Political Philosophy Chapter 10

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Questions and Answers

What justification does Locke provide for rebellion?

  • Rebellion is justified in response to any governmental interference.
  • Rebellion is justified when citizens disagree with government policies.
  • Rebellion is justified when the government fails to protect the rights of its people. (correct)
  • Rebellion is justified when the consent of the majority is not obtained.

Which philosopher advocated for the separation of powers and checks and balances?

  • Rousseau
  • Montesquieu (correct)
  • Bentham
  • Locke

What is a primary concern of J.S. Mill regarding utilitarianism?

  • It can lead to government tyranny.
  • It prioritizes the happiness of the minority.
  • It could result in tyranny of the majority. (correct)
  • It limits individual rights excessively.

Which of the following best describes the 'general will' according to Rousseau?

<p>The collective interests of the society as a whole. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the rule of law primarily protect in a democratic system?

<p>Individual liberties from government tyranny. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a parliamentary democracy?

<p>Executive members are also part of the legislative branch. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the head of government in a presidential democracy?

<p>They are directly elected by the people. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the checks and balances system in a presidential democracy?

<p>The branches of government are separated and check each other. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the Canadian parliamentary system, what is required to avoid a vote of non-confidence?

<p>The prime minister needs to secure the confidence of the legislature. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT a feature of a presidential democracy?

<p>Head of government being accountable to the legislature. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What principle prevents the majority from suppressing the minority's rights in a democratic system?

<p>Minority Rights (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of representation system allows for a more proportional reflection of voters' preferences?

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

Under what circumstance can individual rights and freedoms be curtailed according to a democratic system?

<p>During national emergencies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the executive branch in a separation of powers system?

<p>To enforce laws (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of a democratic system allows citizens to express their views on governance through organized groups?

<p>Lobby Groups (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'The Indispensable Opposition' highlight in a democratic system?

<p>The necessity of dissent and criticism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms refers to the right of citizens to directly vote on laws or policies?

<p>Plebiscites (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of citizen participation in a democratic system?

<p>Participating in political corruption (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the adult population participated in democracy in Ancient Athens?

<p>15-20% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher described democracy as potentially unstable due to the influence of leaders playing on people's fears?

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

What key aspect of decision-making was featured in the governance of the Iroquois Nations?

<p>Council-based collective decisions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was established by the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215?

<p>Limits on the power of the monarchy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following rights was guaranteed by the 1689 Bill of Rights in England?

<p>Freedom from royal interference with the law (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Iroquois practice diversity in their governance?

<p>Through federalism among six nations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices is associated with accountability in a democratic system?

<p>Regular elections held (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What principle of governance is often feared by Aristotle in a democratized system?

<p>Ignoring the general welfare (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential feature of a democratic political system regarding individual differences?

<p>It allows for and tolerates individual differences. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the role of the press in a democratic political system?

<p>It is essential and must remain independent to criticize the government. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a system of representative democracy, how do citizens typically express their will?

<p>By holding elections or voting in referendums. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of an independent judiciary in a democratic system?

<p>Courts operate without interference from governmental entities. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of democracy allows the people to make decisions directly rather than through representatives?

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

Which method exemplifies the principles of direct democracy?

<p>Processing through initiatives or referendums. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did a 2005 Gallup Poll indicate about citizens' perceptions of governance?

<p>Most thought their countries were not governed by the will of the people. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered an instrument of direct democracy?

<p>Political party campaigns. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Democracy

A form of government where the power rests with the people, typically through elected representatives.

Social Contract

A social contract where individuals agree to give up some of their freedom in exchange for the protection of their rights and the common good.

Rule of Law

A set of principles that ensure fairness and equality before the law for all citizens.

Separation of Powers

A system of government that divides power among different branches, such as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

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Individual Freedom

The belief that the right of individuals to do as they please should only be limited when their actions harm others.

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Direct Democracy

A political system where citizens directly participate in decision-making, rather than electing representatives.

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Representative Democracy

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

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Proportional Representation

A democratic system where seats in the legislature are allocated based on the proportion of votes received by each party.

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Initiatives

A type of direct democracy where citizens propose and vote on laws or constitutional amendments.

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Referendums (Plebiscites)

A type of direct democracy where citizens vote to accept or reject a proposed law.

