Theories of democracy

Mr. Hector Ocampo

Traditional Theories of Democracy

Five principles Equality in voting-> one

person one vote Effective participation->

citizens must have adequate and equal opt. to express their preferences

Enlightened understanding -> democratic society should be a marketplace of ideas, no distorting of info

Traditional Theories of Democracy (Cont.)

Citizen control of the agenda-> citizens should have control over government’s policy agenda. One group should not control the agenda, Doing so distorts the agenda and does not represent what others hold as valuable

Inclusion-> the government must include, and extend rights to, all those subject to its laws. Citizenship must be open to all within a nation if the nation is to call itself democratic

CFU

What are the 5 qualities of traditional democracy?

3 Contemporary Theories of American Democracy

Pluralism

Elitism

Hyperpluralism

Pluralism

Pluralism -> the belief that the policymaking process is very open to participation of all groups with shared interests, with no single group dominating

American politics is dispersed so groups that lose in one area can succeed in another (civil rights in the 1950’s)

Putnam bowling example

Are more people practicing politics alone?

CFU

What is the core belief of pluralism?

Elitism

The belief that an upper-class elite holds the power and makes policy, regardless of the formal governmental organization

Over one-third of the nation’s wealth is held by the top 1% of the population

More money to finance campaigns

Big business is at the center of this theory

Middle and lower class => whisper

Upper-class => roar

CFU

What is the core belief in elitism?

Hyperpluralism

The belief that competing groups are so strong that government is weakened

Political tug of war

Fragmented government amplifies this phenomenon

Example: taking cases to the court after Congress passes on them

Trying to please everyone

CFU

What is at the core of hyperpluralism?

Exit Ticket

List the 3 theories of American democracy? Which theory do you believe applies the most to our current form of democracy? Why?