11

Principles of DemocracyPrinciples of Democracy

Chapter 3Chapter 3

22

Key elements of Democracy: Key elements of Democracy:

1.1. Citizen InvolvementCitizen Involvement

2.2. System of RepresentationSystem of Representation

3.3. Rule of LawRule of Law

4.4. Electoral SystemElectoral System

5.5. EqualityEquality

6.6. Freedom, Liberty, and RightsFreedom, Liberty, and Rights

7.7. EducationEducation

33

1) Citizen Involvement1) Citizen Involvement Direct DemocracyDirect Democracy: Citizens take part personally in : Citizens take part personally in

deliberations and vote on issues. Citizens debate deliberations and vote on issues. Citizens debate and vote on all laws.and vote on all laws.

Representative DemocracyRepresentative Democracy: Citizens choose (elect) : Citizens choose (elect) other citizens to debate and pass on laws.other citizens to debate and pass on laws.

44

ParticipationParticipation

1.1. Voting.Voting.

2.2. Political parties and/or interest groups.Political parties and/or interest groups.

3.3. Political meetings or public hearings, Political meetings or public hearings, discussing politics, calling your discussing politics, calling your representative. representative.

55

Voter Participation of Voter Participation of Top 10 Countries (1945-1998)Top 10 Countries (1945-1998)

1 Italy (14) 92.5 1 Italy (14) 92.5

2 Seychelles (2) 90.2 2 Seychelles (2) 90.2

3 Cambodia (2) 90.5 3 Cambodia (2) 90.5

4 Iceland (16) 89.5 4 Iceland (16) 89.5

5 Angola (1) 88.3 5 Angola (1) 88.3

6 Indonesia (6) 88.3 6 Indonesia (6) 88.3

7 Somalia (1) 87.1 7 Somalia (1) 87.1

8 New Zealand (18) 86.2 8 New Zealand (18) 86.2

9 Uzbekistan (2) 86.2 9 Uzbekistan (2) 86.2

10 South Africa (1) 85.510 South Africa (1) 85.5

66

USA Voter Turnout?USA Voter Turnout?

139/172 USA (26) %48.3 (Data from1945-1998).139/172 USA (26) %48.3 (Data from1945-1998). 2004: ?2004: ? %64 (Ages: 18 and older)%64 (Ages: 18 and older) %47 (Ages: 18-24)%47 (Ages: 18-24) %73 (Ages: 65-74)%73 (Ages: 65-74) Men: %62Men: %62 Women: %65Women: %65--Source: --Source: Washington Post, May 26, 2005Washington Post, May 26, 2005

77

Consequences of low voter turnout? Consequences of low voter turnout?

Who decides? Who Rules?Who decides? Who Rules? Monarchy (one) Dictatorship Aristocracy (few) Oligarchy Democracy (many) Tyranny

88

Models of DemocracyModels of Democracy

Elitist theories of democracyElitist theories of democracy PluralismPluralism CorporatismCorporatism Participatory DemocracyParticipatory Democracy

99

Elitist theories of democracyElitist theories of democracy

Proponents Say: Proponents Say: Elites (usually “experts” but not necessarily) Elites (usually “experts” but not necessarily)

should rule.should rule. Citizens choose between elite proposals.Citizens choose between elite proposals. Result is a smoothly running and efficient Result is a smoothly running and efficient

government and society.government and society. Politics is too complex for average citizens Politics is too complex for average citizens

to be able to create good policy.to be able to create good policy.

1010

Elitist theories of democracyElitist theories of democracy

Opponents Say:Opponents Say: Efficiency is not as important as citizen Efficiency is not as important as citizen

influence on policy making.influence on policy making. Average citizen is capable of understanding Average citizen is capable of understanding

the complexity of politics.the complexity of politics.

1111

PluralismPluralism

Proponents Say:Proponents Say: Competing interest groups check each Competing interest groups check each

other’s powerother’s power none become too strong. none become too strong. Protects citizens from centralized power.Protects citizens from centralized power. Recognizes, Protects, and Promotes Recognizes, Protects, and Promotes

diversity of interests within society.diversity of interests within society.

