Democracy - Government & Politics

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1. What were the beliefs of Thomas Paine regarding government and natural rights?

Paine believed in monarchy as the best form of government.

Beliefs of Thomas Paine -
- Paine believed all hereditary rule was illegitimate as hereditary succession denied the rights of future generations to choose their government. It was for this reason he denounced King George III.
-Paine believed in natural equality and that all individuals had equal natural rights. A government could only be deemed as legitimate if it protected these rights, therefore, it had to be formed on the consent of the people. However, to ensure the 'dead did not rule over the living' each generation had a right to reform the constitution.
-Advocated a representative democracy, with a written constitution that is updated by each generation.
-As we all shared the earth, owners of natural resources owned rent to those with nothing as they are impeding upon another's share. This came in he form of an inheritance tax, paid into a fund to provide a one-off-payment to everyone on their 21st birthday to compensate for their lost natural share.
-Although a believer in an omnipotent and omnibenevolent God, Paine in 'The Age of Reason' drew upon chronological and logical inconsistencies in the bible. Furthermore, after the studying the religious text in depth he refuted the depiction of God as tyrannical for it was contradictory to the beauty in nature.

Paine believed that natural rights should only be extended to the wealthy elite.

Paine believed that governmental power should be exclusively held by a select few individuals.

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About This Quiz

Democracy - Government & Politics - Quiz

Designed for A2 Politics students, this resource deepens understanding of political ideologies with a focus on democracy. It enhances analytical skills and prepares learners for paper two, emphasizing... see moredemocratic principles and governance. see less

2. What was the political system founded in 508BC by Cleisthenes that allowed every Athenian born man to contribute to the ruling of the country?

Roman Empire

Athenian Democracy -
Athenian democracy was founded in 508BC by Cleisthenes.
Every Athenian born man was entitled to contribute the ruling of the country irrespective of his class, occupation and education. Although this made up a significant minority, it was only a minority as women, slaves and men who were not of Athenian decent could not contribute to political debates.
Direct participation led to achievements in architecture, sculpture, science, philosophy and drama which contributed greatly to the foundations of a western civilization. The participation of 40,000 Athenian citizens was only possible due to the states immense wealth, built upon trade and the power of it's army and navy.
Although it had many advocates, it also had its critics, namely Plato who saw the system not in flourishment but in demise.
From 480 BC following the state's victories at Salamis, the Athenians established their own Empire which remained strong for fifty years. However, from 431BC to 404BC Athens went to war with Sparta, this was as ideological as it was pragmatic, for one represented individualism and an open society where as the other expected rigid conformity of its citizens. During battle Athenian democracy suffered moral decay and factionalism leaving it vulnerable to Plato's attacks.

Egyptian Monarchy

Chinese Communism

Athenian democracy was founded in 508BC by Cleisthenes. Every Athenian born man was entitled to contribute to the ruling of the country irrespective of his class, occupation, and education.

Explanation

Athenian democracy was founded in 508BC by Cleisthenes. Every Athenian born man was entitled to contribute to the ruling of the country irrespective of his class, occupation, and education.

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3. What term is used to describe the Athenian citizenry meeting multiple times a year to discuss policies and being directly involved in the creation of laws?

Dictatorial Regime

Aristocratic Rule

Monarchial Governance

Developmental Democracy
Jean-Jacques Rousseau believed through political participation the citizenry may develop as they are directly involved with the creation of laws which they must then adhere to. Adherence to the general will, Rousseau believed would produce a virtuous society, one which is open, accountable and decentralized. Individuals refer to this as 'grassroots' politics.
Key features include; popular sovereignty with a universal franchise, constitutional checks to secure limitation and division in state power and the promotion of individual rights, citizens involvement in different branches of government from voting in a general elections to participating in local government, public debates and jury services.
John Stuart Mill advocated developmental democracy, however, he believed not all political opinions were of equal worth. Consequently, he proposed a weighted voting system in which the number of votes one received would be determined by their education.
Unlike his predecessor Jeremy Bentham, Mill focused his studies on diminishing pain as oppose to enhancing pleasure this led to him advocating government intervention on occasions where an individuals actions could cause harm to others. However, if it would only harm the individual, the state could not intervene. This came from Mills belief in a limited government ensured the decentralization of powers as power was given to local government, allowing communities autonomy. Localised government bodies were perfect training grounds for individuals wishing to pursue a career in politics.

The term 'Developmental Democracy' refers to a system where citizens are actively involved in the political process, such as in Athenian Democracy. This term is associated with political philosophers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau and John Stuart Mill.

Explanation

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4. What is the primary ideology associated with People's Democracy in Eastern Europe after the Second World War?

