Democratic vs non-democratic systems Flashcards
What are the three negative points of democracy, name the person who said each statement?
1- few are fit to have a say (Aristotle)
2- Ordinary people could abuse power and create a Tyranny of the Majority (De Tocqueville)
3- Democracy is slow, impracticle and costly
What did Winston Churchill say about democracy?
That it is a bad system, but the best one so far.
Name the four types of democracy. 4
1- Liberal/representative/institutional democracy
2- direct democracy
3-deliberative democracy
4-Plebicitary democracy
Explain the Liberal/representative/institutional democracy. Give an example of where it was/is seen
high level of individual freedom.
elect representatives so they make the decisions
Explain the direct democracy. Give an example of where it was/is seen
people would discuss until there’s a consensus. ancient Greece
Explain the Deliberative democracy. Give an example of where it was/is seen.
Decisions made through discussions and consultation with citizens. People went around Quebec and asked how for their opinions. Then made a report.
Explain the plebicitary democracy. Give an example of where it was/is seen.
Referendum, petitions, recall elections. We want a majority of people to say yes, or no.
Referendum 1995 or 1980 for Quebec Sovereignty
What are the 4 things needed to have meaningful elections?
1- universal suffrage: every adult citizens is allowed to vote
2- Information: voters should have access all the information to make a decisions and candidate should be able to give all the information they want about their campaign.
3- Independant comissions: vote count shouldn’t be done by the state.
4. Regular votes: Often opportunity to elect representatives. maximum 4 years in Canada
Who counts the votes in Canada?
Election Canada
How many seats are there in Canada’s house of commons?
338
What are the five things necessary to have a democratic governement?
1- Political Pluralism: diversity of parties and ideas
2- Rules of law: rulers are equally subject to the law as citizens.
3- Accountability: To citizens/civil society (vertical) but also between govenrment officilas (horizontal)
4- Transparency: governement actions are visible
5- Popular participation: people are encourgaed to participate in politia life and governing decisions.
What is the limit to the transparency in governement?
When it could disrupt the security or privacy of people
Name the 6 non-democratic systems.
Totalitarian Absolute monarchies personal dictatorship party dictatorship military dictatorship theocratic dictatorship
Explain what is an absolute monarchy.
absolute power to monarch
no political parties
power inside family line
Explain what is personal dictatorship. example
when someone rules alone in the interests of themselves Syria
Explain what is a party dictatorship.
One single party all the time.
communist party in China
Explain what is a MIlitary Dictatorship. ExampleASK ANNABEL
Military takes over and provides a ruler
Mali
Explain what is a theocratic dictatorship. Example
Religion chooses the ruler.
Iran
Why would some states make a transition toward a democracy?
easier to get along in between democracies.
What is the difference between a transition and a consolidation when it comes to becoming a democracy?
a consolidation is when the system is solidely implanted.
What are the 3 pre-condition to democracy in the modernation theory
culture
education
wealth of the middle class (not resources)
What are the two ways for a state to become democratic?
1- Pacted democracy:
old vs new elites agree on certain rules and a mutual garantee. Example: Aphganistan
2- Grassroots democratic movement:
civil society rises up and takes down authoritarian regime to replace with democratic one.
What is a constitution?
Legal document that establishes the fundamental rules and principles of a country.
Explain the concept of devolution
When the central government in a unitary system gives some legislative power to the regions.
What is the role of the constitution on the cultural level?
tied to political culture, reflection on values, ideas, attitues, customs, traditions and behaviours.
What are the 4 situation in which a constitution can be created?
1- revolution
2- decolonization
3- aftermath of war
4- secession
Explain what it means for a constitution to be created after a revolution. Example.
When there is a political or social change.
American revolution 1774
french revolution 1789
bolshevic 1917
Explain what it means for a constitution to be created throught decolonization. Example.
After sovereignty, the new state will need a constitution.
Canada and britain - 1945 many states
Explain what it means for a constitution to be created after a war. Example.
defeat of a state in war leads to loss of cedit and relevance to old constitution. Now it reflects new balance of power.
