Understanding Democracy Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is a simple definition of democracy?

Democracy is defined as rule by the people.

List two common features of democratic governments.

Common features include free and fair elections and the protection of individual rights.

Why is it important to define democracy?

Defining democracy is important to distinguish it from non-democratic governments.

What does the Greek origin of the word democracy refer to?

<p>The Greek origin refers to 'demos' meaning people and 'kratia' meaning rule.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one criticism of strictly defining democracy based on its origin?

<p>One criticism is that a word's meaning does not always remain tied to its origin, as contexts change.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What makes democracy a prevalent form of government today?

<p>Democracy is prevalent due to its perceived ability to ensure participation, accountability, and individual freedom.</p> Signup and view all the answers

State one reason why people might prefer democracy over non-democratic governments.

<p>People might prefer democracy because it allows for the protection of rights and freedoms of individuals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by the term 'good democracy' compared to 'minimal democracy'?

<p>A 'good democracy' involves more meaningful citizen participation and accountability than a 'minimal democracy', which may only meet the basic requirements without ensuring true representation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the example of the Gram Sabha illustrate the concept of democracy?

<p>The Gram Sabha's failure to meet suggests the absence of democratic practices, as regular participation and discussion are essential aspects of a functioning democracy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what ways can democracy extend beyond government?

<p>Democracy can apply to organizations, families, and educational environments, promoting principles like participation, consensus, and equal voice in decision-making.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significance does 'democratic temperament' hold in a classroom setting?

<p>'Democratic temperament' in a classroom means encouraging open dialogue, allowing students to ask questions, and involving them in decision-making processes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to distinguish between democracy and a good democracy?

<p>Distinguishing between the two allows for a critical assessment of existing democratic systems, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Yolanda believe is needed for the country?

<p>Yolanda believes the country needs a strong leader with all the powers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Hoi express concern about regarding a powerful leader?

<p>Hoi is concerned that a powerful leader might use their power for personal gain or become corrupt.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Tangkini suggest evaluating authority?

<p>Tangkini suggests not accepting something just because it is famous or widely accepted.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What point does Jeni make about democracy's effectiveness?

<p>Jeni argues that democracy has not eliminated poverty in the country over seven decades.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Ribiang question about the relationship between democracy and poverty?

<p>Ribiang questions whether poverty is a result of being democratic or exists despite it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the anonymous voice in the discussion refer to a strong leader as?

<p>The anonymous voice refers to a strong leader as a dictator.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Rose claim about the ideal strong leader?

<p>Rose speaks about an ideal strong leader being honest and sincere.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What comparison does Hoi suggest regarding democracy and dictatorship?

<p>Hoi suggests that we should compare a real democracy with an ideal dictatorship.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the discussion characterize dictators in real life?

<p>The discussion characterizes dictators as often being corrupt, selfish, and brutal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What lasting quality does Madam Lyngdoh observe in the classroom discussion?

<p>Madam Lyngdoh observes that the class is engaging with democratic principles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were computers originally used for?

<p>Computers were originally used for computing, specifically to calculate difficult mathematical sums.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Merry, how should the study of democracy be approached?

<p>Merry believes that the meaning of democracy should be understood first before discussing its examples.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What point does Lyngdoh Madam make about the use of words?

<p>Lyngdoh Madam suggests that we often use words without waiting for their definitions, based on everyday reasoning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do we need definitions according to Lyngdoh Madam?

<p>We need definitions when we encounter difficulties using a word, to distinguish it from similar terms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What example does Lyngdoh Madam give to explain the need for definitions?

<p>She mentions needing a definition of rain to distinguish it from drizzle or cloudburst.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the media's general approach towards opposition political parties in Latin America?

<p>The media largely ignored their activities except to criticize them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What issues did the polling booths cause in the elections?

<p>The polling booths were shifted last minute, making it difficult for people to cast their votes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Merry question about definitions?

<p>Merry questions why we need definitions at all if we are able to use words without them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of activities does the dialogue encourage concerning definitions?

<p>The dialogue encourages defining simple words like pen, rain, and love to understand their meanings better.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the PRI impact the electoral process in Mexico?

<p>The PRI spent a large sum of money in the campaign for its candidates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the discussion relate to the concept of democracy?

<p>The discussion relates to democracy by highlighting the need for precise definitions due to varying interpretations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the phrase 'one person, one vote, one value' in the context of democracy?

<p>It underscores the principle of equal voting rights for every individual.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Merry’s perspective reveal about the process of learning?

<p>Merry's perspective reveals that learning can be enhanced by first exploring meanings rather than definitions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are the elections in China not considered to offer a serious choice?

<p>People can only choose the ruling party and its approved candidates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenge did the example of the Mexican elections identify regarding public choice?

