so scattered that no single elite has a monopoly on them 2.So many institutions in which power is exercised, that no single elite could control all of them 3.Policy is therefore the outcome of political haggling, innumerable compromises, and ever-shifting alliances among groups

D.Hyperpluralist view 1.“pluralism gone sour” 2.So many strong groups, govt. has become gridlocked, unable to act

IV. Fundamental democratic values A.Popular sovereignty 1. The people as the source of all political power B.Respect for the individual 1. Govt. to serve the individual, not the individual to serve the govt. C.Liberty D.Justice E.Equality 1. of opportunity over outcome

V. Fundamental democratic processes 1.Free and fair elections between competing political parties 2.Majority rule with minority rights a.Fear of tyranny of the majority led to protections of property rights 3.Freedom of expression 4.Right to assemble and protest Why are these fundamental processes?Why are these fundamental processes?

VI. Fundamental democratic structures 1.Federalism 2.Separation of powers 3.Checks and balances 4.Constitutionalism