1. Democracy?
Is Democracy Evil?

2. Traditional Democratic Theory
Democracy should fulfill the following:
Equality in Voting- My vote equals Obamas vote
Effective participation- equal opportunity
Enlightened Understanding- must have ideas with the freedom to express
Citizen Control Agenda- government policy
Inclusion- must include and extend rights to everyone
Majority/Minority

3. 2 Types of Democracy Direct/Pure Democracy
“Rule by the people”
“…and to the REPUBLIC for which it stands.
Direct/Pure
Democracy
Indirect Democracy (Republic)
Ancient Greek Style – All “citizens” had a vote. 1 2 3 4
4 different ways we look at our country’s republic

4. Direct/Pure Democracy
In a democracy (Athenian-pure-direct) the Idol Judges have no say. The masses have total power to “judge or determine right.” WE
WANT
SANJAYA!

5. Republic (Indirect Democracy)
WE DON’T! WE
WANT
SANJAYA!
Republics don’t allow the people’s voice to directly affect the government. Their voice has to go through elected representatives.

6. Democratic Theory 1. Majoritarian Democracy
The people’s voice SHOULD directly impact the government.
RECALL: An election to “un-elect” a government official
REFERENDUM: Legislation is put on the ballot for voters to approve or vote down
INITIATIVE: Same as a referendum but the issue is placed on the ballot by the people (through a petition process) instead of by the government.
Do California’s Props
Make California impossible to govern?

8. #2 Pluralism
Many (plural) groups compete to attempt to influence government policy.

9. Pluralism
Another View

10. Groups with shared interest influence public policy
EX. NRA, NOW-National Organization for Women, UAW-United Auto Workers Compete over control of Policy No one group dominates- all are focused on 1 issue Good or Bad?

11. #3 Elitism

12. Elite and Class Theory Elitism
1/3 of Nations wealth held by 1 % of Country

13. Stop screaming and you can have two!
#4 Hyperpluralism
A parent’s job is to make sure the kids are healthy.
What if the kids (Interest Groups) were more powerful than the parent (the Government)?
Stop screaming and you can have two!
If you say you love me… OK
Stop crying
Fine
I want...
I want...
I want...
I want...
I want...

14. Hyper-Pluralism
Pluralism Gone Wrong
Strength in interest groups = weakness in government
Too many suggestions
Politicians refuse to compromise and try to please everyone

15. 2 Types of Democracy Direct/Pure Democracy
“Rule by the people”
“…and to the REPUBLIC for which it stands.
Direct/Pure
Democracy
Indirect Democracy (Republic)
Ancient Greek Style – All “citizens” had a vote. 1 2 3 4
Majoritarian
Pluralist
Elitist
Hyperpluralist

17. Challenges to Democracy
Two Many Experts
Limited Participation
Campaign Cost
Too many interest
Policy Gridlock- 2 many cars on road

18. Why do we keep Democracy?
Political Culture-
Motivates people to demand freedom and a responsive government
1. Liberty- “Give me liberty of give me death” “Better dead then red”
Does our government set us up to play along?
Traditions
Iraq?

19. Political Culture- Laissez-Faire
Promote Free Market and Limited Government “Invisible Hands”

20. Egalitarianism- “We hold thee truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.”
Are we all Equal?

21. Political Culture- Egalitarianism

22. Political Culture
Populism- support the rights of the average person, against the privileged elites.

23. People should and can get ahead on their own.
Individualism
People should and can get ahead on their own.

24. Culture War
Polarization- so upset with rival group, intense commitment to one side