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 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