1. Theories of Democratic Government
Wilson, Ch 1

2. I. Power and Authority A. Definitions:
1. Power- The ability to get another to act in accord with one’s intentions
2. Authority- The legal right to use power
3. Legitimacy- Acceptance, by those it acts on, of a Constitution, law or a government as a source of Authority

3. B. What makes The United States Government “Legitimate?”
1. Constitution
2. Democracy

4. II. The Meaning of Democracy
A. Aristotelian View: “The rule of the many.”
A government is democratic if all, or at least most, citizens participated by holding office.
Was possible in small city—states.
Still seen in New England Towns

5. B. Representative Democracy (Republic)
1. Leaders gain power in competitive contests for the votes of the people.
2. Elected representatives then formulate policy
3. Problems
Prospers only when the opportunity for leadership competition is present
Which offices should be elected and which appointed?
Does too many choices in candidates hopelessly confuse the issues?

6. C. Democratic Centralism
1. Jean Jacques Rousseau
2. A government is democratic when it advances “the will of the people” or “the common good” regardless of how its leaders are chosen.
3. Problems:
-Who decides what is the “will” or the “common good?”

7. Distribution of Political Power in Democratic Governments
A. Marxist Theory:
1. Government a reflection of underlying economic forces. Whoever controlled the economy controlled the government.
For Marxists, the government represents the rich.

8. B. Non Governmental Elite Theory
C. Wright Mills
Closely related to Marxism
An elite outside the government makes the major decisions.
Elite composed of (1)corporate leaders; (2) top military leaders; (3) key political leaders
All leaders enjoy great advantages in wealth, status and power. Their actions are coordinated and advance their own interests

9. C. Bureaucratic Theory 1. Max Weber. Criticism of Marxism
2. Dominant social and political realities are vital as well as economics
3. All institutions have fallen under the control of large bureaucracies, whose expertise and specialized competence are essential to the management of contemporary affairs.
4. Given more credence today as policy decisions become more complex.

10. D. Pluralist Theory
1. Political resources like money, prestige, organizational position and access to the mass media are widely distributed in society.
2. Therefore, no single elite has a monopoly on them
3. Multiple levels of government makes it difficult for an elite to control everything
4. While resource distribution isn’t “equal,” it’s divided enough that all relevant interests have an opportunity to participate.

11. Lecture Follow Up Questions
1. Identify the three theories of Democratic Government and describe how they differ from each other.
2. What are the drawbacks inherent in each theory of democratic government?
3. Describe the four theories of how power is distributed in democratic governments.
4. Which theory do you think best describes the US and why?