Democratic Regimes: Oneil (9/22)

Democratic Regimes: Core Concepts

  • Definition of Democracy
    • Derived from Greek demos (common people) and kratia (power/rule), meaning political power resides with the people.
    • Exercised directly or indirectly through: participation, competition, and liberty.
    • Liberal Democracy: Political system emphasizing individual rights and freedoms, rooted in liberalism, promoting participation, competition, and liberty.

Origins of Democracy

  • Ancient Greece (Athens): Laid foundation for public participation; direct democracy (limited citizenry).
  • Ancient Rome (Republic): Introduced republicanism, emphasizing separation of powers and representation through elected officials.
  • Magna Carta (1215, England): Curtailed monarchical power, established foundations for a legislature, and asserted due process for freemen, establishing the concept of rule of law.
  • English Development: Balance of power between state and feudal elite, facilitated by island geography and ocean trade, led to separation of power and individual freedom, fostering liberalism.

Factors Influencing Democratization

  • Modernization: Correlated with better education, weakening traditional institutions, greater gender equality, and rise of a middle class; societies desire greater control over the state.
  • Elites: Strategic decisions of those in power; concentrated wealth among elites can prevent change. Economic development and resource type influence willingness to surrender power.
  • Civil Society: Organized life outside the state (e.g., groups, churches) providing vehicles for articulating interests, political action, and mobilization for democratic change.
  • International Relations: Foreign investment, globalization, trade, and international pressure/incentives can promote democratization. Transmission of ideas through education and NGOs also plays a role.
  • Culture: Political culture (norms, values) can shape political activity and the character of democracy. While not deterministic, it influences perceptions of freedom and equality.

Institutions of the Democratic State

  • Executives: The branch carrying out laws and policies.
    • Head of State: Symbolizes and represents the people, embodies regime goals, (sometimes) foreign policy and war.
    • Head of Government: Manages everyday state tasks, formulates/executes domestic policy with a cabinet.
  • Direct Democracy: Public participates directly in governance and policymaking.
  • Indirect Democracy: Public participates indirectly through elected representatives.