1212

PluralismPluralism

Opponents Say:Opponents Say: Overriding interest remains: stay in power!Overriding interest remains: stay in power! Does not protect freedom unless freedom is Does not protect freedom unless freedom is

in the interest of the powerful.in the interest of the powerful. It maintains the status quoIt maintains the status quo does not does not

provide opportunity to change an unjust provide opportunity to change an unjust system.system.

1313

CorporatismCorporatism

Proponents Say:Proponents Say: Interest groups are integrated into the Interest groups are integrated into the

government.government. More harmonious interactions within society.More harmonious interactions within society. Interest groups help government make Interest groups help government make

policy that reflects the common good and policy that reflects the common good and interests of the society.interests of the society.

1414

The “Iron Triangle”The “Iron Triangle”

Department of Labor

(Government)

Business Organizations

Unions

1515

CorporatismCorporatism

Increases the power of unelected peopleIncreases the power of unelected people The concept is irrevocably tainted by The concept is irrevocably tainted by

Fascism.Fascism. Reduces citizen involvementReduces citizen involvement

1616

Participatory DemocracyParticipatory Democracy

Low voter turnout should not be “rationalized.”Low voter turnout should not be “rationalized.” Advocate “Citizen Law Makers”Advocate “Citizen Law Makers” People are People are

more likely to follow laws they help make.more likely to follow laws they help make. If we must have representative democracy then If we must have representative democracy then

we must create incentives for more participation.we must create incentives for more participation.

For example:For example:

1.1. Term limitsTerm limits

2.2. Recall Elections (California)Recall Elections (California)

1717

Participatory DemocracyParticipatory Democracy

Opponents Say:Opponents Say: Impractical in large republicsImpractical in large republics Policies will less often be made by expertsPolicies will less often be made by experts

1818

2) A system of Representation2) A system of Representation

(p. 26) “A lawyer represents a client when (p. 26) “A lawyer represents a client when he or she acts in place of or for the client.”he or she acts in place of or for the client.”

Citizens delegate power to representatives Citizens delegate power to representatives to act for them.to act for them.

Based upon the 2000 census there is one Based upon the 2000 census there is one representative for every 646,952 citizens.representative for every 646,952 citizens.

1919

Should representatives simply reflect Should representatives simply reflect the interests of its constituency or the interests of its constituency or

should they be independent agents?should they be independent agents?

Edmund Burke (1729-1797): representatives Edmund Burke (1729-1797): representatives are independent agents.are independent agents.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778): “Any Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778): “Any law which the people have not ratified in law which the people have not ratified in person is null, it is not a law.”person is null, it is not a law.”

2020

KatrinaKatrina FEMA's top three leaders had no previous FEMA's top three leaders had no previous

experience with disasters. experience with disasters.

1.1. -- Director Michael D. Brown, -- Director Michael D. Brown, Previous job: Commissioner of Horse sports group.Previous job: Commissioner of Horse sports group.

2.2. Chief of Staff Patrick J. Rhode.Chief of Staff Patrick J. Rhode. Former television reporter; Commerce Department Former television reporter; Commerce Department

and the U.S. Small Business Administration.and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

3.3. Deputy Chief of Staff Brooks D. AltshulerDeputy Chief of Staff Brooks D. Altshuler Presidential Advance ManPresidential Advance ManSource: Source: Washington PostWashington Post, September 9, 2005 , September 9, 2005

2121

3) Rule of Law3) Rule of Law

Law is supreme, Law is supreme, nobody is above the law, even those who nobody is above the law, even those who

make lawmake law against divine right doctrineagainst divine right doctrine popular sovereignty—all power emanates popular sovereignty—all power emanates

from the people.from the people.

2222

4) The Electoral system4) The Electoral system

Conflict over procedure of choosing Conflict over procedure of choosing representatives (questions on 29).representatives (questions on 29).

