Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the literal meaning of the term democracy?
What is the literal meaning of the term democracy?
In a parliamentary democracy, what happens if the prime minister loses support from the majority?
In a parliamentary democracy, what happens if the prime minister loses support from the majority?
Which form of democracy features a separation between the executive and legislative branches?
Which form of democracy features a separation between the executive and legislative branches?
Which is NOT considered a key element of democracy?
Which is NOT considered a key element of democracy?
Signup and view all the answers
What characterizes the horizontal dimension of democracy?
What characterizes the horizontal dimension of democracy?
Signup and view all the answers
Which type of democracy allows citizens to directly participate in decision making?
Which type of democracy allows citizens to directly participate in decision making?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a key characteristic of constitutional democracy?
What is a key characteristic of constitutional democracy?
Signup and view all the answers
In which countries is presidential democracy commonly practiced?
In which countries is presidential democracy commonly practiced?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the vertical dimension of democracy focus on?
What does the vertical dimension of democracy focus on?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the main role of representatives in a representative democracy?
What is the main role of representatives in a representative democracy?
Signup and view all the answers
What characterizes a direct democracy?
What characterizes a direct democracy?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following describes the principle of civil liberties?
Which of the following describes the principle of civil liberties?
Signup and view all the answers
What is meant by 'balance of power' in a democracy?
What is meant by 'balance of power' in a democracy?
Signup and view all the answers
What aspect does wealth directly affect in a democratic society?
What aspect does wealth directly affect in a democratic society?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following best describes 'limits on terms of office'?
Which of the following best describes 'limits on terms of office'?
Signup and view all the answers
How does a representative democracy ensure public interest is pursued?
How does a representative democracy ensure public interest is pursued?
Signup and view all the answers
What common issue does gender inequality relate to in democratic practices?
What common issue does gender inequality relate to in democratic practices?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common assumption about democracies regarding policy sensitivity?
What is a common assumption about democracies regarding policy sensitivity?
Signup and view all the answers
What does a meritocracy primarily focus on?
What does a meritocracy primarily focus on?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
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.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Explore the fundamental concepts of democracy, including its origins and key elements such as participation and equality. Learn about different types of democracy, including constitutional, representative, direct, and monitory democracy, and how they function in various countries.
