Week 7 CSS 1190: The Political Process and Social Work PDF

CSS 1190 The Political Process and Social Work Week 7 – Chapter 16 and 11 Public Policy, Democracy and Non-Democratic Government Mental Health Resources for Students Counselling & Mental Health [email protected] https://humber.ca/student-life/swac/health-counsell...

CSS 1190 The Political Process and Social Work Week 7 – Chapter 16 and 11 Public Policy, Democracy and Non-Democratic Government Mental Health Resources for Students Counselling & Mental Health [email protected] https://humber.ca/student-life/swac/health-counselling Helpline (https://good2talk.ca/ontario/) at 1-866-925-5454 Online Counselling https://www.taoconnect.org/ Health Services 416-675-5090 https://humber.ca/student-life/swac/health-counselling Accessibility [email protected] and 416-675- 5090 https://humber.ca/student-life/swac/accessible-learning Agenda Public Policy: How Policy is made Democratic and Non-Democratic Government Public Policy What is Public Policy? Where have you heard the term “public policy” used? How can public policy affect social issues? The Goals of Governing  Public policy is a course of action or inaction chosen by public authorities to address a given problem or interrelated set of problems.  A basic goal of governing is to provide for the safety and security of the public.  The government also tries to ensure that the overall economy functions smoothly.  However, economic prosperity does not necessarily improve the quality of life of the population as a whole. Balance between cost of safety, Security and the economy “Systemic issues” represented by institutions of the state. What do you think I mean by institutions? Examples? Public Policy: A matter of Life and Death https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015/01/06/how_many_torontonians_does_it_take_to_declare_an_extreme_cold_weather_alert_keenan.html How does this story demonstrate the importance of public policy? Framing public policy. Do you agree with this order? The Economy V.S. Societal Needs? Keynesian economic policies Stimulate the economy (by spending and/or reducing taxes) when business investment is low and cool down the economy (by reducing spending and/or raising taxes) when high investment creates inflation. (i.e. Trudeau vs. Keynesian economic policies (spend money, add to the debt, to get out of debt). Neo-liberal ideas View the market as efficient and self-regulating. Influential economist Milton Friedman argued that government should have a balanced budget: Individual less taxes and business more freedom. (refer to Mintz et el, 2021, Chapter 16) Societal needs V.s. the economy – The Welfare State Welfare state: government ensures that all people have a minimum standard of living and are provided some protection from hardships resulting from unemployment, sickness, disability, and old age. Represented by government funded and subsidized services Critics view the welfare state as substantially increasing the tax burden that people face and contributing to government deficits and debt. Societal needs V.s. the economy – The Welfare State What are examples of Canada’s Welfare State? “it pays to supply a welfare state even if we are paying more taxes” ………Do you agree? Do you think the current welfare system is proficient? Child tax benefits employment insurance Canada Pension Plan old age security health care low income housing Ontario Works / Ontario Disability Support Program ? https://on360.ca/policy-papers/on360-transition-briefings-2022-doing-more-for-those-with-less/ Highest total welfare incomes for both unattached single considered employable and the couple with 2 children households were in Quebec Highest unattached single with a disability household was in Alberta Public Policy & Indigenous Communities History of Indigenous people in Canada has been a narrative of colonialism Assimilation Policy Step 1: o To become “civilized” and “normalized,” the “Indians” were expected to learn Euro-Canadian values, behaviours, and institutions. o Colonial officials aided this process by systematically weakening band leadership, destroying Indian trading patterns, and banning religious ceremonies and other traditional practices. o Children would be sent to Residential schools to learn English and convert to Christianity Assimilation Policy Step 2: o Once the Indigenous way of life was wiped out, the colonial governments planned to dismantle the reserves. o Move Indigenous into “mainstream society” Assimilation Policy Why do you think such a policy was created? Creation of an “Indian Agent” established in the early 1870s responsible for implementing government policy on reserves enforcing and administering the provisions of the Indian Act managing the day-to-day affairs of First Nations people.  PM John A. Macdonald introduced in 1879 the Creation of residential schools  Between 1883 and 1996, almost 150,000 First Nations, Metis, and Inuit children had attended residential schools “When the school is on the reserve the child lives with its parents, who are savages; he is surrounded by savages. Indian children should be withdrawn as much as possible from the parental influence.” A Lost Heritage: Canada's Residential Schools: http://archives.cbc.ca/society/native_issues/topics/692/ Public Policy Changes NEW: Public Policy Changes E-know.ca November 27, 2022 Indigenous jurisdiction over child welfare legislation passed Following Royal The Indigenous Self-Government in Child and Family Assent, on Dec 22, Services Amendment Act makes B.C. the first 2022, First Nation jurisdiction in Canada to recognize an inherent right of Land Management self-government specifically in provincial legislation, which will help keep Indigenous children and youth Act, a federal safely connected to their families, cultures and legislation allowing communities, a Nov. 25 Ministry of Children and Family First Nations to Development media release stated. develop their own laws about land use, “The legislative amendments remove barriers and gaps within provincial legislation, enabling the the environment, and province and Indigenous peoples to collaborate and natural resources on ensure Indigenous peoples can govern and provide reserve services based on their own child and family laws,” the