L 3&4 Direct democracy

Question 1

Democracy

Answer 1

A government in which the majority of governing power is in the hands of the people

Question 2

Direct Democracy

Answer 2

a form of democracy in which the people decide and vote

Question 3

Citizenship in Athens

Answer 3

In Athenian law, a citizen was someone born from citizen parents.

Question 4

Assembly

Answer 4

the regular opportunity for all male citizens of Athens to speak their minds and exercise their votes regarding the government of their city.

Question 5

Council of 500

Answer 5

The Council of 500 represented the full-time government of Athens.

Question 6

Referendum

Answer 6

A direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to vote on ONE proposal ( 51% needed to pass)

Question 7

Politics definition

Answer 7

the activities of government, members of law-making organizations, or people who try to influence the way a country is governed

Question 8

Tyranny of the majority

Answer 8

A situation in which a government or other authority democratically supported by a majority of its subjects makes policies or takes actions benefiting that majority, without regarding the rights and welfare of the rest of its subjects

Question 9

Assumptions for direct democracy

Question 10

Consideration for direct democracy

Question 11

When is the direct democracy contract void?

Question 12

Strengths of direct democracy

Answer 12

Citizens have the right to vote and therefore most have a voice/power.

Citizens have a lot of freedom & political power (they ARE the politicians)

The “majority” is heard, given power

Citizens usually feel more “involved” and “responsible” for their society compared representative democracies or monarchies.

Media has a lot of power – they can act as a check and balance

Question 13

weakness of direct democracy

Answer 13

None exist today – difficult in reality, particularly in large countries

Lots of disagreement (conflict)

Not time and resource efficient

There can be tyranny in the majority - (Views of the minority may not be represented) also, the less knowledgeable or aware might not be able to contribute appropriately

Citizens have the political power (they ARE the politicians) – BUT this means they may not always be as well informed on political topics as full time politicians because they may have other jobs etc – impact on decisions?

Media has a lot of power – can spread false or harmful ideas for selfish purposes (“fake news”)

Question 14

What did the Swiss referendum on minarets reveal about direct democracy