Electoral process begins with the selection Electoral process begins with the selection of candidates—But how does one become a of candidates—But how does one become a candidate?candidate?

Importance of access to information.Importance of access to information. Result of not voting is the transference of Result of not voting is the transference of

political power to others.political power to others.

2323

Majority RuleMajority Rule

%50 + 1%50 + 1 What happened in 1992 Presidential What happened in 1992 Presidential

election?election? US system is “Winner take all” or “first past US system is “Winner take all” or “first past

the post”.the post”. Result: Minority view is not representedResult: Minority view is not represented

2424

In EuropeIn Europe

Proportional representationProportional representation Seats are allocated in the legislature on the Seats are allocated in the legislature on the

basis of percentage of votes cast for partybasis of percentage of votes cast for party A=%35 B = %30 C= %25 D = %10.A=%35 B = %30 C= %25 D = %10.

Governments are formed in coalition with Governments are formed in coalition with other parties in order to make %50 + 1.other parties in order to make %50 + 1.

2525

Regime Change: Regime Change: The Bullet or the Ballot?The Bullet or the Ballot?

Peaceful TransitionPeaceful Transition Limit power Limit power

2626

James Madison (1751-1836) James Madison (1751-1836)

fear of majorityfear of majority solution =solution =

1.1. States’ Rights States’ Rights

2.2. Separate powers (e.g. legislative, Separate powers (e.g. legislative, executive, judicial branches of executive, judicial branches of government)government)

3.3. Diversity of a large nationDiversity of a large nation

2727

Minority VoiceMinority Voice

Some rights can’t be taken away by the Some rights can’t be taken away by the majority.majority.

In the USA, government cannot take rights In the USA, government cannot take rights away without 2/3away without 2/3rdrd house and senate and ¾ house and senate and ¾ of state legislative of state legislative

2828

5) Equality5) Equality

Definition: sameness in relevant aspects Definition: sameness in relevant aspects Disagreement over definition:Disagreement over definition:

A.A. political equalitypolitical equality

B.B. equality before the lawequality before the law

C.C. equality of opportunityequality of opportunity

D.D. economic equalityeconomic equality

E.E. equality of respect or social equality; equality of respect or social equality;

2929

A) Political EqualityA) Political Equality

I.I. VotingVoting

II.II. Running for OfficeRunning for Office

III.III. Political InfluencePolitical Influence

3030

VotingVoting

AccessAccess ChoiceChoice WeightWeight

3131

Constraints on VotingConstraints on Voting

Must be a citizenMust be a citizen Must be appropriate ageMust be appropriate age Felons can’t voteFelons can’t vote Informal constraints:Informal constraints:

1.1. Race and SexRace and Sex

2.2. Age or physical disabilityAge or physical disability

3232

ChoiceChoice

Anonymous or “blind” voting ensures Anonymous or “blind” voting ensures freedom of choice in the ballot booth.freedom of choice in the ballot booth.

Even the internet is traceable.Even the internet is traceable. But: what were the choices in the 2004 But: what were the choices in the 2004

election?election?

3333

WeightWeight

A person who cannot influence what A person who cannot influence what names are printed on the ballot…is not names are printed on the ballot…is not equal to those who can.equal to those who can.

Two ways to influence:Two ways to influence:

1.1. MoneyMoney

2.2. Active participation in the political systemActive participation in the political system Size of Voting DistrictsSize of Voting Districts

3434

Running for OfficeRunning for Office

Everyone who has the vote can be elected Everyone who has the vote can be elected to public office.to public office.

But: But:

1.1. campaigning is expensive.campaigning is expensive.

2.2. ““Social Constraints”: racism, sexism, Social Constraints”: racism, sexism, classism.classism.

3535

Political InfluencePolitical Influence

All who choose to participate can do so without All who choose to participate can do so without any formal limitations based on their membership any formal limitations based on their membership in any religious, racial, ethnic, gender, or in any religious, racial, ethnic, gender, or economic category.economic category.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPToZBpzf-0

3636

B) Equality before the law (35-36)B) Equality before the law (35-36)

All people treated equally in legal systemAll people treated equally in legal system But: Does money undermine justice?But: Does money undermine justice?

