The Conceptual and Theoretical Framework for Expanding the Franchise

Question 1

What are the normative arguments for expanding the franchise based on?

Answer 1

The liberal democratic tradition emphasizing inclusivity, equality, and the intrinsic value of political participation

This tradition supports the idea that more people should have the right to vote as a fundamental democratic principle.

Question 2

What concerns do conservative arguments against universal suffrage typically invoke?

Answer 2

Concerns over stability, political competence, and the potential for mob rule

Conservatives often argue that expanding the right to vote can lead to instability and decision-making by the unqualified majority.

Question 3

True or False: The liberal democratic tradition advocates for excluding certain groups from voting.

Answer 3

False

The liberal democratic tradition advocates for inclusivity and equality in the electoral process.

Question 4

Fill in the blank: Arguments against universal suffrage stem from the _______ tradition.

Answer 4

[conservative]

This tradition often prioritizes stability and order over inclusivity in voting rights.

Question 5

What is a key value emphasized by the liberal democratic tradition in relation to voting?

Answer 5

The intrinsic value of political participation

This value suggests that participating in politics is essential for both individuals and society.

Question 6

What is the core belief of liberal democratic thought regarding individuals and laws?

Answer 6

All individuals should have an equal say in the creation of laws.

This belief emphasizes political equality as a fundamental principle.

Question 7

Who presented the idea of a general will in the context of political equality?

Answer 7

Rousseau

Rousseau’s Social Contract argues that sovereignty should lie with the people.

Question 8

What did the Chartists demand in their People’s Charter of 1838?

Answer 8

Universal male suffrage

This demand was based on the principle of political equality.

Question 9

According to John Stuart Mill, what is political participation considered to be?

Answer 9

A developmental tool

Mill argued it is essential for fostering civic virtue and rational public deliberation.

Question 10

What are the two concepts that are inextricably linked according to the text?

Answer 10

The dignity of man and the destiny of democracy

This connection emphasizes the significance of democratic principles.

Question 11

What is the essence of self-government according to the text?

Answer 11

The right to vote

It is considered the only true safeguard of liberty.

Question 12

Fill in the blank: Rousseau’s Social Contract argues that _______ should lie with the people.

Answer 12

sovereignty

This idea is central to the concept of political equality.

Question 13

True or False: John Stuart Mill believed that political participation is merely a right.

Answer 13

False

Mill viewed political participation as a crucial mechanism for development.

Question 14

What does Locke’s Second Treatise of Government argue about the legitimacy of governments?

Answer 14

Governments derive legitimacy from the consent of the governed

Question 15

Which historical events were influenced by the argument of consent in governance?

Answer 15

American and French Revolutions

Question 16

What was the significance of the Representation of the People Act 1918 in Britain?

Answer 16

It extended the vote to (some) women and more working-class men

Question 17

What principle justified the Representation of the People Act 1918?

Answer 17

Those who contributed to the war effort had a legitimate claim to representation

Question 18

What happens to the legitimacy of a political order when large portions of society are excluded?

Answer 18

The legitimacy of the political order is undermined

Question 19

What historical examples illustrate the loss of legitimacy by governments denying representation?

Answer 19

Selma, Soweto, Paris in 1789, Petrograd in 1917

Question 20

True or False: History shows that governments which deny representation to the people maintain their legitimacy.

Answer 20

False

Question 21

Fill in the blank: Locke’s argument about governance emphasizes the importance of _______.

Answer 21

consent of the governed

Question 22

What do utilitarians such as Bentham and Mill argue regarding franchise expansion?

Answer 22

Broader participation leads to policies reflecting the true interests of the majority, thereby maximizing overall happiness.

Question 23

What is debatable about the assumption that enfranchisement improves governance?

Answer 23

The rise of populist leaders challenges the idea that majority rule necessarily results in policies that enhance collective welfare.

Question 24

What does a government that truly serves its people do?

Answer 24

It does not fear their voice.

Question 25

What is the critique of majoritarian rule?

Answer 25

It is not perfect—nor is any system devised by man.

Question 26

What are the suggested methods to temper populism?

Answer 26

Deepen democracy through education, civic engagement, and a politics that appeals to reason rather than fear.

Question 27

True or False: Democracy's imperfections are preferable to the moral decay of oligarchy.

Answer 27

True

Question 28

Fill in the blank: If we wish to temper populism, we must not retreat from democracy but _______.

Answer 28

[deepen it]

Question 29

What is Robert Dahl's theory of polyarchy?

Answer 29

Polyarchy is rule by many and is the closest approximation to true democracy in the real world.

Question 30

What does Dahl argue about true democracy?

Answer 30

True democracy is an ideal rarely achieved in full.

Question 31

What central concept is crucial to Dahl's polyarchy?

Answer 31

The expansion of the franchise.

Question 32

What does a political system that limits participation represent according to Dahl?

Answer 32

An exclusive oligarchy rather than a democracy.

Question 33

Why is franchise expansion important in a democratic system?

Answer 33

It is an essential structural feature for a functioning democratic system.

