An Introduction to Democracy

Two key questions will guide our study of American democracy: Who governs? –Those who govern will affect us. To what ends? –How will government affect our lives?

American Government and Politicians in Context Why does such a gap persist between our image of the ideal politician and our views about actual politicians? Bush’s Approval Ratings

Defining Democracy Democracy Government by the people, either directly or indirectly, with free and frequent elections Direct Democracy Government in which citizens vote on laws and select officials more directly Representative Democracy (a.k.a. a Republic) Government that derives its powers indirectly from the people, who elect those who will govern Constitutional Democracy Government that enforces recognized limits on those who govern and allows the voice of the people to be heard through free, fair, and relatively frequent elections

Democracy as a System of Interacting Values Equality of Opportunity Popular Consent Personal Liberty Respect for the Individual These basic values of democracy do not always co-exist happily

Democracy as a System of Interrelated Political Processes Free and fair elections Majority rule Freedom of expression The right to assemble and protest Citizens standing in line to vote

Democracy as a System of Interdependent Political Structures The five distinctive elements of the U.S. constitutional system Federalism Separation of Powers Bicameralism Checks and Balances Bill of Rights

The Paradox of Democracy When the German people voted Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party into power, did majority rule give the Nazis free rein to restrict the individual liberties of the people? The paradox of democracy balances the principle of majority rule against the principle of individual liberty.

Democracy Around the World Recent American-encouraged democratic elections in countries such as Lebanon and Palestine have produced results with which America was not pleased Plus, democracy in Iraq has not, as of yet, produced the effects our government originally intended

Freedom and Democracy around the World In 1950, there were 22 democracies. In 2000, 120 countries were considered democracies.

4 Theories of Government 1. Marxist theory: Those who own the means of production (the capitalists), controlling the economic system, will control the government

4 Theories of Government (cont’d) 2. Elite Theory: Societies are divided along class lines and an upper class elite will rule and make all important decisions, despite the formal organization of govt. –This elite originally consisted of a coalition of corporate leaders, top military officials, and a few elected officials –Now some also add major media owners, top labor union officials, and heads of major interest groups

4 Theories of Government (cont’d) 3. Bureaucratic theory: Appointed civil servants (career government workers) control the government, without consulting the public. –These civil servants don’t just implement policies, they make them to suit their own needs and interests

4 Theories of Government (cont’d) 4. Pluralist view: Competition among all affected interests shapes public policy decision-making –It’s impossible for just a few elite groups to dominate because today political resources are so widely scattered and available Hyperpluralism: theory that groups are so strong that govt. is weakened to the point of not being able to act

Who Really Governs in a Democracy? Pluralistic View The belief that democracy can be achieved in a large, complex society by competition, bargaining, and compromise among organized groups, and that individuals can participate in decision making through membership in these groups and by choosing among parties and candidates in elections Elitist View Believes that complex decisions need to be made free of public pressure. The masses should be “spectators” in the process

Who Really Governs in a Democracy? “Government is always government by the few, whether in the name of the few, the one, or the many” -Harold Lasswell (political scientist) Public Opinion about Who Runs the Country Would you say the government is pretty much run by a few big interests looking out for themselves or that it is run for the benefit of all the people?