1 - Democracy Flashcards
What is meant by power?
Political power is the ability to control the behavior of people and/or influence the outcome of events. Political power enables people or groups to control the policies, functions, and culture of society.
What is meant by authority?
Political authority grants members of a government the right to rule over citizens using coercion if necessary (i.e., political legitimacy), while imposing an obligation for the citizens to obey government orders (i.e., political obligation).
What is meant by legitimacy?
Legitimacy is the belief that the government does things in terms of policy and law-making that are acceptable to the citizens of that state.
What is the nature of democracy?
Cornerstones of democracy include freedom of assembly, association, property rights, freedom of religion and speech, inclusiveness and equality, citizenship, consent of the governed.
What is meant by direct democracy?
Direct democracy or pure democracy is a form of democracy in which the electorate decides on policy initiatives without elected representatives as proxies
What is meant by representative democracy?
Representative democracy means people participate indirectly in the decision-making process. They choose their representatives through an election process.
What are some strengths of direct democracy?
Every vote carries the same weight in a direct democracy.
Each person is responsible for taking actions that improve their quality of life.
People are typically happier when they live in a direct democracy.
What are some drawbacks of direct democracy?
The cost of a direct democracy must be taken into consideration.
Most decisions in a direct democracy are based on self-interest.
High levels of instability are common in direct democracies.
What are some strengths of representative democracy?
People still have a say in how their government operates
It simplifies the decision-making process
It provides thorough representation of the general public
What are some drawbacks of representative democracy?
Trust is required to make this government structure work
It is still a costly form of government
The majority still rules at the expense of the minority
What are some current system examples of direct democracy?
Switzerland - policy is shaped and formed with tools like initiatives and referendums. Both ideas give citizens power and control over the legislative direction.
What are some current system examples of representative democracy?
Canada
USA
UK
Similarities between direct and representative democracy?
People are sought after to have their opinions expressed.
Legislature that represents their views.
Differences between direct and representative democracy?
In direct democracy, the people decide on policies without any intermediary or representative, whereas in a representative democracy people vote for representatives who then enact policy initiatives.
