Democracy Notes

DEMOCRACY

ORIGINS

Reformation - Establishment of Protestantism. Promoted belief of

the common person communicating directly to God.

They questioned why they can’t have a voice in the

government if they can talk to God.

Enlightenment - Advocated human reason, science, and religious

tolerance. This led to challenging divine right

(leaders/monarchies are chosen by God).

Thomas Hobbes - Created theory that all humans are inherently

evil. He started the Social Contract Theory of

giving up certain rights.

John Locke - Created Social Contract Theory.

• The common person gives up some rights and the ruler also gives up those rights in return for protection. Everyone, including the ruler, also obeys said rights.
• This also brought the idea of being able to overturn the ruler if these rights were broken/not followed.
• The United States goes with this theory.

William Blackstone - Man’s law is based on God’s law. Trial is

by jury and everyone has basic rights.

CURRENT DAY DEMOCRACY

The Government provides/controls:

• National Defense
• Public Goods
• Police power for order
• Socializing young into political culture
• Collect taxes

Democracy provides/controls:

• Equality in voting participation
• Enlightened understanding
• Citizen control of agenda
• Inclusion

Direct Democracy - Power to the people directly

Indirect Democracy - Elected representatives; based on the

Romans’ government

Challenges to Democracy:

• Increase in technology expertise
• Diverse political interests
• Limited participation in government
• Higher campaign costs

THEORIES

Pluralist Theory - Politics is mainly a competition between

different groups. They usually end up working

together, and public interest will eventually

prevail.

Elite and Class Theory - Politics is divided along class lines.

The upper elite class rules/influences

on big policies.

Hyperpluralism Theory - There are too many groups in politics.

The government is weakened and no one

agrees on policies.