1. Consider: Is Democracy the best form of government? The Last Word: Assignment 3 for tomorrow “Hillary Clinton is returning to Iowa next month for the first time since her failed presidential run in 2008. Hillary denies just being there for politics. She said, 'I love Iowa for their... OK, I'm running for president.'" –Jimmy Fallon "Yesterday was Bill Clinton's birthday. Hillary yelled surprise, and out of habit, Bill yelled, 'I can explain." –Conan O'Brien "Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush announced he is against medical marijuana in the state because it could hurt the tourism industry. Then Jamaica was like, 'You sure man?'" – Jimmy Fallon "Oh this isn't good. The Secret Service just arrested 13 people in New Jersey who were making counterfeit money. Which got worse when the counterfeiters said, 'Are you sure this isn't something a seven-dollar bill can't get me out of?'" –Jimmy Fallon "This week a town in Minnesota elected a dog named Duke as its mayor. Yeah, they elected a mayor that pees on the street, sleeps on the floor, and eats out of the garbage. Then Toronto said, 'Been there!'" –Jimmy Fallon

2. Types of Government and Theories of Democracy AP Government and Politics: Chapter 1

3. Types of Government Monarchy Aristocracy Totalitarianism Oligarchy Democracy Direct democracy, Representative democracy, elite democracy(?) 1.2

4. What is Democracy? Certain basic principles are necessary in any definition of democracy. –Free and fair elections between competing political parties How do we define “free”, “fair” and/or a legitimate competition between parties? –Majority rule while preserving minority rights –Freedom of expression – within limits Can you “flip off” a cop? –Freedom of assembly and the right to protest Are we missing anything?

5. 3 Types of Democracy -Direct Democracy -Aka Participatory Democracy -Representative Democracy -Aka Republics -Elite Democracy -Aka Revisionist Democracy

6. Direct Democracy δημοκρατ ί α – demokratia –Rule by the people –Built on the Athenian model –Still present in US town hall meetings. –“A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine.” – Jefferson –He was referring to this type of “democracy”…a narrow definition. Is this practical in modern America? –Problems, solutions

7. Representative Democracy “Delegate” representation model –Citizens elect political leaders who will represent their preferences. –Majoritarian politics: the idea that the will of the majority should be paramount in the decisions of a society –Need these 3 things people express their desires clearly leaders know what the people want it can actually be done Assumptions: –Voters are aware. –Voters are rational. –Voters are tolerant. –Voters are informed.

8. Representative Democracy Problems: Tyranny of the Majority Examples in US history? Complexity of Issues “You just don’t understand...” Utility of voting Does it matter?

9. Elitist Democracy aka, The Masses are A#%es What does this mean? “Trustee” Representation model Voters should select those most able to run the government and trust that they will make the best decisions, relatively independently. –Only elites should have any real power over government policy. –Who are these “elites”? –Most individuals are too ignorant, unaware, or apathetic to have an informed role. “Democracy consists of choosing your dictators, after they've told you what you think it is you want to hear.”- Alan Coren

10. Delegate vs. Trustee At what times, or for which issues, should our elected officials act as delegates? When should they only act as trustees? Can we agree on these points?

11. Who (Really) Governs in a Democracy? Marxist perspective –Belief that government is dominated by capitalists. Examples from US history to refute? The Elite perspective –Holds that government is dominated by a few top leaders, but not just economic leaders –Most are outside of government; Eisenhower’s MIC would fit here The bureaucratic view (Weber) –holds that the government is dominated by appointed officials. –Why/how would bureaucrats “rule from the desk?

12. Eisenhower Farewell Speech (1961)

13. Who (Really) Governs in a Democracy? Pluralist view –the belief that relatively fair competition among all affected interests shapes public policy. An optimistic view of the democratic process Political resources are generally distributed equally amongst groups –No single group dominates the political process. Competing interests often check each other, result is compromise Win-Win, or Lose-Lose?

14. Who (Really) Governs in a Democracy? Hyperpluralism –There are so many groups, whether elite or not, that act or influence government, that action is difficult, if not impossible. A more pessimistic view –Multitude of competing interests most often causes gridlock and inaction. The political system is out of control because the government tries to please every interest and allows them to dictate policy in their area. –Since all interest groups try to protect their self-interest, the policies that result from their pressure are haphazard and ill-conceived.

15. Consider: Why does Plato think democracy is not such a great idea? The Last Word: Assignment 3 for Monday

16. Critiquing Democracy Examining aspects: Free, fair elections Separation of powers Majority rule Lobbying (Interest Groups/PACs) Campaign finance Congress The Supreme Court The Presidency Most can agree that our nation has problems that, at times, it struggles to solve Is our current democratic structure able to meet these challenges in the 21 st century?