Liberal Democracy

Question 1

Principals of a liberal democracy

Answer 1

• Equality of Political Rights
• Majority Rule
• Political Participation
• Political Freedom
• Rule of Law

Question 2

Define Liberal Democracy

Answer 2

A view that the ideal political system should combine majoritarian democracy with the protection of the legal and social rights of individuals and minority groups

Question 3

Equality of political rights

Answer 3

• All individuals have the same right to vote, run for office, serve on a jury, speak on public issues and carry other public functions
• In most liberal democracies this was only achieved in early 20th century (woman and ethnic minorities)
• Attained incrementally (men’s suffrage)

Question 4

Majority rule

Answer 4

• Relies on the previous principal of political equality
• Electoral systems use different principals to measure a majority especially in circumstances where no candidate achieves 50% of the vote.
• Majority form government, shouldn’t ignore minority

Question 5

Political participation

Answer 5

• Low barriers to enter political arena
• Freedom of candidates and parties to campaign to mobilise support
• High rates of voter turnout at election
• At least 2 political parties with significant representation in parliament

Question 6

Political Freedom

Answer 6

• Of Speech
• Of Press
• Of Association
• Of Assembly and Peaceful Protest
• Of Religion and Religious Practices
• Of Thought and Belief
• Of Language, Identity and Cultural Expression

Question 7

Rule of Law

Answer 7

• Law applies equally to all citizens, the law also pal lies to those who make law or enact law
• Must be a method for holding governments accountable
• Citizens are equal before the law
• Law must be clear and understandable
• Law itself is an entity, not to be discarded it ignored

Question 8

Common Features of a Liberal Democracy

Answer 8

• No single package common to all western liberal democracies, institutions and processes vary among countries
• An acceptance that all citizens are endowed with personal liberties and rights
• Rule of law
• judicial institutions and procedures
• strong private market sector of the economy
• freedom of citizens to engage in political activity