What is democracy? Flashcards
What is democracy?
Democracy is a system of government in which power rests with the people, emphasizing popular sovereignty, elections, individual rights, the rule of law, and government accountability.
What makes democracy nonauthoritarian?
In a democracy, leaders derive legitimacy from the consent of the governed rather than divine right, hereditary rule, or force.
What are the three main theories of democracy?
Elite democracy, pluralist democracy, and participatory democracy.
What is elite democracy?
A model where citizens elect leaders who make decisions on their behalf, assuming governance requires expertise that most citizens lack.
What is a major criticism of elite democracy?
Elected officials may prioritize their own interests over those of the public, leading to a disconnect between citizens and government.
What is pluralist democracy?
A model where political power is exercised through organized groups, such as labor unions, advocacy organizations, and interest groups.
What is a key concern with pluralist democracy?
Wealthy interest groups may dominate political discussions, leading to unequal influence in policy-making.
What is participatory democracy?
A direct form of democracy where citizens are actively involved in decision-making, such as voting on policies themselves.
Why is participatory democracy difficult on a large scale?
Large populations and complex governance make it impractical for every citizen to be involved in every decision.
How do modern democratic societies implement democracy?
They blend elite, pluralist, and participatory models to balance representation, participation, and effective governance.
