Democracy, Tyranny, and Political Theory Overview

Democracy

A system where power is held by the people, typically through elected representatives.

Popular sovereignty

Government derives legitimacy from the people.

Free & fair elections

Citizens choose leaders in open elections.

Rule of law

Government actions are bound by laws.

Political equality

Every citizen has equal political rights.

Civil liberties

Freedom of speech, press, and assembly are protected.

Universal suffrage

All adults can vote.

Free and competitive elections

Real choices, multiple candidates.

Strong institutions

Independent judiciary, accountable government.

State of Nature (John Locke)

People are naturally free and equal with natural rights: life, liberty, and property.

Social Contract (John Locke)

People form governments to protect their natural rights; government power comes from the consent of the governed.

U.S. Declaration of Independence (1776)

Reflects Locke's ideas: 'Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.'

State of Nature (Jean-Jacques Rousseau)

People were originally free and lived in harmony; inequality and oppression emerged with civilization.

Social Contract (Jean-Jacques Rousseau)

People should surrender some individual freedoms for the 'general will' (collective good).

Ideal Government (Locke)

Representative democracy.

Ideal Government (Rousseau)

Direct democracy.

What Makes a Democracy Last?

A Strong Constitution that clearly defines government power and ensures checks and balances.

Checks and Balances

Ensures checks and balances (no one group has too much power).

Peaceful Transitions of Power

Outlines peaceful transitions of power.

Rule of Law

Laws apply to everyone, even leaders.

Fair Enforcement of Laws

Courts ensure fair enforcement of laws.

Semi-presidential System

Type of system in France (Fifth Republic).

Presidential System

Type of system in the United States.

Strong Executive Power

Head of State in France is the President with strong executive power.

Separation of Powers

Head of State in the United States is the President with separation of powers.

Centralized Government

Legislature in France is centralized (unitary state).

Divided Government

Legislature in the United States is divided (federalism).

Constitutional Council

Judicial power in France.

Supreme Court

Judicial power in the United States (active in reviewing laws).

Democratic Decline

How Democracies Decline: Obeying in advance - People comply with government oppression too easily.

Weak Institutions

Courts, elections, and the press must be defended.

Propaganda & Disinformation

Authoritarians use fake news to control people.

One-party Rule

Democracies weaken when opposition is eliminated.

Rise of Populist Leaders

Demagogues exploit crises to grab power.

Nazi Germany (1933)

Hitler used emergency laws to seize power, resulting in a totalitarian regime and WWII.

Soviet Union (1920s-50s)

Stalin eliminated opposition and controlled media, leading to a communist dictatorship.

Russia (2000s-present)

Restriction of press and suppression of opposition, resulting in increasing authoritarianism.

Defending Democracy

Stay informed & challenge disinformation.

Citizen Responsibilities

Vote - Participate in elections to shape policies.

Stay Informed

Follow reliable news sources, avoid misinformation.

Challenge Corruption & Injustice

Engage in protests, advocacy, and civic action.

Support Democratic Institutions

Defend courts, press, and fair elections.

Popular Sovereignty

The idea that the government's power comes from the people.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Citizens should be actively involved in government.

French Revolution (1789)

'Liberty, Equality, Fraternity' → Shifted power from monarchy to citizens.

American Revolution (1776)

Declared independence from British rule, established a government by the people.