Democracy Overview

Democracy

• Originated from Greek words "demos" (people) and "kratos" (rule), meaning rule by the people.
• A political system where the government is formed by the people.
• Key elements include: participation, equality, and justice in decision-making.

Types of Democracy

Constitutional Democracy

• Majority rule is limited by laws and institutions.
• Rights of individuals and minorities are protected.
• Practiced in Germany, Israel, Japan, and the United States.

Representative Democracy

• Citizens elect officials to make decisions on their behalf.
• Representatives are responsible for governance.
• Citizens vote for individuals to decide on laws and policies.

Direct Democracy

• Citizens directly participate in decision-making through voting on policies.
• Decisions made by majority rule.
• People decide on policies directly.

Monitory Democracy

• Relies on the assumption that democracies are capable of self-improvement and implementing policies.

Parliamentary Democracy

• Head of government is chosen by the legislature.
• Government remains in office until losing majority support in a vote.

Presidential Democracy

• Executive and legislative branches are separate and independently elected by the people.
• President is elected by the people, and elections occur at regular intervals.

Dimensions of Democracy

Horizontal Democracy

• Electoral system, number of parties, executive-legislative relationships, interest groups, and central bank independence.

Vertical Democracy

• Federalism, decentralization, bicameralism, rigidity of constitutional provisions, strength of judicial review.

Orthogonal Democracy

• Type of government cabinet, and the strength of direct democracy.

Voting

• Periodic, voluntary selection of leaders.
• Wealthy societies are better able to benefit all citizens.

Civil Liberties

• Protecting rights and removing barriers to individual success.

Balance of Power

• Large population, checks and balances, company and intellectual influence, free markets, etc.
• Ensuring a nation is guided by its people.

Meritocracy

• Reward system (incentives and disincentives) for criminals and/or society.
• Establishing order and some structure within society.
• Limits on terms of office and powers prevent individual overreach.

Representative vs. Participatory

• Participatory democracy involves elections among predetermined choices.
• Involvement of citizens is limited.
• Representative democracy encourages opportunities for public involvement in common good issues.
• Active citizen involvement.