Theories and History of Democracy

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Questions and Answers

What concept does the term 'demos' refer to in classical democracy?

Government

Trade

Power

People (correct)

What form of democracy allows the people to rule directly without mediation?

Participatory democracy

Representative democracy

Direct democracy (correct)

Egalitarian democracy

Which event is associated with the birth of modern democracy?

The medieval period

The Enlightenment (correct)

The industrial revolution

The Roman Empire

Which theory of democracy focuses on reducing inequalities within a society?

Egalitarian democracy Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of representative democracy?

Selecting representatives to make decisions on behalf of the people Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does participatory democracy emphasize?

Opportunities for participation in public affairs Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misunderstanding of the concept of democracy?

It is a monolithic concept. Signup and view all the answers

What indicates the term 'plebiscitary democracy'?

Regular public voting on major issues Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes meritocratic democracy?

It aims for equal opportunities producing the best individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What does economic democracy emphasize as crucial for a democratic system?

Equality in political and economic circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does liberal democracy prioritize?

Government is constrained by laws and balances. Signup and view all the answers

How is procedural democracy defined?

It relies on elections to determine governance. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes radical democracy from other forms?

It suggests that every aspect of life should be collectively determined. Signup and view all the answers

What does consensus democracy advocate for?

Inclusion of affected groups is crucial for decision-making. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of majoritarian democracy?

The majority's preferences dictate decision-making. Signup and view all the answers

What contrasts deliberative democracy from other democratic theories?

It prioritizes the level of deliberation in decision-making. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Theories of Democracy

Democracy is not a singular concept; it's a combination of various theories.
Many theories have been proposed, leading to confusion.
Different theories may not be compatible.
The concept of democracy is also influenced by moral considerations.

History of Democracy

Ancient/Classical Democracy: Derived from Greek words "demos" (people) and "kratos" (power).
Athenian and Roman democracies existed.
Ancient democracies focused on debates.
They were exclusionary by today's standards but considered inclusive in their time.

Medieval Democracy

Democracy was practiced in city-states.
Key characteristics of medieval democracy included a small scale and trade.

Modern Democracy

The Enlightenment and the American/French Revolutions were pivotal in the creation of modern democracy.
Technological advancements, broader education, and economic changes enabled broader participation among masses following these revolutionary periods.

Theories of Democracy Focusing on the Form of Participation

Direct Democracy: Characterized by active self-rule, direct citizen participation, and no mediating bodies.
Plebiscitary democracy is a type of direct democracy.
Representative Democracy: Citizens elect representatives to act on their behalf. It's characterized by indirect participation and significant mediation between the people and the decision-making process.
Parliamentary democracy is a type of representative democracy.
Participatory Democracy: Encourages direct and indirect citizen participation in public affairs.
Emphasizes the level and opportunities for participation, such as democratic conventions and budgeting.

Theories of Democracy Focusing on Outcome of Politics

Egalitarian Democracy: Aims to reduce inequalities. The political system needs to correct inequalities produced by the economic system.
Equality among citizens is essential for a democratic system.
Equality includes different dimensions like economic, political equality, etc.
Meritocratic Democracy: Seeks to produce equal opportunity leading to the best people in the most important positions. Similar to egalitarian democracy, the political system aims to address inequalities caused by the economic system.
An equally fair playing field is vital for a meritocratic democratic system.
It also considers different dimensions of equality (as in the previous point on egalitarian democracy).
Economic Democracy: Focuses on maximizing the welfare of citizens.
The political system needs to fix imperfections of the economic system.
The more well off citizens are the more democratic the system becomes.

Theories of Democracy Focusing on the Institutional System/Process of Decision-Making

Liberal Democracy: Emphasizes constraints on government power.
Dispersed power, prevents a single entity from dominating decisions, and prevents consequential events.
Checks and balances are vital.
It's one of the most prevalent democratic models today, with other models incorporated.
Procedural/Minimal Democracy: Primarily focuses on elections to determine who rules. Elections are the key process in determining political decisions, and checks and balances are less essential.
Illiberal democracy is an example of a different model compared to liberal democracy.
Deliberative Democracy: Decisions are made through reasoned discussion.
Deliberation is valued over voting. Finding compromise and consensus is crucial.
Radical Democracy: Citizens are involved in every aspect of life; the private sphere is erased. All decisions are collectively determined and controlled. A key link to socialism is worth highlighting.
Consensus Democracy: Political decisions aim to include all affected groups.
Increased inclusion enhances democracy.
Minorities need to have power.
Compromise may be more common than complete consensus.
Majoritarian Democracy: Focuses on the will of the majority.
Very little focus on inclusion.
Minorities have little to no power.
Effectiveness and performance of the system is prioritized.

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Description

Explore the various theories of democracy and their historical evolution from ancient to modern times. This quiz covers key concepts, including classical, medieval, and modern democratic practices and their implications. Understand how moral considerations and historical events shaped the democratic landscape.