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Questions and Answers
What is the main difference between direct democracy and representative democracy?
What is the main difference between direct democracy and representative democracy?
Which form of democracy is characterized by laws and regulations governing the behavior of elected representatives?
Which form of democracy is characterized by laws and regulations governing the behavior of elected representatives?
In a direct democracy, how are laws and policies typically decided?
In a direct democracy, how are laws and policies typically decided?
Which type of democracy may involve citizens making decisions at a New England town meeting?
Which type of democracy may involve citizens making decisions at a New England town meeting?
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What distinguishes representative democracy from other forms of government?
What distinguishes representative democracy from other forms of government?
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Which type of democracy allows citizens to participate directly in decision making by voting on laws and policies?
Which type of democracy allows citizens to participate directly in decision making by voting on laws and policies?
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What is the main characteristic of a constitutional democracy?
What is the main characteristic of a constitutional democracy?
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In a parliamentary democracy, who is usually determined by the legislative body?
In a parliamentary democracy, who is usually determined by the legislative body?
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What role does the head of state play in a parliamentary democracy?
What role does the head of state play in a parliamentary democracy?
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What is the purpose of enumerating individual rights in constitutions of constitutional democracies?
What is the purpose of enumerating individual rights in constitutions of constitutional democracies?
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Which type of democracy allows for citizen participation through representation via elected officials?
Which type of democracy allows for citizen participation through representation via elected officials?
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What common principles do all democratic systems mentioned seek to advance?
What common principles do all democratic systems mentioned seek to advance?
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Study Notes
Democracy
Democracy is a form of government which derives its power from the people themselves. It allows citizens to participate directly in decision making through their vote or representation by elected officials. This system contrasts with those where power is concentrated among a few individuals or institutions.
There are several variations of democracy, including direct democracy, representative democracy, constitutional democracy, and parliamentary democracy. Each type has its own unique characteristics and mechanisms for managing public affairs.
Direct Democracy
Direct democracy, also known as pure democracy, is a political ideology in which citizens have the ability to make decisions, either individually or collectively, on all matters of state governance. This typically means that laws and policies are put before the voters who decide their merits through majority votes. While it may seem impractical for large populations, some modern examples include the New England town meeting form of government and small Swiss cantons.
Representative Democracy
Representative democracy, often referred to as indirect democracy, is a form of government where the public chooses representatives to conduct business on their behalf. These representatives are bound by laws and regulations governing their behavior, ensuring they act in the best interests of their constituents. In this system, the legislature is chosen by the people, and they choose the executive branch of government. Different countries operate under various forms of representative democracy, such as presidential systems, cabinet systems, or mixed systems.
Constitutional Democracy
Constitutional democracy is a type of representative democracy characterized by the existence of a formal constitution that limits and regulates the power of the government. The main idea behind this form of democracy is that the government must abide by written rules set out in the constitution. Such constitutions often enumerate individual rights and protect civil liberties, so that even if the majority wants something, that doesn't give them license to ignore the fundamental rights of others.
Parliamentary Democracy
Parliamentary democracy is another type of representative democracy where the members of the legislature are elected and can be held accountable by the electorate. The head of state is usually determined by the legislative body, and this person acts as a symbolic figurehead rather than having any real power. The UK, Canada, India, Germany, Israel, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand all function as parliamentary democracies.
In conclusion, there are several types of democratic systems that allow for varying degrees of citizen participation, from direct involvement to representation via elected officials. Regardless of the specific structure, each seeks to advance the principles of equity, freedom, and equality.
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Description
Learn about the different variations of democracy, including direct democracy, representative democracy, constitutional democracy, and parliamentary democracy. Understand how each type functions and the unique characteristics they possess.
