1.2.4 study: types of democracies
Enlightenment
(1650 - late 1700s) A European cultural movement that emphasized rationality and individualism.
Middle Ages
(ca. 500s - ca. 1400s) The period of European history between the fall of Rome and the beginning of the Renaissance.
which statement best describes a similarity between presidential and parliamentary democracies
both allow citizens to vote for members of the legislature
which statement best describes a similarity between the political systems in ancient greece and the roman public
both avoided centralizing political power in the hands of one person
which statement best summarizes the role citizens play in a democracy
citizens select the leaders and policies that best serve their interests
the government described in the passage most reflects the features of which type of democracy ( a government makes its decisions)
direct
direct democracy
- A form of democracy in which all people gather together to make decisions. - In a system of direct democracy, the people themselves — not representatives — make decisions about the laws and policies that will govern them. - This practice originated with the ancient Greeks: Citizens would meet to discuss issues and vote, and the majority would prevail. - The advantage was that the majority's will would be guaranteed, without having to entrust a representative to interpret this will and carry it out. - The major disadvantage to this system, however, is that the people have to be able to physically gather, and issues can't be too numerous; otherwise, everyday people would spend all their time governing. - As a result, direct democracy doesn't exist anywhere at the national level. (Imagine 300 million Americans gathering to debate issues.) - Direct democracy does, however, still occur on the local level through town meetings in the United States and in other locations around the world. - Ruling power comes from winning the majority of the people's votes -Unlimited ruling power; the majority can impose its will on the minority
indirect democracy
- A form of democracy in which people elect representatives to make decisions. It is also known as representative democracy. - Today's indirect (or representative) democracies have their roots in the republic (or republican government) of ancient Rome - Ruling power granted by a written constitution - Limited by constitution; inalienable rights granted to all citizens
Demanding individual freedoms
- Democracy is fundamentally concerned with personal freedoms, including the freedom to express one's beliefs, maintain personal dignity, and pursue happiness. - In a democracy, there is a constant balancing act between granting individuals as many personal freedoms as possible and providing enough restriction to maintain order in society as a whole.
Recognizing the worth and dignity of the individual
- Democratic governments recognize that each person is a distinct and important individual with different desires, needs, and beliefs. - The value of the individual is central to democratic thought, but at times, a democracy will subordinate the welfare of individuals or small groups for the good of the many — for the good of all individuals. - This means an individual can be forced to do things against his or her will, like paying taxes or registering for the draft, if it benefits the collective whole of society.
Respecting the equality of all citizens
- In a democracy, all people must be treated the same under the law. In other words, they cannot be treated differently because of their gender, race, religion, wealth, or any other quality or classification. - This concept also applies to equal opportunity: Citizens have the right to pursue happiness without being unfairly restricted by law. - In the United States, society has come a long way toward achieving equality. Still, it has more work to do before equality is universally realized.
Parliamentary democracy
- In a parliamentary democracy, the people directly elect the legislature (parliament), but they do not directly elect the head of government. Instead, the legislature elects the chief executive from among its own members, without further input from the people. In such a system, there is no separation of powers: The executive and legislative branches are one.
15th - 17th centuries CE: Absolute monarchies in Europe
- In the late 1400s, European monarchs began to take control of their realms from scattered but powerful feudal lords. -As power gradually centralized, these monarchies grew stronger. - Eventually sovereign nation-states emerged with clearly defined borders and a collective, national identity. This trend would continue in Europe over the next several centuries. - This era was important in the development of Western government because it enabled citizens in a defined area to join together and demand a greater say in government.
Valuing the need to compromise
- Individuality and equality are highly valued. There has to be some give-and-take to satisfy so many different beliefs and interests. - Most issues are not simply two-sided, meaning the best result probably falls between two extremes. For example, should corporations be allowed to support politicians? The answer is probably not a simple yes or no but something in between. - In order to actually create new laws and policies, people with different viewpoints have no choice but to find common ground. Without compromise, a democratic government has little ability to actually get things done.
From its earliest days, democracy has been based on five key principles:
- Recognizing the fundamental worth and dignity of each individual - Respecting the equality of all citizens under the law - Accepting majority rule while insisting on minority rights - Understanding the necessity of compromise - Demanding the largest possible degree of individual freedom
Disadvantages of indirect democracy
- Representatives are imperfect: Representatives might not properly serve the will of the population they represent. Sometimes, representatives are simply poor at their jobs, and the people they represent suffer as a result. - Representatives might serve other interests: Representatives are supposed to serve the people who elected them. However, sometimes representatives are swayed by special interest groups, corporations, or other politicians to go against the will of the people. - Citizens might feel disconnected:Voters' voices are actively heard through the election process. After an election, however, it can be difficult to ensure representatives consider the opinions of the people they represent. At times, this makes people feel shut out of the democratic process.
Advantages of indirect democracy
- System is efficient and practical: Rather than gathering an entire state or nation to debate, indirect democracy gathers a small group whose specific task is to govern. - There is less demand on citizens' time: The group of representatives tackles the endless string of national, regional, and state issues that ordinary citizens wouldn't have the time, knowledge, or interest to address. - Government reflects majority rule: Ideally, the representatives in an indirect democracy are chosen because their skills, education, and interests make them especially suited for the job.
