Slide 1

Theories of Democracy Consider: Is democracy the best system of government? Homework: Collaborize due Thursday Assignment 3 due Thursday Slide 2 Theories of Democracy (?) It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except for all the others that have been tried. The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter. - - Churchill Slide 3 What is Democracy? Certain basic principles are necessary in any definition of democracy. Free and fair elections between competing political parties How do we define free, fair and/or a legitimate competition? Majority rule while preserving minority rights Freedom of expression within limits Can you flip off a cop? Freedom of assembly and the right to protest Are we missing anything? Slide 4 3 Types of Democracy -Direct Democracy -Aka Participatory Democracy -Representative Democracy -Aka Republics -Elite Democracy -Aka Revisionist Democracy Slide 5 Direct Democracy demokratia Rule by the people Built on the Athenian model. Still present in US town hall meetings. A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine. - Jefferson Is this practical in modern America? Problems, solutions Slide 6 Representative Democracy Delegate representation Citizens elect political leaders who will represent their preferences. Majoritarian politics: Need these 3 people express their desires clearly leaders know what the people want it can actually be done Assumptions: Voters are aware. Voters are rational. Voters are tolerant. Voters are informed. Slide 7 Representative Democracy Problems: Tyranny of the Majority Examples in US history? Complexity of Issues You just dont understand... Utility of voting Does it matter? Slide 8 Elitist Democracy aka, The Masses are A#%es What does this mean? Trustee Representation Voters should select those most able to run the government and trust that they will make the best decisions, relatively independently. Only elites should have any real power over government policy. Who are these elites? Most individuals are too ignorant, unaware, or apathetic to have an informed role. Democracy consists of choosing your dictators, after they've told you what you think it is you want to hear.- Alan Coren Slide 9 Delegate vs. Trustee At what times, or for which issues, should our elected officials act as delegates? When should they only act as trustees? Can we agree on these points? Slide 10 Who (Really) Has the Power? Marxists perceive that government is dominated by capitalists. Examples from US history to refute? The Power elite perspective holds that government is dominated by a few top leaders, but not just economic leaders, Most are outside of government; Eisenhowers MIC would fit here The bureaucratic view holds that the government is dominated by appointed officials. Why/how would bureaucrats rule from the desk? Slide 11 Eisenhower Farewell Speech (1961) Slide 12 Consider: Who do you think has power in the United States? Last Word: Assignment 3 due tomorrow "The winds in Tampa are so strong today, they blew the dog off the top of Romney's car." "NASA has actually landed a car on Mars. It's called the Curiosity. That vehicle, now on Mars, cost two and a half million dollars. But when you drive that thing off the lot, instantly it's worth less than half that. - David Letterman "Herman Cain was in Tampa. When a reporter asked him if Isaac reminded him of Katrina, he said, 'I never even met the woman.'" Jay Leno "Last week President Obama met with the White House press corps for only the second time this year. He said he would have met with them more, but he's been so busy campaigning, he didn't have time to write their questions." Jay Leno "Some of the Republicans, I think, are over-reacting to Hurricane Isaac like today Rick Santorum was seen gathering up two of every animal." Jay Leno Slide 13 Pluralism An optimistic view of the democratic process Pluralist view is the belief that competition among all affected interests shapes public policy. How are political resources distributed? No single group dominates the political process. Competing interests often check each other, result is compromise Win-Win, or Lose-Lose? Slide 14 Hyperpluralism A more pessimistic view There are so many groups, whether elite or not, that act or influence government, that action is difficult, if not impossible. Multitude of competing interests causes gridlock and inaction. The political system is out of control because the government tries to please every interest and allows them to dictate policy in their area. Since all interest groups try to protect their self-interest, the policies that result from their pressure are haphazard and ill- conceived. Slide 15 Critiquing Democracy Most can agree that our nation has problems that, at times, it struggles to solve Is our current democratic structure able to meet these challenges in the 21 st century? Examining aspects: Free, fair elections Separation of powers Majority rule Lobbying (Interest Groups/PACs) Campaign finance Congress The Supreme Court The Presidency Choose 3; list positives and negatives; suggest reforms