Lecture 3: Theories of Democracy PDF

Lecture 3: Theories of Democracy 1. Classical Democracy demos + kratos = people and power Athenian democracy only the rich male citizens could partake in it poor people had to work → no time for politics focused...

Lecture 3: Theories of Democracy 1. Classical Democracy demos + kratos = people and power Athenian democracy only the rich male citizens could partake in it poor people had to work → no time for politics focused on debating and discussion Roman democracy more inclusionary senate (as today) assemblies for poorer casts elected by votes, but based on discussions Medieval democracy small city democracies debating public issues with a small population trade nobody can seize the goods more beneficial for free-trade 2. Modern democracy Enlightenment new ideas - rationality, human rights, no exclusion from public affairs American and French Revolution “even large states can be a democracy” becomes feasible because of: technological advances education - improvement of social aspects literacy, informing economic changes less workload Lecture 3: Theories of Democracy 1  3. Concept of modern democracy amalgamation of concepts countless theories not always compatible with each other moral connotations 3A. Based on the form of participation Direct democracy democracy = active self-rule directly, there is no mediation no representatives, governing itself imaginable in a smaller setting Plebiscitary democracy = people express their opinion Representative democracy USA, UK, INDIA, GERMANY, ITALY, FRANCE = appointing representatives who will act on the people’s behalf ruling indirectly by infrequent participation significant mediation parliamentary democracy Hungary looks like an oligarchy Substentive representation choosing based on values and goals intitiaves Descriptive representation age, gender, background Mandate theory voters tells specific directions to the represantitive responsible for what its happening people are competent Accountability theory voter wont tell what to do will hold them still acountable Participatory democracy Lecture 3: Theories of Democracy 2  IRELAND = Participating in public affairs (submit ideas) → broad engagement public deliberation; local governance; collaborative institutions (community forums) maybe direct (ex. protesting)or indirect emphasis on the level and opportunities of participation Democratic convention summits, discussion democratic budgeting decided by the people through voting and submitting 3B. Based on the outcome of decision-making Egalitarian democracy NORWAY, SWEDEN, FINLAND =system that decreases inequalities solving inequalities created by the social system, through a political approach capitalism → solving it’s problems the more equal are, the more democratic the system will be different dimensions of equality (economic, political etc) Meritocratic Democracy SOUTH KOREA, SINGAPORE = producing equal opportunities, resulting in the best people occupying the most important positions the more equal the playing field, the more equal the system is some people are more fit to elect deomocracy should reflect th eeffort of different people starting out at the same place → later focus on the perfomance different dimensions Economic democracy SWEDEN, DENMARK, USA =produces the most welfare for the people imperfect economic system focus on perfecting it better the circumstances on economic grounds → better the democratic system Lecture 3: Theories of Democracy 3  defending dictatorship (elites) if the economic on a whole is doing well :D is the system beneficial for the many? 3C. Based on Institutional process (decision-making) Liberal Democracy USA, CANADA, GERMANY =constraints on the government not liberals ruling more dispersed power (separation od powers), the more democratic the system checks and balances one institution check and limit the others two chambers most commonly used concept elections are not THAT important Procedural/minimal democracy =election decide who governs elect and then they make the decisions = electoral dictatorship high-stakes checks and balances are not necessary illiberal democracy - not always Delibarative democracy SWITZERLAND, ICELAND =decisions made as a result of discussions (talk it out) people rule indirectly or directly (emphasis is on the level of deliberation) delibaration vs voting compromise vs consensus Radical democracy = every aspect of life is determined by the people no private spehere → decisions made collectively links to socialism Consesus democracy Lecture 3: Theories of Democracy 4  = decisions made by including as many effected groups as possible more inclusion → more dempocartic the system minorities should have veto power compromise more frequent than consensus Majoritarian democracy UK opposite to consensus democracy political decisions made by the majority no inclusion is necessary, minorities have litle to no power efectiveness (utility, performance) is key Seminar 3: Theories of Democracy Lecture 3: Theories of Democracy 5