Political Philosophy Chapter 10

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

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?

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

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

Individual liberties from government tyranny. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a parliamentary democracy?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which aspect is NOT a feature of a presidential democracy?

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

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

Minority Rights (B) Signup and view all the answers

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

Proportional representation (C) Signup and view all the answers

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

During national emergencies (D) Signup and view all the answers

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

To enforce laws (A) Signup and view all the answers

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

Lobby Groups (B) Signup and view all the answers

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

The necessity of dissent and criticism (B) Signup and view all the answers

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

Plebiscites (D) Signup and view all the answers

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

Participating in political corruption (D) Signup and view all the answers

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

15-20% (D) Signup and view all the answers

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

Plato (A) Signup and view all the answers

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

Council-based collective decisions (D) Signup and view all the answers

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

Limits on the power of the monarchy (A) Signup and view all the answers

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

Freedom from royal interference with the law (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did the Iroquois practice diversity in their governance?

Through federalism among six nations (D) Signup and view all the answers

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

Regular elections held (C) Signup and view all the answers

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

Ignoring the general welfare (B) Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Direct Democracy. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which method exemplifies the principles of direct democracy?

Processing through initiatives or referendums. (C) Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

Political party campaigns. (D) Signup and view all the answers

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.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the key philosophical concepts that underpin democratic systems in this Chapter 10 quiz. Delve into the ideas of Locke, Rousseau, Montesquieu, and Bentham, and understand how each thinker contributes to the ideology of democracy. Test your knowledge of how these ideas address the challenges to liberalism and the role of the people in governance.