RIDDLE ME THIS . . . Who should govern?

THEORY OF DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT Governments can be classified based on

the number of people who hold power: Autocracy – one Oligarchy – few Democracy – the masses

Rule by the people is too simplistic because it doesn’t explain who the people are Children? Recent immigrants? Illegal

immigrants?

DEMOCRACY AND THE ANCIENT GREEKS Ancients Greeks were wary of

democracy They were afraid that the people may

not be educated enough to make the right decisions

A little foreshadowing. . . THE FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION

WERE ALSO WARY OF RULE BY THE PEOPLE

PROCEDURAL DEMOCRACY View of democracy as being embodies

in a decision making process that involves universal participation, political equity, majority rule and responsiveness

Features: Universal participation One person, one vote Decisions made based on majority (half

plus one)

CONFLICT!! Most nations are too large to allow for

participatory (direct) democracy Many democratic nations have a

representative system Elected officials are held accountable to

voters through elections If a representative does not do what the

electorate wishes, they can be voted out

SUBSTANTIVE DEMOCRACY View that democracy is embodied in the

substance of government rather than in the policymaking

Certain principles must be incorporated into government policies Example: freedom of religion

Government should gurantee civil liberties (freedom of behavior) and civil rights

MODELS OF DEMOCRACY Majoritarian – government by the

majority of the people Pluralist – government by people

operating through competing interest groups

Elitist – small group of people actually make most of the important government decisions

MAJORITARIAN MODEL OF DEMOCRACY Calls for popular election of officials Citizens are expected to choose their

representatives wisely Relies heavily on initiatives (citizens

sign a petition calling for a vote) and referenda (citizens vote on whether something becomes a law)

QUESTION. . . Are Americans politically knowledgeable

enough for this model to work?

PLURALIST DEMOCRACY Relies on competing interests operating

separately from the government Groups press their interests Democratic government is shifted from

the masses to organized groups This model allows minorities to rule

ELITIST THEORY View that a small group of people

actually makes most of the important government decisions

Theorists argue that the few elites with access to wealth and power use that to influence government

IN THE UNITED STATES We rank low according to the

majoritarian model of democracy; however, the numerous competing interests that have a voice in our government fulfill the pluralist model of democracy