Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which statement best describes the difference between a democracy and a non-democracy?
Which statement best describes the difference between a democracy and a non-democracy?
- In a democracy, rulers are chosen by the people. (correct)
- In a democracy, rulers are chosen by the army.
- In a non-democracy, rulers are typically chosen by elections.
- In a non-democracy, rulers are chosen by the people.
Why is the simple definition of democracy as 'people's rule' considered inadequate?
Why is the simple definition of democracy as 'people's rule' considered inadequate?
- Because it excludes military governments.
- Because it is not specific enough to differentiate true democracies from pretenders. (correct)
- Because it applies to all forms of government.
- Because it includes monarchies.
What can be inferred about why dictators like Pinochet or the kings of Saudi Arabia are not considered democratic rulers?
What can be inferred about why dictators like Pinochet or the kings of Saudi Arabia are not considered democratic rulers?
- They hold elections regularly.
- They follow democratic principles.
- They were not elected by the people. (correct)
- They were chosen by the people.
What is the importance of carefully examining the definition of democracy?
What is the importance of carefully examining the definition of democracy?
What does the phrase 'every government in the contemporary world wants to be called a democracy, even if it is not so' imply?
What does the phrase 'every government in the contemporary world wants to be called a democracy, even if it is not so' imply?
According to the content, what is a significant distinguishing feature of a democratic government?
According to the content, what is a significant distinguishing feature of a democratic government?
What does the cartoon in the content suggest about the elections in Iraq?
What does the cartoon in the content suggest about the elections in Iraq?
Why is the word 'democracy' written in the manner shown in the cartoon?
Why is the word 'democracy' written in the manner shown in the cartoon?
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Study Notes
Definition of Democracy
- Democracy is a form of government where the rulers are elected by the people.
- This definition allows us to distinguish democracy from non-democratic forms of government.
Non-Democratic Forms of Government
- Army rulers, like those in Myanmar, are not elected by the people.
- Dictators, such as Pinochet in Chile, are not elected by the people.
- Monarchies, like the kings of Saudi Arabia, rule due to birthright, not popular election.
Limitations of the Definition
- The definition is not adequate, as it may lead to mistakenly calling every government that holds elections a democracy.
- We need to carefully distinguish between a true democratic government and one that only pretends to be one.
Quotations about Democracy
Characteristics of Democracy
- Man's capacity for justice makes democracy possible.
- Man's inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary.
- Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve.
- More democracy can cure the ills of democracy.
Cartoon Interpretation
- The cartoon, drawn during elections in Iraq with foreign presence, suggests that democracy is not genuine when controlled by external powers.
- The way "democracy" is written in the cartoon implies that it is not true democracy, but rather a manipulated or fake version.
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