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Will of the People

The fundamental belief that the government should act according to the wishes of the people.

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Free Press

A democratic principle that emphasizes freedom of expression and allows for criticism of the government.

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Independent Judiciary

The notion that courts should operate independently from political influence, maintaining fairness and impartiality.

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Accountability

The idea that the power of the government is limited by a constitution and that the government must be accountable to the people. This can be achieved through regular elections and checks on the government's power.

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Freedom of Speech in Parliament

The principle that a government should not interfere with the freedom of speech and debate in parliament.

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Parliamentary Sovereignty

The principle that the power of the monarchy is limited. Parliament is superior to the crown and the monarch cannot govern without the consent of parliament.

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Consent to Taxation

The principle that the government must be able to raise funds through taxes with the consent of the people.

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Head of Government (Parliamentary)

The head of government in a parliamentary system, responsible for leading the executive branch. They must maintain the support of the legislature (parliament) or face a vote of no confidence.

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President (Presidential Democracy)

In a presidential democracy, the president acts as both head of state and head of government. They have significant power and are directly elected by the people.

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Head of State (Parliamentary)

In a parliamentary system, the head of state is a largely ceremonial role. They are typically a monarch (e.g., Queen Elizabeth II in Canada) or a president with limited power.

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Vote of No Confidence

A vote in a parliamentary system where the legislature (parliament) expresses a lack of confidence in the government. If the government loses a vote of no confidence, they usually must resign.

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Presidential System (Checks & Balances)

A system of government where the executive and legislative branches are separate and accountable to one another. It features checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

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Minority Rights

The right of individuals to express their opinions and beliefs, even if they are unpopular or disagree with the majority.

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Majority Rule

A system of government where the majority of the people have the power to make decisions. This is done through elections and voting.

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Citizen Participation

The ability of citizens to participate in the political process, such as voting, running for office, and joining political groups. It's important for a healthy democracy.

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Responsibility of Citizens

The principle that the government should be accountable to the people it governs. This includes being transparent in its actions and responding to the needs of the citizens.

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Free Opposition

The existence of political groups who oppose the government and offer alternative policies. This is important for a healthy democracy, as it allows for open debate and criticism.

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Lobby Groups

Formal, organized groups that seek to influence government policy. They can represent various interests such as businesses, environmental groups, and labor unions.

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Study Notes

Democratic Systems

  • Demos = people, kratia = government
  • Democracy is a form of government where power is vested in the people.

Political Challenges to Liberalism

  • Chapter 10, pages 332-356

Locke's Ideological Basis for Democracy

  • People are fundamentally reasonable.
  • Laws are needed to protect natural and property rights.
  • Government must rest on the consent of the people.
  • Government should interfere in people's activities as little as possible.
  • Rebellion is justified when government fails to protect people's rights.

Rousseau's Ideological Basis for Democracy

  • People must enter a social contract.
  • The general will always acts in best interests of the group (common good).
  • The general will may not always be the majority opinion.

Montesquieu's Ideological Basis for Democracy

  • Believed in separation of powers and checks and balances.
  • Feared concentration of power could lead to dictatorship.

Bentham's Ideological Basis for Democracy

  • Developed utilitarianism theory.
  • Aim of all laws should be the greatest happiness of the greatest number.

J.S. Mill's Ideological Basis for Democracy

  • Feared tyranny of the majority in utilitarian system.
  • Power can only be exercised over an individual to prevent harm to others.

Assumptions and Goals of a Democratic Political System

  • Wishes of the majority are carried out.
  • Rule of law, protecting individual liberties from government tyranny or the tyranny of the majority.
  • Equality before the law is promoted.
  • Persuasion, not force, is used.
  • Right to dissent (strikes, demonstrations), though limited.
  • Individual differences are tolerated.
  • Free press is essential, independent of government.
  • Various political choices are available, through parties.
  • Courts are independent and impartial.
  • Citizens participate in decision-making through holding elections, referendums or plebiscites, pressure groups, parties, and media.

Types of Democracy

  • Direct, representative, and proportional

How Governments Attempt to Follow the Will of the People

  • Following the will of the people is an ideal, not a goal.
  • A 2005 Gallup poll showed that 65% of the world's citizens believed their countries were not governed by the will of the people.

