Mass democracy

Question 1

Progression of democracy from the French Revolution to mass democracy?

Answer 1

1. Before: Less people participate in politics.
   Smaller communities. Only property owners = rich men possible to vote
2. More people of different classes, and different social states = participate in politics. Because of Industrial Revolution, more issues were discussed in politics, and people became more politically active and built political collectives.
3. Communication (through travel, train, telegraph)
   > Spread political messages through (flyers, reading groups, etc.)

Question 2

What is Mass democracy?

Answer 2

1. The moment when lowest classes get included in politics = have the possibility to vote.
2. Mass is voting on political parties.
3. Totalitarian Democracy: Based on the Blueprint of political ideals (communist rev., the active citizen, etc.) Doesn‘t work with the idea of individual protections
4. Political parties represent what most people think, cannot fully represent your own opinion.

Question 3

Consequences of Mass Democracy?

Answer 3

1. Political parties become more structural and controlled.
2. Biggest political power = becoming the main target.
3. With the introduction of urbanization due to industrialisation, lower-class people started to be included in the democratic system, but due to the fact that their education was significantly lacking, emotion was used to propagate politics, since it was a universal way of understanding.
4. The need for more education. More educated people = more rational
5. The rise of education, urbanization, industrialization (more people got together and share ideas), several labour and feminist movements, rising living standards, mass media, and new means of communication and transportation were all reasons that lead to a growing popular opinion and the involvement of the masses.