3737

Tangent: Puerto RicoTangent: Puerto Rico Under the Under the CommonwealthCommonwealth formula, residents of formula, residents of

Puerto Rico Puerto Rico lack voting representation in lack voting representation in CongressCongress and and do not participate in presidential do not participate in presidential electionselections. As U.S. citizens (since 1917), Puerto . As U.S. citizens (since 1917), Puerto Ricans are subject to Ricans are subject to military servicemilitary service and most and most federal lawsfederal laws. Residents of the Commonwealth . Residents of the Commonwealth pay pay no federal income taxno federal income tax on locally generated on locally generated earnings, but Puerto Rico government income-earnings, but Puerto Rico government income-tax rates are set at a level that closely parallels tax rates are set at a level that closely parallels federal-plus-state levies on the mainland. federal-plus-state levies on the mainland.

3838

C) Equality of Opportunity (p. 36)C) Equality of Opportunity (p. 36)

Related to Related to social stratificationsocial stratification and and mobility mobility system.system.

1.1. Every individual in society will be able to Every individual in society will be able to move move up or down within the class or status systemup or down within the class or status system depending on that individual’s depending on that individual’s abilityability and and application of that ability.application of that ability.

2.2. No artificial barriersNo artificial barriers to upward mobility. to upward mobility. ButBut: what counts as : what counts as artificialartificial?? race, gender, class, religion, sexual race, gender, class, religion, sexual

orientation?orientation?

3939

D) D) Economic EqualityEconomic Equality

Strict definition: Strict definition: Same income and Living Same income and Living standards.standards.

But we really mean: But we really mean: minimum level of social minimum level of social and economic and economic security.security.

Without this security we get no or Without this security we get no or low low participationparticipation in certain classes in certain classes poor folks poor folks vote less than rich folks.vote less than rich folks.

undemocratic effects of economic inequalityundemocratic effects of economic inequality BootsBoots and and boot strapsboot straps..

4040

E) E) Social Equality Social Equality (Equality of Respect)(Equality of Respect)

We are equal in our fundamental humanityWe are equal in our fundamental humanity.. ButBut: Often respect is withheld because of : Often respect is withheld because of

certain characteristics (sex, race, sexual certain characteristics (sex, race, sexual orientation, religion).orientation, religion).

Education is seen as the antidote to social Education is seen as the antidote to social inequalityinequality: How?: How?

ButBut: even education can entrench existing : even education can entrench existing social hierarchies: How?social hierarchies: How?

4141

6) Freedom, Liberty, and Rights 6) Freedom, Liberty, and Rights (p. 38)(p. 38)

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)-People are Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)-People are equal in the rights they have.equal in the rights they have.

FreedomFreedom: ability to act without restraint; but: : ability to act without restraint; but: “harm principle:” your freedom to swing your “harm principle:” your freedom to swing your arm stops at my nose.arm stops at my nose.

LibertyLiberty: social and political freedom.: social and political freedom. RightRight: Legally guaranteed freedom.: Legally guaranteed freedom.

4242

Freedom vs. LicenseFreedom vs. License

Freedom: the ability to do what you want Freedom: the ability to do what you want within a set of rules/boundaries.within a set of rules/boundaries.

License: the ability to do what you want License: the ability to do what you want without rules or boundaries.without rules or boundaries.

4343

Natural Rights and Civil RightsNatural Rights and Civil Rights: :

Natural RightsNatural Rights: Rights a person has a : Rights a person has a human being human being

Civil RightsCivil Rights: Rights derived from : Rights derived from government.government.

4444

Night-Watchman StateNight-Watchman State

John Locke John Locke (1632-1704) argued that (1632-1704) argued that human beings have natural rights that human beings have natural rights that should never be taken away by should never be taken away by government (limited government).government (limited government).

