Democracy Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is the literal meaning of the term democracy?

  • Rule by the wealthy
  • Rule of the military
  • Rule of the people (correct)
  • Rule by a single leader
  • In a parliamentary democracy, what happens if the prime minister loses support from the majority?

  • They resign immediately (correct)
  • They remain in office indefinitely
  • The legislature is dissolved
  • Elections are called right away
  • Which form of democracy features a separation between the executive and legislative branches?

  • Consensus democracy
  • Presidential democracy (correct)
  • Parliamentary democracy
  • Direct democracy
  • Which is NOT considered a key element of democracy?

    <p>Monarchy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the horizontal dimension of democracy?

    <p>Electoral system disproportionality (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of democracy allows citizens to directly participate in decision making?

    <p>Direct democracy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of constitutional democracy?

    <p>Limitations on majority power (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which countries is presidential democracy commonly practiced?

    <p>United States and Japan (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the vertical dimension of democracy focus on?

    <p>Judicial independence (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main role of representatives in a representative democracy?

    <p>To vote on laws on behalf of citizens (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes a direct democracy?

    <p>People decide on policy initiatives directly. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes the principle of civil liberties?

    <p>Removing barriers to individual success and preventing oppression. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by 'balance of power' in a democracy?

    <p>Distributing power equitably among various institutions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect does wealth directly affect in a democratic society?

    <p>A richer society benefits all individuals more effectively. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes 'limits on terms of office'?

    <p>Restraining the power of any single office to prevent excessive influence. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does a representative democracy ensure public interest is pursued?

    <p>Through voluntary, periodic selection of leaders. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What common issue does gender inequality relate to in democratic practices?

    <p>Political participation and suffrage rights. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common assumption about democracies regarding policy sensitivity?

    <p>They are the most powerful system ever known. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a meritocracy primarily focus on?

    <p>Incentivizing individuals based on their talents and efforts. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Direct Democracy

    A system where citizens directly decide on policies through voting, not through elected representatives.

    Representative Democracy

    A government system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

    Meritocracy

    A system where individuals are rewarded based on their skills and achievements, often leading to opportunities for advancement.

    Limits on Terms of Office

    The practice of limiting the amount of time a person can hold a particular position of power.

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    Undemocratic Practices

    Practices within a democratic society that undermine equality and fairness, such as gender inequality, wealth disparity, and racial discrimination.

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    Wealth

    The ability of a society to provide opportunities and resources to all its citizens, allowing for a high standard of living.

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    Civil Liberties

    The protection of individual freedoms, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly.

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    Democracy

    A political system where the people have the power to rule, characterized by participation, equality, and justice.

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    Balance of Power

    A system where different branches of government have checks and balances on each other's power, preventing any one branch from becoming too dominant.

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    Voting

    The process by which citizens choose their leaders and other representatives through voluntary and periodic voting.

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    Citizen Involvement

    The active involvement of citizens in decision-making processes, both in their daily lives and in official government matters.

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    Parliamentary Democracy

    A type of democracy where the head of government is chosen by the legislature, and the government stays in power as long as it has the majority support.

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    Presidential Democracy

    A type of democracy where the executive and legislative branches are separate and elected independently by citizens.

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    Constitutional Democracy

    A type of democracy where the authority of the majority is limited by legal and institutional means to protect individual and minority rights.

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    Horizontal Dimension of Democracy

    A dimension of democracy that focuses on the balance of power between different branches of government, such as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

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    Vertical Dimension of Democracy

    A dimension of democracy that focuses on the distribution of power between different levels of government, such as federal, state, and local governments.

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    Protection of Rights

    A principle that emphasizes the importance of protecting individual rights and freedoms, even if they conflict with the wishes of the majority.

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    Democratic Self-Renewal

    A principle that suggests democracy is a dynamic process that can adapt to changing circumstances, and that citizens can actively participate in shaping and improving their democracy.

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    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.

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    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.

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