Democracy & Justice Final Exam

Madison’s Big Worry

Controlling factions in the new U.S.

Madison’s Faction Definition

A group united by a common interest that opposes the rights of others or the community

1st Duty of Government

To protect citizens’ different and unequal ways of getting property

What Causes Factions?

Different opinions, passions, and unequal distribution of property; property is the most common and durable cause

Control Factions: Cause or Effect?

Control the effects of faction

Cure for Fractions: Democracy or Republic?

Republic, because it can better guard against the dangers of faction than a direct democracy

What to Partition and Control?

Partition and control power and faction

How to Control Power & Faction?

Separation of powers and checks and balances

Guard Against What?

Guard against tyranny from rulers and oppression from factions in society

How to Guard Against Tyranny/Oppression?

Separation of powers and checks and balances

Powell’s Problem in America

The American economic system is under attack

Source & Tone of Attack

Sources: college campuses, media, and politicians. Tone: often “shrill” and “bitter”

Fault of Business/ Powell’s Suggestion

Fault: Being passive. Suggestion: Business executives should become more active and fight back

Role of the Campus

A key source of the attack on the American system

Powell’s Advice on Campuses

Counterattack through speakers, writers, monitoring curriculum, etc

Powell on Public/Media

Balance media influence, ensure fair treatment

Where Else to Spread Propaganda?

Courts, political arena, stockholders

“Neglected” Areas

Political arena, courts, stockholders

“More Aggressive Attitude”

Businesses must be more proactive in shaping public opinion and policy

Business, Capitalism, & Freedom

They are interconnected; the free enterprise system is essential to individual liberty

“Discovery” About Modern Politics

Modern politics is about leaders and followers, not citizens

“Elitist” Goal of Politics

Stability and efficient rule by the elite

Democracy’s Tension

Best system, but seems contradictory in practice (leaders vs. equality)

First to Think of Democracy

The Greeks (Athenians). Modern objections: impractical, leads to chaos

Athens: “Face-to-Face” Society

Direct interaction promoted democracy

Athenian Democracy: Direct or Rep.?

Direct. Citizens participated in assemblies; functioned effectively

Athens vs. Elitist View

Authentic democracy (Athens) opposed to elitist control

Reasons for Athenian Success

Small size, direct participation, civic education, etc

Governance & Education (Classical Theory)

Education is vital for informed citizens and good governance

Our Democracy Today & Finley’s Wish

Different (representative, large-scale). Finley wants more citizen involvement and education.

Locke’s View of Rulers’ Authority

Rejects the idea that rulers have a divine right to rule from Adam

State of Nature & Law of Nature

State of Nature: Freedom, but no government. Law of Nature: Reason, governs behavior

Who Enforces Law of Nature?

Everyone in the State of Nature

State of War

State of force/enmity; state of nature can become the state of war when the law of nature is violated. Having a common judge alleviates the state of war

Locke’s Understanding of Slavery

Continued state of war between a lawful conqueror and a captive

How Does Common Property Become Individual?

By mixing labor with it

Are There Limits to Property Acquisition?

Yes, enough for others, use it (don’t waste), and only take what you can use/need

Land and Labor

Labor gives land its value

Function of Money

Allows for accumulation of property beyond what one can use, gets around spoilage

Roles of Family Members

Fathers and mothers have authority over children until they reach maturity

Why Locke Writes About Parenting

To explain that political power is different than parental power

Purpose of Political Societies

To protect property; people give up some freedom to gain security

Power Inconsistent with Civil Society

Absolute, arbitrary

What’s Missing in State of Nature?

Established law, impartial judge, and power to enforce rulings

Why Leave the State of Nature? (Vicious?)

Even if only a few are bad, it’s enough to make people want to leave

Locke’s Definition of Tyranny

How Government Can Be Dissolved

By conquest, or when the legislative is altered

Locke’s Influence on Founders

His ideas about natural rights, limited government, and the right to revolution were very influential

Rawls’ Veil of Ignorance

Ignore your own social standing, talents, etc., to create a fair society

What Do They Understand?

General facts about society, human psychology, etc.

Objections to Veil of Ignorance

1) Unrealistic

2) People might be too risk-averse

Goal of Veil of Ignorance

To determine principles of justice that are fair to everyone

Role of Reason in Rawls

To rationally choose the principles of justice behind the veil

2 Kinds of Democracy

Direct and Representative

Principles of Democracy and Justice

Equality, Liberty, Justice, Rule of Law, Majority rule/minority rights

4 Options of Human Nature

Naturally good, naturally selfish, blank slate, and capacity for both

Madison vs. Aristotle

Aristotle: small, virtuous city-states

Madison: large republic, control factions