<p>People seemed to have a choice, but practically they did not; the ruling party could not be defeated.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the case of Saudi Arabia indicate about voting rights?

<p>Until 2015, women did not have the right to vote.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are elections alone insufficient for a true democracy?

<p>Holding elections is not enough if the elections do not provide fair choices and equal rights.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenges do the citizenship rules in Estonia pose to the Russian minority?

<p>They find it difficult to get the right to vote due to restrictive citizenship rules.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature noted across the examples of elections discussed?

<p>Many elections face issues such as unfair practices and limitations on voter choice.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Democracy

A form of government where supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections.

Autocracy

A form of government where power is concentrated in the hands of a single individual, often a monarch, with little or no input from the people.

Aristocracy

A form of government where a select group of individuals holds power, often inherited or based on wealth and privilege.

Representative Democracy

A form of government where power rests with the people and is exercised through elected representatives.

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Direct Democracy

A form of government where citizens directly participate in decision-making through votes, referendums, and initiatives.

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Dictatorship

A form of non-democratic government where power is seized by force, often through a coup d'état.

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Defining Democracy

A process of understanding a concept by breaking it down into its basic elements and examining their meaning.

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Reasoning

The process of using words, ideas, and examples to understand a concept or idea.

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Meaning of Words Change

The meaning of a word can change over time, even though the word itself stays the same.

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Defining a Word

The process of developing a clear and precise understanding of a term, especially when there are different interpretations.

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Understanding Through Usage

The process of using a word repeatedly in different situations to better understand its meaning.

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Evolving a Definition

The process of examining and evaluating the meaning of a word by considering different viewpoints and contexts.

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Different Kinds of Democracies

Different forms of governments that claim to be democracies, but may have different structures and principles.

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Need for Definition

The need for a clear definition arises when there are different interpretations or uses of a word.

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Distinguishing Words

The challenges in clearly distinguishing between similar words or concepts, requiring precise definitions.

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Fake Elections

A situation where elections are held but do not offer genuine choices to voters. The outcome might be predetermined, and voter influence is limited.

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Universal Adult Franchise

The principle that every adult citizen has an equal right to vote, regardless of their background or status.

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Denial of Equal Right to Vote

A situation where the right to vote is restricted or denied to certain groups of people, undermining the principle of equal suffrage.

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Unfair Electoral System

A situation where the ruling party in an election has an unfair advantage, making it difficult for other parties to compete.

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Moneybags

The practice of using a large amount of money in a political campaign, potentially influencing the outcome of elections.

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Shifting Polling Booths

The act of shifting polling booths to a different location at the last minute, potentially hindering voter access and participation.

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Limited Choice in Elections

Situations where voters have limited or no genuine alternatives to choose from, resulting in a lack of real choice in elections.

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Fair Elections

A fundamental characteristic of a democratic system where elections are conducted fairly and honestly, ensuring that every vote counts.

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Majority Rule

A system where the majority has the power to make decisions on behalf of all the people.

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Democracy Beyond Government

Beyond government, democracy applies to other groups like families or schools.

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Evaluating Democracy

Democracy involves judging a government's performance and identifying its weaknesses.

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Forms of Democracy

Democracy can be practiced in different ways, from basic decision making to complex systems in government.

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Ideal of Democracy

The concept of democracy as an ideal helps us understand what's important about this form of government.

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What is democracy?

A system of government where supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections.

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What is dictatorship?

A form of government where one individual holds all power and makes decisions without any input or control from the people.

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What does "debate" mean?

The act of making a decision about a particular topic, often based on evidence and argumentation.

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What is poverty?

A situation where a large percentage of the population in a country is living in poverty.

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What is "non-corrupt"?

The state of being free from corruption and dishonest practices.

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What is "sincere"?

The quality of being worthy of trust and reliance, often based on a person's character and actions.

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What does it mean to "compare"?

The process of comparing two different things to understand their similarities and differences.

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What is "fair"?

The quality of being impartial and objective, not favoring one side over another.

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What is "corruption"?

The act of using power for personal gain or benefit, often at the expense of others.

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What is "national interest"?

The idea that a person should act in the best interest of their country as a whole.

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Study Notes

Overview of Democracy

  • Democracy is a prevalent form of government globally, and is expanding to more countries.
  • The fundamental question in this chapter is why democracy is favored over other forms of government.

Defining Democracy

  • Defining democracy starts with building on a simple definition and working through the involved terms.
  • The aim is to clearly understand the basic minimum features of a democratic government, enabling a distinction between democratic and non-democratic governments.
  • The chapter expands beyond the basic features to a broader understanding of democracy.

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Description

This quiz explores the essence of democracy as a preferred form of government. It examines the minimum features that define a democratic government and distinguishes between democratic and non-democratic systems. Through this understanding, participants will gain insights into the expansion of democracy worldwide.

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