Political Theory & Thought Final
How does a democratic republic perfect democracy?
A republic perpetuates democracy and protects it. Elected representatives minimize chaos. It allows minorities to have a voice and competing ideas are heard.
Why might the term democratic socialism be an oxymoron?
Democracy values equality, while socialism values equity. In a democracy, the power is concentrated in the people, and socialism centralizes its power in the state. This is an oxymoronic term because the two political ideologies contradict each other, so there is no middle ground between them.
Compare theocracy and democratic republicanism?
In a theocracy, the authority is the voice of God, and the set of laws which the religious leader should concretely abide by become subjective and are bended to the will of the state, which is represented and controlled by the church. A democratic republic elects officials to represent them in government. It operates under a set of laws that are established by the people, based on constituents' needs.
Described the political theory of theocracy and how it emerges. This should be developed around the concept of God's Man and what that means.
In a theocracy, the political leader is seen as the voice of God. The concept of God's Man
Describe how socialism and communism are designs and how they vary in their basic nature from other forms of political theory.
In socialism and communism, there is no God, so the state is God. Socialism and communism assert that man is inherently evil, a position which they use to maintain order above the chaos. They create chaos and fear to gain total rule. This varies from other forms of political theory because the goal in many others is protection and self-liberation.
Why is one's concept of God critical to the political theory which emerges from that concept? Here one should be considering the nature of God, the nature of His creation, and the way that creation took place.
One's concept of God is critical to political theory because it is how theory is formed. God's nature is one of order rather than chaos. God said everything he created was good, but man was formed with God's own hands and in His image.
What role does one's concept of the "Nature of Man" play in the development of theory? Here one should consider whether man is innately good or evil and how that would affect theory.
One's view of the relationship of God to Man influences their concept of the "Nature of Man." If one believes man is innately evil, one will develop irrational or harsh theories in order to govern that evil. Alternately, if one has a conscience, it would prove that man is good because God instilled conscience in man in order to self-govern. One believing man is innately good would cause one to theorize rationally and the government's role would be to govern the irrational.
Explain what political theory is and its role in modern society. Remember to discuss the implications of context, substance, and theory.
Political theory is the role the government plays in society. Context is societal circumstance, substance is the relationship between God and Man, and theory is the nature of God and His creation as well as how it took place.
What is the relationship between conscience, rational man, and the need for government?
Rational man is governed by conscience, as the smallest form of government is the individual. The need for government arises from the irrational and a lack of conscience.
What are the elements of Democratic/Republics that check the power of Federal government?
The separation of powers into state government, the senate/house separation, the three branches of government (executive, legislative and judicial), and the people (electoral college). The Constitution establishes the government of the United States.
Explain the source of political theories. One should be considering here the context element of theory, i.e. relationship of God to Man and the societal circumstance one finds themselves in.
The source of political theories is how man views his relationship with God. Societal circumstance plays a role in this, as what occurs in one's society can influence thought and belief systems.
What is the connection and authority associated with the Divine Right of Kings?
There is a connection and an authority associated with the Divine Right of Kings. The authority of the King would be God, who establishes the Divine Right. Therefore, God is the authority of the people. Romans 13 addresses this.
How can Communist/Marxist policy be seen in The Lives of Others?
They reduce hope to the point just above despair so the masses are easier to control. There is no freedom of speech and the right of privacy is infringed. People controlled by fear, coercion, and blackmail.