1.1. LifeLife

2.2. LibertyLiberty

3.3. PropertyProperty This is liberalism at its coreThis is liberalism at its core..

4545

Isaiah Berlin (1907-1997) Isaiah Berlin (1907-1997)

Negative and Positive LibertyNegative and Positive Liberty Negative Liberty: limits on government Negative Liberty: limits on government

activity— “Congress shall make no law…”activity— “Congress shall make no law…” Associated with democratic capitalism.Associated with democratic capitalism.Result: space for freedomResult: space for freedomExample: speech, religion, press, and Example: speech, religion, press, and

assembly.assembly.Protects people from the government.Protects people from the government.

4646

Positive LibertyPositive Liberty(associated with Democratic Socialism)(associated with Democratic Socialism)

Generally defined: government should Generally defined: government should ensure conditions in which the full ensure conditions in which the full development of each individual is possible.development of each individual is possible.

Right to self-preservation Right to self-preservation Food, clothing, shelterFood, clothing, shelter Universal Declaration of Human RightsUniversal Declaration of Human Rights Right to education, basic needs, work.Right to education, basic needs, work.

4747

PropertyProperty

Widely debatedWidely debated

1.1. People should be allowed to accumulate People should be allowed to accumulate as much property as they can.as much property as they can.

2.2. Some limits should be imposed. Some limits should be imposed. Examples: Roads, parks, schools, Examples: Roads, parks, schools, transportation etc.transportation etc.

4848

How do we limit Government?How do we limit Government?

Frequent electionsFrequent elections Watch dogsWatch dogs Civil disobedienceCivil disobedience ProtestProtest RevolutionRevolution

4949

Types of LibertyTypes of Liberty(Civil Liberties)(Civil Liberties)

I.I. Right to VoteRight to VoteII.II. SpeechSpeechIII.III. PressPressIV.IV. AssemblyAssemblyV.V. ReligionReligionVI.VI. MovementMovementVII.VII. Freedom from arbitrary treatment by the Freedom from arbitrary treatment by the

political and legal system.political and legal system.

5050

I. Right to VoteI. Right to Vote

Without interferenceWithout interference ability to change the political systemability to change the political system ultimate check on government. ultimate check on government.

5151

II. Freedom of SpeechII. Freedom of Speech

First Amendment: First Amendment: Congress shall make no Congress shall make no law respectinglaw respecting an establishment of religion, an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or or abridging the freedom of speechabridging the freedom of speech, or of the , or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.for a redress of grievances.

5252

Why so important?Why so important?

discussing opposing view points and discussing opposing view points and expressing one’s opinion expressing one’s opinion

Important for votingImportant for voting dissemination of dissemination of informationinformation

J.S. Mill (1806-1873)J.S. Mill (1806-1873) search for truth search for truth requires debate, disagreement, challengerequires debate, disagreement, challenge 4 reasons (read p. 43): find out truth, identify 4 reasons (read p. 43): find out truth, identify error, refute error, progress of society. error, refute error, progress of society.

5353

III. Freedom of PressIII. Freedom of Press (43-44) (43-44)

Related to Free speechRelated to Free speech But: how far should it go?But: how far should it go?1.1. Pornography?Pornography?2.2. Manuals for Violent Revolution (The Manuals for Violent Revolution (The

Anarchist’s Cookbook)?Anarchist’s Cookbook)?3.3. Government Secrecy?Government Secrecy? Media Self-Censorship—The “Chilling Media Self-Censorship—The “Chilling

Effect”Effect”

5454

IV. Freedom of AssemblyIV. Freedom of Assembly

audience for your speechaudience for your speech Limits? Parades, demonstrations?Limits? Parades, demonstrations? When does a demonstration cease to be When does a demonstration cease to be

free?free? Order Vs. FreedomOrder Vs. Freedom

5555

V. Freedom of ReligionV. Freedom of Religion

Does Does oneone religion really have religion really have thethe answer? answer? Answer: separation of church and state.Answer: separation of church and state. Really?Really?1.1. Flags in churches.Flags in churches.2.2. Ten Commandments in court houses.Ten Commandments in court houses.3.3. Swearing on the bible.Swearing on the bible.4.4. Prayer before athletic gamesPrayer before athletic games Could a Jew, Muslim, Hindu, or Atheist get Could a Jew, Muslim, Hindu, or Atheist get

elected?elected?

