Theories of DemocracyAP Government and Politics: Chapter 1

Adapted from: Michael P. Fix

Theories of Democracy (?)It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except for all the others that have been tried.

The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.

- - Churchill

What is Democracy?Photo from freerepublic.com

What is Democracy?

What is Democracy?Photo from whitehouse.gov

What is Democracy?All pictures from www.nytimes.com

What is Democracy?Picture from www.freefoto.com

What is Democracy?Photo from supremecourtus.gov

What is Democracy?Certain basic principles are necessary in any definition of democracy.Free and fair elections between competing political partiesHow do we define free, fair and/or a legitimate competition?Majority rule while preserving minority rightsFreedom of expression within limitsCan you flip off a cop?Freedom of assembly and the right to protest

3 Types of DemocracyDirect DemocracyAka Participatory DemocracyRepresentative DemocracyAka RepublicsElite DemocracyAka Revisionist Democracy

Direct Democracy demokratiaRule by the peopleBuilt on the Athenian model.Still present in US town hall meetings.A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine. - JeffersonIs this practical in modern America?Problems, solutions

Representative DemocracyDelegate representationCitizens elect political leaders who will represent their preferences.Majoritarian politics: when leaders know what the people want, and act accordinglyAssumptions:Voters are aware.Voters are rational.Voters are tolerant.Voters are informed.

Representative DemocracyProblems:Tyranny of the MajorityExamples in US history?Complexity of IssuesYou just dont understand...Utility of votingDoes it matter?

Elitist Democracyaka, The Masses are A#%esWhat does this mean?Trustee RepresentationVoters should select those most able to run the government and trust that they will make the best decisions, relatively independently.Only elites should have any real power over government policy.Who are these elites?Most individuals are too ignorant, unaware, or apathetic to have an informed role.Democracy consists of choosing your dictators, after they've told you what you think it is you want to hear.- Alan Coren

Delegate vs. TrusteeAt what times, or for which issues, should our elected officials act as delegates?

When should they only act as trustees?

Can we agree on these points?

Who (Really) Has the Power?Marxists perceive that government is dominated by capitalists.Examples from US history to refute?The Power elite perspective holds that government is dominated by a few top leaders, but not just economic leaders, Most are outside of government; Eisenhowers MIC would fit hereThe bureaucratic view holds that the government is dominated by appointed officials.Why/how would bureaucrats rule from the desk?

Eisenhower Farewell Speech (1961)

PluralismA more optimistic viewPluralist view is the belief that competition among all affected interests shapes public policy.How are political resources distributed?No single group dominates the political process. Competing interests often check each other, result is compromiseWin-Win, or Lose-Lose?

Public Opinion Is the United States a representative or elitist democracy?Public opinion shows that a majority of Americans believe that government serves the interests of a few elites.