The Will of the People

  • Power is ultimately vested in the people.

Direct Democracy

  • People directly make decisions (referendums).
  • Examples include referendums

Instruments of Direct Democracy

  • Initiatives (citizens' petitions)
  • Referendums (a vote on legislation)
  • Recalls (removing elected officials)

Historical Overview - Greece

  • Ancient Athens (500 BC to 200 BC)
  • Only 15-20% (adult males, whose parents were Athenian-born citizens, and not slaves or foreigners), participated.
  • Direct democracy
  • Critics:
    • Plato: Democracy is unstable; easily swayed by leaders.
    • Aristotle: Democratic leaders prioritize personal interests over the general welfare, which could lead to the tyranny of the majority.

Historical Overview - Six Nations (Iroquois)

  • Decision-making based on council decisions.
  • No nobility or governing class.
  • Matriarchal system.
  • Respected diversity, practiced federalism.
  • Minority rights were protected.
  • Control through "shame" instead of punishment.

Aboriginal Contributions to Liberal Democracy

  • (YouTube video)

Historical Overview - England

  • 1215: King John forced to sign Magna Carta (establishing limits on monarchy power).
  • 1688: Glorious Revolution, Bill of Rights (1689) – parliament is superior to the crown.

1689 Bill of Rights (England)

  • Freedom from royal interference with the law.
  • Freedom from taxation without parliamentary consent.
  • Freedom to petition the monarch.
  • Freedom to elect members of Parliament.
  • Freedom of speech and debate in Parliament is protected.

Features of a Democratic System: Accountability

  • Government power is limited by constitutions.
  • Regular elections are held, making the government responsible to the people.
  • Accountabilities of elected officials, multiple parties, periodic elections, media independence and judiciary, rule of law.

Features of a Democratic System: Provision for Change

  • Constitutions can be altered.

Features of a Democratic System: Separation of Powers

  • Montesquieu: Branches of government (executive, legislative, judicial).
  • Limits on executive power.

Features of a Democratic System: Minority Rights

  • Those opposing the majority have the right to criticize and challenge them.
  • No tyranny of the majority.

Features of a Democratic System: Individual Rights and Freedoms

  • Political and civil liberties are guaranteed.
  • All are equal before the law.
  • Rights can only be curtailed in times of national emergencies.

Features of a Democratic System: Majority Rule

  • Government responds to the wishes of the majority.
  • Minorities accept the results of elections.

Features of a Democratic System: Citizen Participation

  • Citizens have the right to choose their leaders.
  • Suffrage (right to vote).
  • Secret ballot.
  • Proportional representation vs. first past the post.
  • Voter turnouts issues, Citizen input - Lobby Groups

Features of a Democratic System: Responsibility of Citizens

  • Voter turnout issues.
  • Accepting decisions of elected bodies.

Historical Voter Turnout (data)

  • Varies between countries and over time. Data included for Canada (2000-2019) and other countries.
  • Voter turnout by age and province.

Features of a Democratic System: The Existence of a Free Opposition (Criticism)

  • Free to dissent and criticize the majority.
  • Civil disobedience is discussed.
  • The importance of a free press.

Features of a Democratic System: Political Parties

  • Allowed to compete openly for power.
  • Role of leaders and "grassroots" movements.
  • Patronage (corruption).

Miscellaneous

  • Direct democracy vs. representative democracy.
  • Use of plebiscites and referendums
  • Recall.
  • Consensus democracy

Types of Democracies: Parliamentary

  • UK style in which executive branch members are also part of the legislative branch and are directly responsible to it.
  • Head of government needs support of the legislature (votes of no confidence)
  • Head of state and government are separate positions.

Types of Democracies: Canadian Example

  • Description of Canadian Parliamentary system
  • Head of State (Queen) and Head of Government (PM).
  • Elections (minority vs majority), Parliament (House of Commons and Senate).

Types of Democracies: Presidential

  • Executive and legislative branches are separate.
  • Checks and balances are emphasized.
  • Head of state and government are combined (President).
  • Fixed terms of office.
  • President is directly elected by people. (eg. USA)
  • Electoral College.

System of Checks and Balances

  • Description of how different branches of government check the power of each other.

Types of Democracies: Which is best?

  • Comparison of Canadian and American systems.
  • A paragraph on which system is best.

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