5656

VI. Freedom of MovementVI. Freedom of Movement

Why important? Necessary condition of Why important? Necessary condition of previous rights.previous rights.

1.1. Escape persecution.Escape persecution.2.2. Employment.Employment.3.3. What’s the alternative?What’s the alternative? Limits: pass port, identity cards, Limits: pass port, identity cards,

surveillancesurveillance Problems: security?Problems: security?

5757

VII. Freedom from Arbitrary VII. Freedom from Arbitrary TreatmentTreatment

Procedural rights to guarantee that Procedural rights to guarantee that individuals will be treated fairly by system. individuals will be treated fairly by system. Also, necessary condition… Also, necessary condition…

1.1. Bill of Rights Bill of Rights

2.2. habeas corpushabeas corpus

3.3. trial by a jury of one’s peers trial by a jury of one’s peers

4.4. freedom from cruel and unusual freedom from cruel and unusual punishmentpunishment

5858

ToleranceTolerance

Acceptance of another person believing or Acceptance of another person believing or doing something that you think is wrong.doing something that you think is wrong.

Required for a DemocracyRequired for a Democracy

5959

Silence and UnenforceabilitySilence and Unenforceability

Two additional aspects of freedom:Two additional aspects of freedom:

1.1. If there is no law saying you can’t, you can.If there is no law saying you can’t, you can.

2.2. If everyone’s doing it, you can too.If everyone’s doing it, you can too.

6060

7) Education7) Education

Role of education:Role of education:

1.1. Ability to make informed political choicesAbility to make informed political choices

2.2.——illiteracy undermines democracy illiteracy undermines democracy But: How do we educate citizens?But: How do we educate citizens? Do we educate for participatory or elite Do we educate for participatory or elite

forms of democracy?forms of democracy?

6161

Today’s Issues (48-52)Today’s Issues (48-52)

a)a) DemocratizationDemocratization

b)b) Civil SocietyCivil Society

c)c) Group RightsGroup Rights

d)d) MulticulturalismMulticulturalism

e)e) DifferenceDifference

f)f) Consociational DemocracyConsociational Democracy

6262

Why Criticize?Why Criticize?

6363

……President BushPresident Bush

The Patriot Act is fully consistent with the United States Constitution, and as a result of that act, we're getting results. Our law enforcement intelligence officers have used the Patriot Act to help break up terror cells and support networks in California and New York and Ohio and Illinois and Virginia and Florida and other states.

Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/08/20050822-1.html

6464

UnconstitutionalUnconstitutional

Ideology?Ideology? Issues?Issues? Why?Why?

6565

One hundred and fifty years ago, Americans who had gathered to protest the expansion of slavery gave birth to a political Party that would save the Union – the [BLANK] Party.

In 1860, Abraham Lincoln of Illinois carried the [BLANK] banner in the Presidential election and was elected the Party’s first President. He became our nation’s greatest leader … and one of our Party’s greatest heroes.

6666

Every day, we strive to fulfill Lincoln’s vision: a country united and free, in which all people are guaranteed equal rights and the opportunity to pursue their dreams. His legacy goes beyond the borders of America. It can be seen in free governments all over the world.

6767

Lincoln’s successors have been united by a common purpose – defending freedom at home and promoting it abroad. Today, the BLANK Party gathers to renominate a man who carries on the best traditions of our Party by carrying the banner of freedom.

6868

DemocratizationDemocratization

Major Pillar of Major Pillar of The National Security The National Security Strategy of the United StatesStrategy of the United States..

The 7The 7thth pillar states: “Expand the circle of pillar states: “Expand the circle of development by opening societies and development by opening societies and building the infrastructure of democracy.”building the infrastructure of democracy.”

But: Is US democracy the only acceptable But: Is US democracy the only acceptable form?form?