Unit two (Mulhurn) - Politics

Question 1

What is autocratic decision making?

Answer 1

One person makes decisions for everyone

Autocracy

Can work well in the business world (Eg. Bill Gates - Microsoft, Elon Musk - Tesla) as it can be slow if everyone has a say

In the real world - political world they do not work well (Eg. Hitler, Putin)

Question 2

what are pros and cons of autocratic decision making?

Answer 2

Pros: Extremely efficient, Implemented quickly, No time for debate

Cons: Is everyone happy? No, Voices not heard, Discourages involvement

Question 3

What is democratic decision making?

Answer 3

Majority of votes would make decision

Question 4

what are pros and cons of democratic decision making?

Answer 4

Pros
More people likely to “buy-in” if their voices are heard

Con
Takes time and energy. Implementation of ideas takes longer.

Question 5

what is collaborative decision making?

Answer 5

Everybody agrees on a decision or comes to a consensus. Can be found on First nation reserves

Question 6

What are pros and cons of collaborative decision making?

Answer 6

Pros
Everybody agrees and feels responsible for outcomes of decision

Cons
Can be difficult for everyone to agree and inefficient

Question 7

where does power come from?

Answer 7

traditional, legal, and autocratic authority and legitimacy power

Question 8

What is traditional authority?

Answer 8

derive power from an inherited position. Ie. Monarchy

Question 9

what is legal authority?

Answer 9

• derive power from legal documents, as in the constitution.
• Enter a contract with those who give them power (voting citizens)
• Contract outlines what powers they are given as well as limits placed on it
• Many countries move from Traditional authority to legal authority. Ie. Canada, USA (American Revolution)

Question 10

what is autocratic authority?

Answer 10

• acquire their power through force
• Relies heavily on the support of the military as well as elite groups
• Pretends to have legal authority by creating a constitution but power is maintained by force
• Citizens do not have a say

Question 11

what is legitimacy power?

Answer 11

• derive their power from the citizens belief that what they are doing is right for their country
• Does not necessarily require legal authority Eg. Gandhi

Question 12

How can power be lost?

Answer 12

• Within a democratic system, one may lose faith in the ability of the leader to run the country, but still believe in the legitimacy of the system.
• Elections allow the opportunity for change without overthrowing the whole government.
• What happens if you don’t live in a democratic nation?
• Majority of citizens have to question the authority.
• Power in numbers

Question 13

What is Thomas Hobbes view on humans?

Answer 13

humans are naturally evil. And its the fear of consequences is what keeps people from committing evil deeds. Therefore strong government is needed to keep ‘natural law’

Question 14

what is John Lockes view on humans?

Answer 14

Humans are naturally good. Sees government as merely a preservation of that which is already good, but also works to enhance the natural law.

Question 15

What is philosophy?

Answer 15

• A collection of ideas
• Work together
• Do not contradict one another

They all adhere to a few key ideals

They then become an IDEOLOGY
- Systems of thought to improve society and guide the actions of politicians

No two are the same and some are completely opposite from one another. They all fall on a SPECTRUM.

Question 16

What is conservatism?

Answer 16

To conserve –> Tradition.
Believe in traditional values are integral to a stable society
Skeptical of change, not opposed to change but should be gradual.
Authority should reside in the hands of a few because people tend to make poor decisions. “Small government” - Few people
Economic freedom is paramount…even if it means some are left to struggle. (don’t believe all an individuals money should go to help those who aren’t helping themselves)
Strength of the economy will largely dictate the strength of the nation.
Economies should be “market-based” –> Market is an invisible thing, that we all participate in, it will decide what people want
Laws are “business-friendly” and should drive economic prosperity.

Question 17

what is liberalism?

Answer 17

From the latin “liber” or free
Believe in plenty of freedom ie. expression, choice
But wants governments to intervene when it allows greater equality, especially social equality. Ie. Minimum wage laws
Creates laws to promote equality ie. accessibility for people with disabilities or protecting rights of same-sex couples
Believes that society is always changing – embraces technology, progress and change often at the expense of tradition.
Economically they are moderates. Freedom to own a business and make $ but gov’ should help those struggling

Question 18

what is socialism?

Answer 18

Socialists try to ensure social and economic equality.
Gov’ needs to play major role in economy to diminish gap between rich and poor.
Use taxes to fund programs to increase standard of living for all.
Redistribution of wealth to provide things like - Universal health care, old-age pensions, employment insurance, maternity/paternity leaves.
The Social Safety Net

Question 19

What is authoritarianism?

Answer 19

when authority is limited to one person the state is more efficient.
an authoritarian not only runs the country, but also makes all the laws and decides on innocence and guilt.
authoritarians use the military and the police to enforce their will.
Economically, the leader may decide to take complete control over the economy or allow private businesses to flourish.