Japan and Gernmany after WW2
Explain what it means for a constitution to be created after a secession. Example.
Breakup of a state following the seperation of a region.
Czechoslovakia 1993 - became slovakia and czech republic
What are the the 2 type of non-constitual constitution?
Nominal and facade
What are he characteristics of a nominal constitution? example
it describes and legitimizes but doesnt limit.
most totalitarian regimes - north korea
What are the characteristics of a facade constitution? example.
It is just for show: the provisions are ignored. When the constitution isn’t convenient just change it (authoritarian).
Chile.
Latin america 10 constituions on average
What are the 6 main functions of constitutions? Canada
1- articulating main values
2- defines the structures of major government institutions, limits of legislative, executive and judicial authority
3- divides power between levels of government (provincial and federal)
4- Regulates relations between state and citizens
5- rights and limits of Canadian citizens.
6- a framework for conflict
Give examples of the 4th point: Regulates relations between state and citizens
negative and positive rights
which court does what
What are the two minor functions and pwovisions of the constitution?
serve as a political symbol
specifies a method to ammend the consititution.
What are the two forms of constitutions and explain both?
written/codified: difficult to ammend, court must interpret it. It is physical and rigid. American constitution
Unwritten/uncodified: collection of court rulings,, statutes, and unwritten political practices. Easily ratified and flexible.
What are the 3 parts of the canadian constitution that are wirtten/codified?
1- constitution act of 1867
2- constitution act of 1982
3- canadian charte of rights and freedoms
Give examples of parts of the canadian constitution that are unwritten/uncodified?
Legislative statutes (laws passed) orders-in-council (part of formal constitution) consitutional conventions (customs)
Name the 7 rights we learnt of the canadian charte of rights and freedom. Give a quick explanation of each>
1- fundamental freedom: human rights such as assemble
2- democratic rights: vote, run for representative
3- mobility rights: travel, go anywhere in Canada
4- Legal rights: legal representation, fair trial, silence
5- equality rights: minority representation
6- laguage rights: request being served in french or english - loi 101
7- multiculturalism
How could Canada ammend the constitution before 1982?
Had to go thorught whole process in here, then whole process in England
After 1982, how could Canada ammend the constitution? How many ways and explain one?
5 ways.
7:50
approval house of commons, senate and legislative assembly of at least 7 provinces forming minimum 50% of the population of Canada.
What is the reasonable limit clause?
It is a clause in the constitution that allows to limit the rights and freedom of individuals if they are demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society. As long as respects the nonwithstanding clause.
What is the nonwithstanding clause?
allows to override some rights and freedoms in the consititution, if it isnt in section 2 or 7-15. Must be renewed every five years
What is the concept of judicial review?
courts interepret the legal documents and decide if laws violate constitution.
Why should courts be impartial and separated from the government?
because it is the most important branch of the system. It intereprets and decides if laws are constitutial.
What are the 3 types of law? Explain those we have in Canada. Those we have in Quebec.
Common law. Civil law. Sharia Law (based on the quran) Canada: common law. Quebec: mix common and civil.
Explain what is a unitary system of government.
centralized governement. Central delegates to other levels - making it superior.
Explain what is a federal system of government.
constitution decides who has authority. Central and regional share and divide the power.
Explain what is a confederal system of government.
central only have power because regional let them. Can take it back anytime.
Positive point of a unitary system of government: 5
1- central more likely to work for common good 2- more attention on national issues 3- held accountable by citizens 4- same level of services everywhere 5- no conflict w/regions = efficient
Positive point of federal system of government:4
1- more sensitive needs of population
2- everyone is included, even smaller regions
3- recognition of diversity between regions
4- limits concentration of power
give an example of a confederal system of governement?
European nation
give an example of a federal system of governement?
Canada, brazil, russia, autralia
give an example of a unitary system of governement?
france, uk, japan
What is a constitutional government?
A governement that acts in accordance to established fundamental rules and principles.
Name the two contries that do not have a written constitution.
United-Kingdom and New-Zeeland