5th - 15th centuries CE: Feudal Europe
- The Roman Empire collapsed in the fifth century CE and marked the start of the Middle Ages in Europe, during which most of Europe lacked a centralized government. - Instead, small feudal systems, managed by local kings and nobles, developed throughout the region. - In a feudal system, the people traded their power and rights in order to be protected by wealthy lords. - The lords' power came not from the people — as in a democracy — but from owning property, which was parceled out to the people. In turn, the people pledged loyalty to the lord for their livelihood and protection. - Feudalism, which was a chaotic system of government at best, was gradually replaced with increasingly powerful monarchies during the 15th century.
Presidential democracy
- The United States is a presidential democracy. - The people directly elect the head of the executive branch (the president) as well as the representatives who make up the legislative branch (Congress). - In a presidential democracy, the legislative and executive branches are separate and have equal power. One branch has very little power over the other.
6th - 1st centuries BCE: The Roman Republic
- The government of the Roman Republic wasn't really democratic in the way we define the term today, but it did introduce the idea of representation in government. - Roman society was divided between two social classes: the patricians (wealthy upper-class citizens) and the plebeians (common lower-class citizens). - The government had a clear separation of powers between the Senate, which was dominated by patricians, and the lower legislative assemblies, which primarily consisted of plebeians.
18th century CE: The Enlightenment
- The rise of nation-states produced all-powerful, absolute monarchs in Europe. - But by the 1700s, scientific discoveries and new ways of thinking began a powerful intellectual movement known as the Enlightenment. - Enlightenment thinkers encouraged a fresh perspective on society and government and called for a return to some of the principles of Greek democracy. - They believed people are born with certain rights like freedom and equality, and that everyone — even rulers — must follow the law. - They also believed people should revolt to replace unjust governments and leaders. - These new ideas fueled political revolution in both Europe and the Americas.
Accepting majority rule but insisting on minority rights
- The will of the people rules in a democracy, but there must be a way to translate the people's will into law. - Therefore, democracy emphasizes majority rule, meaning it follows the will of the majority of the people. - The majority rule trusts that the majority (more than half) of a group will generally make the best decision for the group as a whole. - Of course, if the majority gets its way, the minority does not. In a democracy, however, all voices have value. Thus, the majority must willingly hear the minority's argument or suggestions. - Members of the minority must be given a chance to express themselves and make the case for why their stance is better for the group as a whole.
8th century BCE - 7th century CE: Ancient Greece
-In Greek city-states, such as Athens, the people formed the government. Citizens of Athens — free men who weren't foreign-born — were required by law to vote and, at times, to serve in the government. - Citizens were granted equal rights and equal power. They would gather, debate, and vote on the issues that affected them. - These rights, however, were not extended to women, foreign-born individuals, or slaves. - Although Greek society did not grant citizenship to everyone, the Athenian system is still considered the first democracy. - In fact, the word democracy comes from two Greek words meaning "rule by the people."
republic
A democratic government or political unit in which people elect representatives to make decisions. It is also referred to as a representative or indirect democracy.
Feudalism
A loosely organized system of government in which local lords governed their own lands but owed military service and other support to a more powerful lord. Feudalism was most common during the Middle Ages, from about the 5th century CE to about the 15th.
absolute monarchy
A system of government in which political power is inherited. An absolute monarch has unrestricted power over the state and the people who live in it.
Which of the following is not a fundamental principle of democracy?
Accepting the rule of the minority, while upholding majority rights
city-states
Cities that with their surrounding territories form independent states.
Ancient Greece
Citizens had equal rights and powers and were required by law to participate in government.
Roman Republic
Citizens participated in legislative assemblies where they were able to pass laws and elect senators to serve in the Senate.
Which statement about the historical development of democracy is not true?
During feudalism, the people ruled alongside wealthy landowners and shared power equally
Which statement best describes the contributions of ancient Greece to modern democracy?
Greek democracy introduced the idea that government should act in the best interests of its citizens.
Which statement best describes a specific way direct democracy differs from indirect democracy?
In a direct democracy, the ruling power comes from winning the majority vote, but in an indirect democracy, it comes from a constitution.
Which statement most accurately compares direct and indirect democracy?
Indirect democracy is more practical for governing large communities of people than direct democracy is.
Absolute monarchy in Europe
Monarchs centralized powers, leading to defined borders and united populations.
Feudal Europe
People gave up rights and powers to lords in exchange for their livelihood and protection.
The Enlightenment
Philosophers defied absolute rulers and affirmed the fundamental rights of all humans.
Types of Indirect Democracy
Presidential democracy Parliamentary democracy
Indirect democracy
Representatives interpret and enact the will of the people Voices of individual citizens less likely to be considered System is efficient for large populations
Direct democracy
System is inefficient for large populations Citizens directly vote for or against policies All citizens devote time to governing
Which statement best describes the contributions of the Roman Republic to modern democracy?
The Roman Republic used elected representatives and had a separation of powers.
sovereignty
The power of a nation-state to determine its form of government.
Which statement describes a republic, as opposed to a pure democracy?
The ruling power is granted and limited by a written constitution.
which statement best describes a difference between a democracy and a republic
a democracy can come in two forms -- direct and indirect -- while a republic is always indirect
which is one of the basic principles of democracy
protecting minority groups against oppression by a majority