ministry explained. The new act lays the path for Indigenous peoples in B.C. to legally assume jurisdiction over child and family services in their communities. Break – 15 minutes Democracy and Democratic Government Democracy and Democratic Government Mintz et el 2021 state that the, “The term democracy comes from the ancient Greek words that can be translated as “rule by the people”.” …the “ideal is that all adult citizens have an equal and effective voice in the decisions of the political communities to which they belong” (Mintz et el, 2021). By involving the population as a whole, better politics may result because more views can be taken into account. “By guaranteeing political rights and freedoms, liberal democracy ensures that individuals can express their views, organize to influence the laws and policies of government, and have a free and informed choice in elections.” (Mintz et el, 2021) \ Democracy … historical context Direct Democracy: a system in which citizens make the governing decisions Citizens of Athens (not including women, slaves and 4 th born) met in an open assembly 10 X a year After discussions where the citizens could participate, decisions governing this political community were made by votes by those who were present Greek philosopher, Plato (ca. 428-347 BCE), viewed “democracy as involving leaders of the mass of people plundering the rich and distributing some of their wealth. Aristotle (Plato’s student) examined 158 political communities: Ruled by a single person Ruled by a few Ruled by the many Aristotle concluded that if the rulers worked toward the common good and governed in a lawful manner, it didn’t matter VS. Working for own interest Democracy … historical context Rule by Lawful rule for the common good Arbitrary rule for the ruler’s own interests One Kingship Tyranny Two Aristocracy Oligarchy Many Polity Democracy Aristocracy: rule by a virtuous few Oligarchy: rule by the wealthy Polity: the rule by many could be good if they followed laws and governed for the good of all (opposite of Oligarchy) Direct democracy: A system in which citizens themselves make the governing decisions Representative Democracy: Citizens elect representatives to the legislature to make decisions on their behalf. The Development of Democracy French 1275 England’s 509-27 BCE Revolution 1st parliament. Democracy 1789-1799 American 1832 & 1867 Roman Revolution Reform Act ideals revived Challenged the Republic “divine right” (1775-1783) House of (direct 1640 by the Commons put 510 BCE Levellers in of Kings. Republic with democracy in Brought the different forms limits on power Athenian its England: of monarch. 2016 idea of rule by of government Democracy in assembles). demanded all independent the people and (legislative, adversary board Greece males be able the human Powerful executive and provides PM with to vote in right to judicial) I.e. Senator Senate English freedom and appointment Aristotle’s replace with Parliament equality to ideas recommendations an Emperor political. decisions The Development of Democracy Representative democracy became leading form of democracy in contemporary work Elites of society feared that not including the working class could result in a revolution Suffragette movement led to right of women to vote and hold office New Zealand 1893 Italy 1925, Greece 1952, France Women’s right to vote on the same basis as 1944Men in National Elections, Australia 1901 Selected countries Pakistan and Egypt 1956 Finland 1906 Iran 1963 Denmark 1915 Switzerland 1971 Russia 1918 Kuwait 2005 Canada and Germany 1918 (Indigenous Women United Arab Emirates 2006 1955) Saudi Arabia 2015 United States 1920 United Kingdom 1928 Liberal Democracy Mintz et el 2021 defines liberal democracy as, “A political system that combines the liberal ideas of limited government, individual freedom, and the rule of law with a democratic system of governing based on the election process” “Power of government is supported by the majority of the people” … but is still “liable to be abused”. Four Principals of Liberal Democracy 1. Limits placed on what government can do, cannot rule in an arbitrary manner… must follow laws and procedures. 2. Individual freedom to express views, criticize governments, organize for political action 3. Political communication in media free of government control 4. Candidates and parties can freely compete for power Political Pluralism Independent centres of power that questions what the government does and compete to influence government. o Unions o Education institutions o Businesses o Media o Social movements The Rule of Law “a government of law and not of men” – John Adams, 2nd president of USA Places limits on government Government required to act in accordance with the law 3 Rule of Law conditions: 1. The law is known or knowable to all 2. The law applies equally to all 3. The government who makes the law has to abide by the law (independent court system free of from political pressure) Plebiscitary Democracy Plebiscitary democracy After voting for Democratic deficit Seek to modify /greater representative, voters Low trust in direct citizen are usually not involved government, increased involvement in making in decision making protest activity, feeling government decisions process of “little influence” (referendums, recall elections, citizens’ initiative) Plebiscitary Democracy Referendum – a vote by citizens on a particular issue or law. Referendums give countries an outcome that a majority of the population say that they think they want in the future. (i.e., 93.5% of Quebecers voted in the 1995 referendum on whether Quebec should become an independent country) Citizens’ Initiatives – by obtaining a large number of petition signatures, citizens have the right to form a government proposal Recall – citizens remove representatives from office and Seek re-election before the term is over Plebiscitary Democracy “A good democracy tries to serve a sustainable consensus of the population and not the reflexive demands for easy answers. In the UK, up until now, our politics has been famed for its blessed moderation.....Leaving the EU is not our biggest problem. Turning the UK into a plebiscitary democracy is the real threat.” (The Article, October 25, 2019) Do referendums break democracies? Should greater participation of the people be encouraged in democratic countries such as Canada? If yes, How should this be achieved? Deliberative Democracy “A political system in which decisions are made based on discussion by citizens rather than by elected representatives alone” How are deliberative democracy decisions made? What are the benefits?  