2. What is Democracy? Democracy in Theory vs Democracy in Practice Types of Democracy Democratization Why do States Democratize

3. Thoughts? “rule by the people” or rule by citizens Typified by rights and liberties Freedom of speech, the right to association, the right to vote etc. Specific definition is contested, though at its core: Political rights Civil rights

5. Consider the following: Turnout in the US Winner: (approx) 2012: 54.9% Obama: 51% 2008: 57.1% Obama: 53% 2004: 55.7% G.W. Bush: 51% 2000: 50.3% G.W. Bush: 49% 1996: 49% Clinton: 49% 1992: 55.2% Clinton: 43% 1988: 50.3% G.H.W. Bush: 53%

6. Turnout in Canada Winner (approx) 2011: 61.1% Conservatives: 39.7% 2008: 58.8% Conservatives: 37.7% 2006: 64.7% Conservatives: 36.3% 2004: 60.9% Liberals: 36.7% 2000: 61.2% Liberals: 40.8% 1997: 67% Liberals: 38.5% 1993: 69.6% Liberals: 41.3% 1988: 75.3% Progressive Conservative: 43% 1984: 75.3% Progressive Conservative: 50%

7. Regime: A collection of rules and institutions by which the government is run A democratic regime has: Democratic institutions, civil rights, regular, free and fair elections Not all democracies, though, are made equally.

8. This perspective is primarily concerned with a few simple rules to determine whether a state is a democracy or not Political rights: Free and fair elections Near universal suffrage Regular elections Multiple Parties/No significant limits on who can run Civil Liberties Freedom of speech Freedom of the press Freedom of assebly

9. This definition is less concerned with rules, more concerned with outcomes There are ranges of democratic outcomes, where even the best can still improve Reasonable amount of participation No exclusion Groups, genders, sexualities, ethnicities are equal in the system Government can be held accountable (little corruption) Can implement agenda Public awareness Limited poverty or excessive inequality

10. Democratization is the process of a regime becoming more democratic (can be due to transition or consolidation) Democratization happens as a result of regime change Sometimes, though, regime change fails to accomplish that goal Transition: Moving from an authoritarian regime to a democracy Sometimes violent, sometimes negotiated Consolidation: institutionalization of the “rules of the game”

11. Representative Democracy Constitutional Republic Constitutional Monarchy Core of any ‘meaningful’ democracy is the constitution Constitutions define the relationship between the state and the population of that state Limits power of government Limits power of majority

12. Democratic constitutions ensure a series rights for citizens: The right to participate in politics (vote and run) Regular elections Freedom to assemble Freedom of speech Freedom of religion/beliefs (if not actions) Freedom to seek changing the law Political rights and Civil Rights Sometimes rights and freedoms infringe on others’ rights and freedoms, so limits may be deemed necessary

13. Growing tool in some democracies Referendums Plebiscites Recall Citizen’s Assemblies

14. Transition is the period one a government changes from one form (an authoritarian regime/dictatorship) to a democratic one Transitions can last from several days to decades The Mexican experience The UK Poland How does transition occur? Dictator sees the end Military Revolution

15. Consolidation is the strengthening and eventual institutionalization of democracy as the form of government Everyone plays by “the rules of the game” Usually requires multiple elections Very long process Rarely linnear

16. Modernization Theory (correlation or causation?): Primary focus economic development Rise of the middle class Rise of literacy Urbanization Wealthy states are more stable In poor states, a wealthy elite tend to rule (revolutionary mobs that may emerge usually want to punish rulers, rather than set up democratic alternative) What about a case like India?

17. Cultural Theories: Values “order, hard work and social progress” Democratization may not be a priority Group harmony rather than individual expression Over time values, culture and norms can evolve and change Shaped by government, as well as outside pressures Hegemonic culture

18. International Imperatives Learning from state-to-state Post Cold War democratization Waves of Democracy Local Institutions Rules that impact values Constitutions Electoral systems

19. Individuals (agents and actors): Leadership Being “up to” the challenge What are the qualities that allow an individual leader to succeed? Splits in ruling regimes Groups being pushed out of the ruling coalition may work with opposition for a democratic transition While a powerful network, the fringes of both sides are usually upset Larger networks of individuals like Labour Unions