robert dahl on democracy Flashcards
initial reason why to choose a democratic govt
some goals cant be attained on ones own, but people can form an assoc. to realize the goals togeth. the assoc. needs a constitution, whose contents will be voted on democratically
principle of the constitution
for the const. (set of rules and principles to determine how the assoc. decisions will be made), all members will be considered to be politically equal (equally qualified in participating in process of making decisions abt the assoc.’s policies)
dahls 5 criteria for democratic process, eg standards to meet req. that all members are equally qualified to participate in the assoc. policy decisions
1) effective participation
2) voting equality
3) enlightened understanding
4) control of the agenda
5) inclusion of adults
effective partcipation
Before a policy is adopted, all members must have equal and effective opportunities to make their views known to the other members as to what they think the policy should be
voting equality
When the time comes to decide on whether to enact a policy, all members must have equal and effective means by which to vote, and all votes must be equal
enlightened understanding
Within reasonable time limits, each member must have equal and effective opportunity to learn about alternative policy options and their likely consequences.
Control of the agenda
Members must have exclusive opportunity to decide how, and what, matters will be placed on the agenda. The policies are always open to change by the members; the democratic process is never closed.
Inclusion of adults
All adults (except transients [non-permanent residents] and those deemed mentally defective) should have the full rights of citizenship outlined in the other 4 criteria
application of the 5 criteria for states
it is unlikely that a state will ever measure up perfectly to all 5, but it is a useful measure/guide for institutions and states. it’s an IDEAL form of dem. governing, but not the actual form
reasons to choose democracy: avoiding tyranny
Having one all powerful leader who seeks their own goals can be very damaging, and lead to war/famine/disease. though tyranny of the majority is a legitimate concern, dem. methods seem better than anything else to do the least harm to its citizens
reasons to choose democracy: fundamental rights
dem is inherently about rights. to meet certain standards, citizens MUST have rights like equal opportunity to participate and express their views
reasons to choose democracy: personal freedom
it ensures more indiv. freedom than any feasible alternative; even if the state is abolished, it’s likely that groups/people would create a coercive state
reasons to choose democracy: helps ppl protect their interests
dem. ensures you’re able to choose what goals you want, in order of importance. if included in the dem. process, you’re more likely to be able to protect your interests (though that’s up to others as well)
reasons to choose democracy: provides maximum opportunity to choose what laws to live under
if in a group, differing desires will always mean that some ppl can’t do what they want (i want to have someone’s items, but they don’t their things to be stolen). bc everyone is given opp. to have their opinions heard, ppl must come to a consensus regarding the laws/rules
reasons to choose democracy: ability to exercise moral responsibility
exercising moral responsibility requires making decisions based off your moral principles, but if you’re forced to make different decisions, you can’t really be moral. dem. allows you to live under laws of your choosing, meaning you’re mostly free to do what you think is right
