7.4 Two Meanings of Democracy

The Meaning and Accomplishments of Voting

Definitions of Voting

  • Voting: The act of expressing a choice or opinion on a given issue or candidate in an election.

  • Voting is interpreted in two contrasting ways:

    • Liberal Interpretation (James Madison): Focus on controlling officials.

    • Populist Interpretation (Jean Jacques Rousseau): Emphasis on embodying the will of the people.

Liberal Interpretation of Voting (James Madison)

  • Primary Function: To control government officials and ensure accountability without assuming the electorate is always right.

  • Conditions of Effective Voting:

    • Popularness: Necessary for participation and equality.

    • Limited Tenure Elections: Ensure liberty by allowing for the replacement of officials.

  • Functionality:

    • Voting does not guarantee quality decisions; it merely serves as a mechanism for control.

    • Fear of future elections helps constrain officials from acting against citizens’ interests.

Concerns in the Liberal View

  • Fear of Government Overreach: Officials may implement unpopular policies by deploying state power against citizens.

  • Tyranny of the Majority:

    • Madison's hope: Shifting majorities would mitigate oppression.

    • Separation of powers as a secondary protection mechanism against majority tyranny.

  • Historical Context: Early democratic institutions in the U.S. were formed out of fear regarding majority oppression over individual liberties.

Populist Interpretation of Voting (Jean Jacques Rousseau)

  • Core Concept: Liberty is achieved through participation in governance, representing the collective will of the people.

  • General Will:

    • Represents the moral will of the incorporated citizens.

    • The objective good for society is determined by the collective interest.

  • Role of Citizens:

    • Discovering the general will involves active citizen participation.

    • Each citizen should vote for common interests, not personal preferences.

Philosophical Influences

  • Immanual Kant: Influenced by Rousseau's idea of the general will and moral collective body.

  • Populist View on Legitimacy:

    • The actions of the sovereign are justified if they stem from the people’s will.

    • Participation in rule-making is vital for maintaining liberty and the laws created must be respected.

Conclusion: The Role of Voting in Society

  • Voting encapsulates essential democratic principles.

  • Madison's Perspective emphasizes control and accountability, while Rousseau's View highlights participation and collective will.

  • Both interpretations address fundamental aspects of liberty, democracy, and governance.