Problem of democracy

Problem of Democracy

Today's Objectives

  • I. What is Democracy?

  • II. Types of Democracy

  • III. Critiques of Democracy

What is Democracy?

  • Definition:

    • Democracy means "rule by the many."

    • Contrast with other forms of governance:

    • No monarchy (rule by the one).

    • No oligarchy (rule by the few).

    • Emphasizes greater involvement of people in decision-making processes.

  • Importance:

    • Dominant form of government in Modern Political Thought.

  • Basis of Democracy:

    • Founded on the concept of popular sovereignty:

    • Power and authority come from the people.

    • Citizens consent to be governed and create the state.

    • People specify their rights and liberties.

    • Government institutions are created with limited powers.

Early Views of Democracy

  • Historical Roots:

    • Originated in Ancient Greece.

  • Negative Perceptions:

    • Initial skepticism towards democracy, associated with mob rule.

    • Concerns that the uneducated masses were too poor, uncivilized, and impulsive to effectively exercise political power.

    • Argument that only the best, brightest, most educated, and morally upstanding individuals should rule.

  • Political Alternatives:

    • Monarchy and oligarchy viewed as favorable alternatives.

    • Some city-states in Greece opposed this negative perception and advocated for broader democratic participation.

Participatory Democracy & Athens

  • Characteristics:

    • Every citizen could participate in public debates and hold office.

    • Public forums and assemblies facilitated open discussions.

    • Office-holders were often selected by lot to prevent animosity and rivalries and minimize corruption.

Direct Democracy

  • Definition:

    • A political system lacking professional politicians and potentially representatives.

  • Mechanisms:

    • The will of the people is gauged through participation in public debates.

    • Citizens directly vote on laws and public decisions.

  • Requirements:

    • Demands active engagement from citizens in political processes and decision-making.

  • Theoretical Associations:

    • Connected with Rousseau and the concept of ‘general will.’

  • Critiques:

    • Impracticality due to a large number of participants.

    • Difficulties including geographical limitations of states making it hard to include everyone.

    • The time commitment required for civic engagement may deter participation.

    • While true direct democracy is challenging, elements such as initiatives, referenda, recall elections, and town meetings can be integrated.

Indirect Democracy

  • Definition:

    • Indirect democracy embraces representative systems.

  • Characteristics:

    • The public has a removed role from governmental processes.

    • Citizens are represented by elected politicians in governmental decision-making.

    • Citizens possess the right to vote for their representatives.

  • Advantages:

    • Helps address challenges posed by pure direct democracy.

    • Alleviates the number of participants required for decision-making.

    • Provides voters with the power to select who retains authority.

    • Aims to streamline decision-making processes.

    • Allows citizens the opportunity to engage in other interests.

  • Critiques:

    • Citizens relinquish some of their popular sovereignty.

    • Risk of creating a political ruling class.

    • Can discourage or disincentivize political engagement.

    • Possibilities for corruption arise within systems of representation.

Liberal Democracy

  • Definition:

    • Predominant in nearly all advanced Western nations with capitalist economies.

  • Characteristics:

    • Integration of constitutionalism and democracy.

    • Constitutions and clear laws are central to limit state powers.

    • Indirect democracy, emphasizing free and fair elections as sources of political legitimacy for officeholders.

    • Citizens retain sovereignty by holding politicians accountable.

  • Economic Associations:

    • Often aligned with free market capitalism.

Social Democracy

  • Definition:

    • A political and economic theory advocating for social justice, equality, and the welfare of all citizens.

  • Principles:

    • Advocates for a balance between market and state, and between individual and community interests.

    • Seeks to combine the economic benefits of capitalism while mitigating social inequalities.

  • Concerns:

    • Recognizes that economic inequality results in political and social inequality.

    • Supports government regulation and intervention to rectify inequalities.

  • Historical Context:

    • Developed in response to the socio-economic shifts during the Industrial Revolution.

  • Current Applications:

    • While not a dominant ideology in the USA, it is becoming increasingly popular.

    • Common in European nations (e.g., Sweden, Denmark, Finland) that offer more social welfare programs and impose higher tax rates.

  • Criticisms:

    • Allegations that it undermines freedom and natural rights.

    • Assertions that it can limit economic growth and innovation.

Deliberative Democracy

  • Definition:

    • Key focus on constructive and inclusive discussion among citizens about public issues.

  • Key Characteristics:

    • Encouragement of reasoned and respectful discussions.

    • Fairness in decision-making processes is paramount.

    • Essential aspects include:

    • Deliberation.

    • Inclusion.

    • Public transparency.

    • Reflection.

    • Reasonable agreement.

  • Critiques:

    • Challenges to implementation on a large scale.

    • Needs high levels of civic engagement.

    • Risks of manipulative or dominating deliberations.

Upcoming Topics

  • Finish reading Heywood & Chin, Chapter 8.

