Democracy & Totalitarianism

Political and Social Ideologies A political ideology is an organized collection of ideas and values that describes a political system, movement, or way of thinking. When shared by many people, a political ideology can motivate individuals, parties, NGO’s and governments.   Although you may agree with some aspects of certain ideologies you may not necessarily agree with every policy outlined (ie. you may consider yourself to be a liberal thinker and yet you may not agree with other liberals on every issue or ideological value). The imaginary line or circle that represents one’s political views is called the political spectrum. The concept of the right-left political spectrum dates back to the French Revolution (1789). Elected conservative politicians sat to the right of the speaker’s chair while liberal representatives sat to the left.

Democracy Democracy comes from the Greek root words of DEMOS & KRATOS. Demos means the people. Kratos means the power or the strength. So Democracy literally means the power of the people.

8 Key Elements of Democracy The Rule of Law All people are equal under the law The law is applied equally to everyone 2. Political Equality Equal opportunity among all citizens 3. The “Common Good” Focus on more than just yourself 4. Human Dignity Care and concern for all members of society

7. Mutual Respect for Differences 8. Being Informed/Getting Involved 5. Personal Freedoms   6. Political Freedom Vote without fear or intimidation Speak out, even against the government Run for office 7. Mutual Respect for Differences 8. Being Informed/Getting Involved Democracy works best when citizens are knowledgeable and active The enemies of democracy: ignorance and apathy

Totalitarianism A modern style of government in which the state involves itself in all facets of society, including the daily life of its citizens. A totalitarian government seeks to control not only all economic and political matters but also the attitudes, values, and beliefs of its population. The goal of the state is to create a perfect society.

The elements of a totalitarian government: An official ideology to which general adherence was demanded, the ideology intended to achieve a ‘perfect final stage of mankind‘ A single mass party, hierarchically organised, closely interwoven with the state bureaucracy and typically led by one man Monopolistic control of the armed forces A similar monopoly of the means of effective mass communication A system of terroristic police control Central control and direction of the entire economy