Questions and Answers
What is the primary difference between direct democracy and representative democracy?
Which of the following is a key characteristic of democracy?
What is a potential drawback of democracy?
Which type of democracy is characterized by citizens electing representatives to make decisions on their behalf?
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What is a benefit of democracy?
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Which of the following is an example of a direct democracy?
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What is a mechanism to prevent abuse of power in a democratic system?
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What is a challenge of democracy related to the rights of minority groups?
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Study Notes
Democracy
Definition
- A system of government where power is held by the people, either directly or through elected representatives
- Citizens have the right to participate in the decision-making process
Types of Democracy
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Direct Democracy: Citizens make decisions directly through votes on laws and policies
- Examples: Ancient Athens, some Swiss cantons
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Representative Democracy (also known as Indirect Democracy): Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf
- Examples: United States, United Kingdom, most modern democracies
Key Characteristics
- Free and Fair Elections: Regular, competitive elections with universal suffrage
- Protection of Individual Rights: Guaranteed rights and freedoms, such as freedom of speech and assembly
- Separation of Powers: Division of power among legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent abuse
- Rule of Law: Government and citizens are subject to the law, with equal application and enforcement
- Accountability: Leaders are accountable to the people, with mechanisms for removal or recall
Advantages
- Participatory: Citizens have a say in the decision-making process
- Representative: Elected representatives reflect the diversity of the population
- Stable: Democracies tend to be more stable and less prone to violent conflicts
- Protects Minority Rights: Ensures protection of individual and group rights, even for minority groups
Challenges
- Majority Tyranny: The majority may oppress or neglect the rights of minority groups
- Inefficient: Decision-making process can be slow and cumbersome
- Vulnerable to Manipulation: Powerful interests or individuals may influence public opinion or the political process
Democracy
Definition
- Democracy is a system of government where power is held by the people, either directly or through elected representatives
- Citizens have the right to participate in the decision-making process, exercising their sovereignty
Types of Democracy
- Direct Democracy: Citizens make decisions directly through votes on laws and policies, like in Ancient Athens and some Swiss cantons
- Representative Democracy (also known as Indirect Democracy): Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, like in the United States, United Kingdom, and most modern democracies
Characteristics
Political Institutions
- Free and Fair Elections: Regular, competitive elections with universal suffrage, ensuring equal voting rights for all citizens
- Separation of Powers: Division of power among legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent abuse of power and ensure checks and balances
Protection of Rights
- Protection of Individual Rights: Guaranteed rights and freedoms, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and religion
- Rule of Law: Government and citizens are subject to the law, with equal application and enforcement, ensuring justice and fairness
Accountability
- Accountability: Leaders are accountable to the people, with mechanisms for removal or recall, such as impeachment or elections
Advantages
Participatory Governance
- Participatory: Citizens have a say in the decision-making process, enhancing civic engagement and political legitimacy
- Representative: Elected representatives reflect the diversity of the population, ensuring diverse perspectives and representation
Stability and Protection
- Stable: Democracies tend to be more stable and less prone to violent conflicts, ensuring peace and security
- Protects Minority Rights: Ensures protection of individual and group rights, even for minority groups, promoting inclusivity and diversity
Challenges
Potential Flaws
- Majority Tyranny: The majority may oppress or neglect the rights of minority groups, threatening their well-being and liberties
- Inefficient: Decision-making process can be slow and cumbersome, hindering effective governance and policy implementation
Vulnerabilities
- Vulnerable to Manipulation: Powerful interests or individuals may influence public opinion or the political process, undermining democratic principles and institutions
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Description
Understand the concept of democracy, its definition, and the different types, including direct and representative democracy. Learn about the role of citizens in the decision-making process.