Question 34

Fill in the blank: According to Dahl, a political system that is open to competition but limits participation is a _______.

Answer 34

oligarchy

Question 35

True or False: Dahl believes that the expansion of the franchise is merely a moral imperative.

Answer 35

False

Question 36

What does Dahl suggest about competition in a political system?

Answer 36

It does not compensate for the lack of participation.

Question 37

What did Edmund Burke argue about political authority?

Answer 37

Political authority should not be based purely on popular will; it requires tradition, hierarchy, and deference to experience.

Question 38

What did Burke warn against in his writings?

Answer 38

Burke warned against mob rule and the dangers of unchecked popular sovereignty.

Question 39

What historical event illustrated Burke's concerns about mob rule?

Answer 39

The radical phase of the French Revolution, which saw the execution of political opponents.

Question 40

How has Burkean rhetoric been used in political discourse?

Answer 40

It has often justified the exclusion of marginalized groups.

Question 41

What arguments were used during the suffrage debates of the 19th and early 20th centuries?

Answer 41

Arguments about 'stability' were used to resist enfranchising the working classes and women.

Question 42

True or False: There was substantial empirical evidence that working classes and women posed a genuine threat to order during the suffrage debates.

Answer 42

False

Question 43

Fill in the blank: Edmund Burke rejected the idea that governance should be based purely on _______.

Answer 43

popular will

Question 44

What was J.S. Mill's primary concern regarding political participation?

Answer 44

An uneducated majority could lead to demagoguery ## Footnote Mill believed that uninformed voters could be easily manipulated by charismatic leaders.

Question 45

What voting system did J.S. Mill propose?

Answer 45

A plural voting system ## Footnote This system would give educated individuals greater political weight.

Question 46

What does the rejection of Mill's plural voting system indicate?

Answer 46

A broader shift in democratic theory ## Footnote The 20th century favored the principle of one person, one vote.

Question 47

What was Mill's view on plural voting?

Answer 47

An honest attempt to reconcile democratic ideals and political competence ## Footnote Mill aimed to balance the influence of education and responsibility in voting.

Question 48

What principle did the 20th century embrace in contrast to Mill's proposal?

Answer 48

One person, one vote ## Footnote This principle emphasizes equal voting rights for all individuals, regardless of education.

Question 49

True or False: Mill’s plural voting system was a rejection of the people.

Answer 49

False ## Footnote Mill's proposal acknowledged that political power should be informed by responsibility and understanding.

Question 50

Fill in the blank: Mill's plural voting system suggests that power should be weighted by _______.

Answer 50

[responsibility and understanding] ## Footnote This reflects Mill's belief in the need for informed decision-making in governance.

Question 51

How did Mill compare the selection of a ship's captain to political voting?

Answer 51

A captain should not be chosen by the crew to avoid disaster due to inexperience ## Footnote This analogy emphasizes the importance of competence in leadership.

Question 52

What is a potential consequence of an uneducated voting majority, according to Mill?

Answer 52

Demagoguery ## Footnote Mill feared that uneducated voters could be misled by persuasive leaders.

Question 53

What is Joseph Schumpeter's view on democracy?

Answer 53

Democracy should be a competition between elites rather than a system where the masses directly shape policy. ## Footnote This perspective is detailed in Schumpeter's work 'Capitalism, Socialism, and Democracy'.

Question 54

What type of democracy does Schumpeter advocate for?

Answer 54

An elite model of democracy. ## Footnote This model contrasts with participatory ideals.

Question 55

What historical practices have been justified by Schumpeter's elite model of democracy?

Answer 55

Franchise restrictions throughout history, including: * 19th-century property qualifications * Modern restrictions on prisoners' voting rights. ## Footnote These justifications often limit the voting rights of certain groups.

Question 56

True or False: Schumpeter supports direct participation of the masses in shaping policy.

Answer 56

False. ## Footnote Schumpeter rejects participatory ideals.

Question 57

Fill in the blank: Schumpeter's elite model of democracy has been used to justify _______.

Answer 57

[franchise restrictions]. ## Footnote This includes various historical limitations on voting rights.

Question 58

What did Plato view as inherently flawed in democracy?

Answer 58

The ignorance and irrationality of the general populace ## Footnote Plato believed that the masses lacked the knowledge to make informed decisions.

Question 59

In The Republic, how does Plato compare a democratic society?

Answer 59

To a ship where the crew demands control over its course, disregarding the expertise of the true captain ## Footnote This analogy illustrates the dangers of allowing the untrained masses to make critical decisions.

Question 60

What makes democracy susceptible to tyrannical leaders according to Plato?

Answer 60

The masses being easily swayed by rhetoric and emotion ## Footnote This susceptibility can lead to manipulation of public opinion by those with ill intentions.

Question 61

What is Plato's alternative to democracy?

Answer 61

Rule by the philosopher-king ## Footnote The philosopher-king is an individual who possesses the wisdom needed to govern justly.

Question 62

What is the term used by Plato for the ideal city governed by a philosopher-king?

Answer 62

Kallipolis ## Footnote Kallipolis represents the just city that embodies Plato's vision of an ideal society.