Brings citizens into decision making through discussions vs. only through election vote  Involves discussions and deliberation about political issues by the elected representative who have the time, knowledge and experience to devote to the topic: public consultation, i.e. hearings  Suggests that government decisions should be based on discussion by free and equal citizens.  Through the deliberative democracy process, it is hoped that people will become better informed and more active citizens.  Local level participation of citizens, face to face dialogue giving local communities some responsibility for the management of decisions related to rivers, forests, costal fisheries, etc.  Collaboration to create policies that are for the common good. What makes government DEMOCRATIC? 1. Accountability – held responsible for actions and inactions 2. Transparency – obligation to provide timely access to information and to operate visibly 3. Public Participation – ensures responsiveness to the people 4. Responsiveness – public poling, consultations, petitioning Citizen’s Jury – a randomly selected group of people who come together and deliberate in order to make important recommendations about particular issues. Democracy and the Nation-State 1. Democracy works best in a political community where there is a common a. Identity b. Culture values c. Ideals d. Sense of partnership with other citizens… common good of the community 2. In countries (Canada, Belgium, Switzerland) that are divided by language, culture, religion, class, regional divisions etc., the “diversity helps to create a more vibrant democracy because of different perspectives that can be brought into political discussions” (Mintz et el, 2021) 3. In countries with some of these sharp divisions, avoid strict application of the principle of majority rule i.e get broad consensus among different groups about major issues and that different groups are represented in government (ensure minority groups do not feel dominated by the majority) 4. Adopt a Federal System of government for different cultural groups that are geographically concentrated (provincial level self-government for some important decisions) How do countries become less democratic? Egypt, a democratic regime overthrown by violence – a coup or a revolution – and replaced with an authoritarian one. Why was the democratic government toppled? 1. Fear it would lead to disorder or that it would be controlled by their opponents 2. The democratic elected leader undermines and even extinguishes democracy 3. Norm erosion: an unwritten rule that sets out unofficial standards of behaviour and is accepted by and binding on all participants in a given institution or process. For example, a. you respect your opponent even if you disagree with them (legitimate political actor) b. You do not use every instrument at your disposal to gain a particular advantage over your opponent. Limits to what is fair. Non-democratic vs. Democratic Regimes Democracy Parties lose elections. Winners and losers. Elections held freely and fairly and that all adults can vote, have access to information, and meet with others to discuss public affairs. 5 principles: Non-democratic regimes accountability, participation, Bulk of people have no practical say in pluralism, rule of law and who governs them, which makes transparency. government by the people impossible. Non-Democratic Regimes Norm – an unwritten rule of behaviour standards that is accepted by all participants in a given process. Regime – broad term to describe a political system, i.e. who is accountable, who has access to and influence with the government, how government interacts with citizens. Examples include dictatorship, absolute and democratic monarchies: Saudi Arabia has an absolute monarchy whereas Canada, Britain and Sweden have democratic constitutional monarchies. Authoritarian Regimes – absolute rule, people do not choose their government or influence decisions Hybrid Regimes – a mix of democratic and authoritarian systems. Typically gain / keep power through electoral fraud, corruption, etc. Types of Authoritarian Regimes Totalitarian Systems – seeks to control all aspects of life within a country 1. An official ideology 2. Single mass party led by a dictator (no more than 10% of the population) 3. Police state used to terrorize the population 4. Control over all mass communication 5. Control over all means of armed combat 6. Economy planned and controlled by the party *Past Example – Nazi Germany *Current Examples - Eritrea (Africa) and North Korea Types of Dictatorships Absolute monarchy – king or queen has total power Personal Dictatorship – single ruler Party Dictatorship – controlled by one party Military Dictatorship – run by military Theocratic Dictatorship – run by religious elites Hegemonic Party Regimes have opposition parties, however than cannot win because the government ensures that the ruling party does not lose. Summary: Non-Democratic government In 2018, over half of the world’s countries are governed by non-democratic regimes. Two (2) main characteristics of non-democratic regimes 1. A limited number of people decide on the right to determine what constitute the common good: the common good is less what is good for everyone than what the rulers believe is good. 2. Coercion is more likely used as a normal governing instrument than in democracies. Governments are unelected and unaccountable and do not fear the judgment of its citizens. No need to convince it’s citizens that an action is good for the country; it is enough to declare it so and punish those who object. Non-democratic regemes do not and cannot offer their citizens the rights and freedoms and opportunities to govern themselves that all democracies make available. Democracy aims to be ruled by the people. Non-democratic governments aim only to rule the people. Reminder: Final Essay is due Wed November 13, 2024 at 6:05pm