October 23, Slides 4-6 Flashcards
What is the “iron law of oligarchy”?
Robert Michels’ “iron law of oligarchy” posits that no large organization, including political parties, can remain truly democratic. A politically dominant class or minority will inevitably emerge, centralizing power within the organization.
Why does Michels’ “iron law” challenge the concept of democracy?
If political parties, essential for mass democracy, inherently create oligarchies, it raises the question of whether we can truly consider mass democracies to be democratic.
What conditions must be met for elections to be fair and democratic?
According to Tossutti et al., elections must ensure adult citizens have the opportunity to vote, all votes count equally, and candidates and parties can freely present their platforms to voters.
Why are elections vital in a democracy?
Elections provide a mechanism for citizens to express their political will, hold leaders accountable, and ensure peaceful transfers of power in representative democracies.
How does access to voting impact democratic legitimacy?
Limited or unequal access to voting undermines democratic legitimacy by excluding portions of the population, skewing representation, and weakening trust in the electoral process.
What role do political parties play in democracy?
Political parties aggregate diverse interests, provide candidates for elections, and serve as a link between the government and the public, essential for functioning representative democracies.
What is a critique of political parties in mass democracies?
Critics like Robert Michels argue that parties, while necessary, often become undemocratic internally due to the concentration of power within elite groups.
What challenges do political parties face in upholding democracy?
Parties must balance their internal structures and operations with broader democratic principles, ensuring they represent diverse interests and maintain accountability to voters.
How do elections contribute to political accountability?
Elections hold leaders accountable by giving citizens the power to evaluate their performance and decide whether they deserve to remain in office or be replaced.
Why is equal vote weight essential in a democracy?
Equal vote weight ensures fairness in representation, preventing certain groups or regions from having disproportionate influence over political outcomes.
What is the relationship between voter participation and democratic legitimacy?
High voter participation strengthens democratic legitimacy by demonstrating public engagement and confidence in the electoral process, whereas low turnout may signal disenfranchisement or dissatisfaction.