  • Rousseau, The Social Contract, Book 1 (focus on Sections 6 & 7).

  • Rousseau, The Social Contract, Book 3 (focus on Section 4).

  • Burke, “Speech to the Electors of Bristol.”

Problem of Democracy

  • Focus on Rousseau & Burke.

Today's Objectives (Continuing)

  • I. Types of Representation.

  • II. The Public Good.

  • III. Rousseau’s “The Social Contract.”

  • IV. Burke, “Speech to Electors in Bristol.”

Critiques of Democracy

  • Key Issues:

    • Citizenship and subjectivity:

    • Concerns that not everyone is equally qualified or skilled for governance.

    • Attributes such as corrupt character, education, and wisdom factor into participation.

    • People's selfishness may lead to prioritizing personal interests over collective good.

    • Idea of desiring philosopher-kings to guide governance.

    • Stability:

    • Questions arise regarding whether democracy can produce long-term stability.

    • Risks of evolving into a ruling class or elite governance.

    • Majoritarian Challenges:

    • Risks of majority groups overpowering and oppressing minority groups.

    • Disparities in collective representation split by personal interests.

    • Concept of tyranny of the majority, where majority opinion suppresses minority rights.

The Concept of Representation

  • Author: Hanna Fenichel Pitkin.

Representation

  • Importance in Modern Era:

    • Representation is pivotal, especially in the context of indirect/liberal democracy.

    • Establishes a connection between the government and the governed.

    • Safeguards that political power (sovereignty) remains with the people.

  • Varied Definitions:

    • Diverse interpretations regarding the essence of representation.

Trustee Model of Representation

  • Definition:

    • Trustee Model, also known as "Independence Theory."

  • Characteristics:

    • Representatives exercise their expertise, wisdom, and judgment in governmental decisions.

    • Decision-making relies on representatives’ reasoning skills and discretion.

    • Voters elect individuals deemed best qualified for governing roles.

    • Voters trust representatives to make decisions on their behalf, sans obligation to align with majority opinions.

  • Critiques:

    • The premise that representatives inherently know better than the public is deemed anti-democratic.

    • The linkage between education and representation remains contentious.

    • Concentrating judgment and discretion in representatives can undermine democratic values and principles.

    • Risks of transitioning into elite rule disguised as democracy.

Delegate Model of Representation

  • Definition:

    • Delegate Model or "Mandate Theory."

  • Principles:

    • Elected officials must reflect and represent the opinions of their constituents.

    • Representatives must not employ personal judgment but mirror constituents’ desires.

    • Winners in elections hold a ‘mandate’ to fulfill campaign promises.

    • Political and moral obligation to honor commitments to voters.

  • Critiques:

    • Assumes uniformity in voter agreement which may be unrealistic.

    • Assumes a rational nature of voters based solely on issues and policy positions.

    • Voting outcomes can't solely dictate constituents' desires.

Descriptive Representation

  • Conceptual Framework:

    • Descriptive Representation or "Representation as Likeness."

  • Characteristics:

    • Representation is not about mandates or personal judgment.

    • Emphasizes the necessity for representatives to reflect the demographics and identities of their constituents.

    • Difficulties arise in speaking for groups one does not share inherent characteristics with (e.g., race, gender, age, etc.).

  • Critiques:

    • Risk of oversimplifying social identity into singular identity traits.

    • Identity-based representation may threaten democratic stability and values.

The Public Good

  • Overview:

    • In the Modern Era, democracy is generally perceived as preferable to other governance types.

  • Core Concepts:

    • Benefits the majority and claims to be more inclusive and legitimate.

    • Concept of public good, common good, or public interest indicates what is beneficial for society as a whole.

  • Challenges:

    • Determining the true ‘public good’ in diverse communities is complex.

    • Dichotomy between public and private interests complicates resolution of conflicts.

    • The public good is assumed to be indivisible and applicable across all community members, not solely the majority or plurality.

Rousseau’s “The Social Contract”

  • Key Inquiries:

    • Explore Rousseau’s definitions of 'general will' versus 'particular will' and their distinctions.

    • Investigate the impact of Rousseau’s concept of 'general will' on his views regarding democracy and representation.

Burke, “Speech to Electors in Bristol”

  • Key Questions:

    • Analyze Burke’s views on the responsibilities of representatives and the type of representation he advocates.

    • Determine which form of democracy Burke would support and the rationale behind his perspective.

  • Introduction paragraph with a clear thesis statement.

  • Set up structural arguments of the paper.

  • Identify concepts/theorists reflected in the fiction.

  • Detail at least three examples of political theories/concepts from class.

  • Concepts may include those from chapters not assigned from the Heywood & Chin book (Chapters 11-13).

  • Include and expound upon examples from the fiction within the theoretical framework.

  • Direct quotations from the fictional work are appropriate if relevant.

  • Direct quotations and paraphrases from Heywood & Chin and assigned readings must be included with proper citations in a chosen citation style.