Definitions and Models DEMOCRACY AND DEMOCRATIZATIONDEMOCRACY AND DEMOCRATIZATION

Origin and Sources of Democracy (I)

Greek Democracy The foundation for the concept of public

participation Public participation in the affairs of government The people were the state. The idea of popular sovereignty

Roman Tradition The concept of republicanism that emphasized the

separation of powers within a state and the representation of the public through elected officials.

Legislative bodies (like a senate)

Origin and Sources of Democracy (II)Democratic Institutions & Practices in Europe and the U.S. In 13th century, English nobles forced King John to sign

the Magna Carta, a document that curbed the rights of the king and laid the foundation for an early form of legislature.

The idea that no individual, not even the king, was above the law.

The 1642 English Civil War (King Charles I vs. Parliament) in which the king eventually lost and killed. Monarchy’s attempt to expand its power failed.

In 1646, Treaty of Westphalia asserts the right of European states to choose their own religion, enforcing the notion of state sovereignty.

Bill of Rights was passed in England in 1689, establishing parliamentary supremacy.

In 1787, U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights codify the separation of powers and civil rights

Reform Acts in the UK expanded voting rights to much of the male population during 1832-84.

Direct Democracy Democracy as a form of government offering a

workable solution to the fundamental political problem of reaching collective decisions by peaceful means

Democracy was defined by Aristotle as ‘each to rule and be ruled in turn’

Flaws in Athens’ ‘little democracy’ Citizenship was restricted to a small elite Most citizens were absent from most assembly meetings The system was elaborate, time-consuming and

expensive The principle of self-government did not always lead to

decisive and coherent policy (the lack of a permanent bureaucracy contributed to ineffective)

Representative DemocracyThe principle is not self-rule but elected governmentModern democracy is based on a liberal philosophy Constitution—”supreme over all causes” The role of the state is restricted by constitution A distinction between public and private

Features A large size of population, mass literacy,

industrialization Elite rule (through party competition) as both

inevitable and desirable Representative government allows experts to make

decision and limits the popular voice Limited government

Definitions of Democracy

Dahl (1971) Freedom to form and join organizations Freedom of expression The right to vote Eligibility for public office The right of political leaders to compete

for support Free and fair elections

Definitions of Democracy

Dahl (2000)

Effective participation

Equality in voting

Gaining enlightened understanding

Exercising final control over the agenda

Inclusion of adults

Definitions of Democracy

Schmitter & Karl add requirements

Elected Leaders must not be subject to veto from unelected officials

Elected officials must be able to make binding decisions without approval of foreign actors

Not necessarily capitalism or economic freedoms

Not necessarily more orderly, stable, or consensual than nondemocracy

Definitions of Democracy

Schmitter & Karl add requirements

Elected Leaders must not be subject to veto from unelected officials

Elected officials must be able to make binding decisions without approval of foreign actors

Not necessarily capitalism or economic freedoms

Not necessarily more orderly, stable, or consensual than nondemocracy

Dahl: Democracy & Polyarchies A theoretical utopia Politically advanced countries are called as

“polyarchies” Polyarchies have elected officials, free and fair

elections, inclusive suffrage, rights to run for office, freedom of expression, alternative information and associational autonomy.

Those institutions are a major advance in that they created multiple centers of political power.

Definitions of Democracy (Larry Diamond)Required institutions for protecting liberal democracy

▪ Constitution ▪Civil society ▪Independent media ▪ Independent judiciary

Three constant paradoxes related to stability Conflict vs. consensus (there must be disagreements &

opposition in order to allow competition, yet not too much disagreement)

Representativeness vs. governability (governments must be responsive to constituencies, yet must be able to govern effectively)

Consent vs. effectiveness Democracy <= consent <=legitimacy <= effectiveness

<= unpopular decisions (<= requires or based on)

Definitions of DemocracyLinz & Stepan add the conditions for democracy

consolidation

State must exist

Transitional phase must be complete

Official government must have full respect of the

law

Combination of collective rights of nationalities

or minorities—the least conflictual way

Types of Democracy

Direct democracy

Illiberal democracy

Representative democracy

Liberal democracy

Types of Democracy Illiberal Democracy

• Elections, but not free and fair• Regimes deprive citizens of basic rights and freedoms

Formal (Procedural) Democracy• Free and fair elections, with a multi-party system and

universal suffrage, but few other political rights exist Liberal Democracy

• Has all the characteristics of formal democracy• Citizens have civil rights and freedoms that are

protected by rule of law Substantive Democracy

• Citizens have equality of political influence and participation

Determinants of Democracy --Robert Barro

Electoral rights Urbanization Economic prosperity Equal Opportunities for education Health Upper-level schooling Inequality of income and schooling Ethnolinguistic fractionalization The rule of law Colonial history Religion Civil liberties