Meaning of Democracy

Question 1

Greek meaning of democracy?

Answer 1

Demos (people)

Kratos (rule)

Question 2

Lincoln

Answer 2

Gettysburg Address - government by the people for the people

Question 3

Crick

Answer 3

Democracy is the most promiscuous word in public affairs

Question 4

Dahl

Answer 4

Democracy is polyarchy - New Haven study

Question 5

Marx

Answer 5

Democracy is an agent of the bourgeoisie to satisfy the proletariat

Question 6

Schumpeter

Answer 6

‘Democracy means only that the people have the opportunity of accepting or refusing the men who are to rule them’

Question 7

Gramsci

Answer 7

Ideological hegemony of the ruling classes to maintain veil of ignorance on proletariat

Question 8

Popper

Answer 8

Philosopher Kings concept is inherently undemocratic and has been used by some individuals to introduce totalitarian regimes such as Ayatolla Khomeini

Question 9

Mill

Answer 9

Not all political opinions had equal value and rejected the idea of political equality and the most educated should have a vote with stronger weighting

Question 10

Rousseau

Answer 10

Democracy is a method of government that allows for government by the ‘general will’ as people express consent (albeit tacit) through social contract