1.2 Types of Democracy (Brutus 1 + Fed 10)

What are the 3 types of democracy?

Participatory Democracy

What is participatory democracy?

A model of government that emphasizes the broad participation in politics and community. The people actively take part in the decision-making process of laws + policies.

What is the issue with participatory democracy?

This type of democracy is almost impossible. As the nation grows in population, the more complex laws have to be to cater to the different ideas and interests. Thus, governing becomes more difficult and less practical.

Where would participatory democracy be more common?

Local townhall meetings, where everyone from the town can participate in policy making.

What are the Initiative and Referendum processes, and why are they beneficial?

An initiative is a process that allows voters to propose legislation for an issue.
Benefit: If representatives don’t propose the desired law of the people, then they will do it themselves so they are heard.

A referendum is a direct vote that rejects a particular law.
Benefit: Gives people a direct voice in important decisions, especially those that they do not agree with.

What is Elite Democracy?

Model of government that limits participation to only a limited number of well educated people are are qualified to lead the nation through law making ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE.

Why are Elite Democracies good?

When dealing with a government that is complex as the US (large pop, diff cultures, lifestyles), it’s essential to have specialists working on policies

What is a pluralist democracy?

A model of government where multiple groups, who hold different interests, outside the government engage in political activism to impact government decisions

What are interest groups?

A group of people who care for a particular issue or cause

How does a pluralist democracy benefit interest groups?

By joining forces with other people with similar beliefs, interest groups can have a larger impact on their government’s decisions

How is Elite Democracy expressed in the constitution?

Under the constitution, only elected representatives are in charge of the law making process on behalf of the people

How is Pluralist Democracy model expressed in the Constitution?

In order to pass a law, various interest groups and their beliefs have to compromise to get the law passed

How is Participatory Democracy model expressed in the Constitution?

The constitution provides for between the federal and state governments, allowing people to make local and national decision-making. This issues involve things from news or schools to immigration or national defense.

What democracy model does Brutus 1 represent, and how?

Participatory Democracy

Anti-Federalists feared that a strong central government would provide for a tyranny. Therefore, they wanted to keep majority of the power in the hands of the states.

What democracy model does Fed 10 represent, and how?

Elitist Democracy

With so much diversity that comes with a large American population, all the FACTIONS must compete against one another to have their interest upheld in government decisions → such competition would cause one faction to have too much power → Therefore elected representatives should be the ones in charge of making government decisions.