Anarchist Democracy - Stateless Society

Monarchical Absolutism - Divine Right Theory

Protective Democracy - Nightwatchman State
Liberal thinkers have identified a number of natural rights which every human being is entitled to; from Locke's 'life, liberty and property' to Thomas Jefferson's 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness'. Locke believed the government were created to protect the natural rights of citizens and it was this that gave them authority, however, if they failed to protect their citizens, consent would be removed and without the authority to govern.
Key features of protective democracy include; sovereignty lies with the people but is vested in representatives, accountability can be achieved through the secret ballot, competition between factions, potential leaders and majority rule, separation of powers prevents the fusion of powers (Montesquieu), political and civil rights of citizens have to be enshrined within a constitution safe from the actions of an arbitrary government, the state has to remain separate from civil society and finally there has to be competing power centers and interest groups, therefore, there can never be a one part state in a protective democracy.
Conditions; private ownership of the means of production, patriarchal family, competitive market economy and a politically autonomous civil society.

Authoritarian Democracy - Totalitarian State

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5. What was the Paris Commune and how did it end?

The Paris Commune was a celebration of French culture and unity, leading to a peaceful resolution with the government.

The Paris Commune was a movement led by the French army to overthrow the existing government and establish a military dictatorship.

The Paris Commune - Part II
The people needed an ideal in which to put their energies towards, thus, the Paris Commune was formed, symbolized by the red flag, a color prohibited in France. In 1871, a provisional government was formed as France surrendered.Troops moved into Paris through the West gate which had been left open, upon seeing them the women called the men who captured two of the soldiers and executed them. The people inside the walls of Paris believed they had found a means of escapism, however, the troops from the outside multiplied in number and soon the city was under the control of the provision government. Due to women's liberation flourishing within the short period of the Paris Commune they were first to be taken out and shot. Then the officers moved to areas which were renowned for their radicalized views, it reached a point where individuals were stripped search for gunpowder residue or bruises from a backfire of a firearm. Anyone in Paris, any one left was guilty. Although the Paris Commune lasted only two months from March 1871 to May 1871 it left a profound impression. Hailed by Marx and Lenin who believed it to encapsulate proletariat uprising except these individuals were ordinary citizens craftsman not manual workers.

The Paris Commune was a failed attempt at creating a new form of government in France, resulting in chaos and disorder.

The Paris Commune was a symbol of resistance formed after France surrendered and was brutally crushed by the government in 1871. It was not a celebration, it did not attempt to create chaos, nor was it led by the French army to establish a dictatorship.

Explanation

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6. Liberal Democracy Key features include constitutional government, guaranteed civil liberties and individual rights, checks and balances, free, fair and regular elections, universal suffrage, political pluralism (competition between political parties), and a capitalist economy organized along market lines. What are some of the concerns that liberal thinkers have expressed about democracy?

Liberal concerns about Democracy include worries about the inefficiency of decision-making in democratic systems, the lack of transparency in government processes, and the limitations of free speech rights under liberal democratic regimes.

Liberal concerns about Democracy
James Madison believe democracies were unjust and intolerant. The masses would happily persecute a minority if the former benefit as was the case with Marxism, the proletariat took property away from the bourgeoisie when arguably it was not theirs to take. There was also the fear of the masses falling subject to charismatic leaders who disguise their egotistical aims with the 'nations interests'. Madison also believed the system was unstable as it relied on the desires of the masses which were often fueled by emotion as oppose to reason and therefore did not make for strong foundations. He concluded that democracy was 'incompatible with personal security or the rights of property'.
Alexis de Tocqueville in his work 'Democracy in America' put forward his belief that the electorate were now viewing government as instrument for solving individual conflict, this reliance led to the government venturing into civil society. This could in turn lead to the prevention of individual liberty.
Henry Sidgwick in 'Elements of Politics' argued that a democratic government could 'interfere with the free action of individuals more than an absolute monarch'. The monarch represents one man whereas democracy represents the majority of men, therefore, it wields more power. Consequently, some liberals advocate a benevolent dictator who respects individual rights to a democracy in which rights are eroded by the power of the majority.
Neo-roman political thinkers refute this claim as they believed freedom will be dependent on the whim of a dictator who may change was presented with power, however, in a democracy citizens are independent as they govern themselves.

Liberal concerns about Democracy include worries about the environmental impact of capitalist economies, the challenges of implementing social welfare policies, and the ineffectiveness of checks and balances in preventing government overreach.

Liberal concerns about Democracy include worries about the influence of special interest groups on policy-making, the limitations of civil liberties in the face of national security concerns, and the potential for economic inequality to undermine democratic principles.

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7. Compare and Contrast Representative and Direct Democracy

Compare and Contrast Representative and Direct
To a certain extent both require the participation of citizen. In representative democracy free, fair and regular elections are held in which the citizenry give a political party a mandate to govern. The social contract (Hobbes, Locke) could also be drawn upon in relation to consent.
The role of the citizen differs in representative democracy to participatory. In the latter the citizen is an active agent in self legislation and a real stakeholder in governance. Conversely in the former the citizen is a passive client of the government, a watchdog and a periodic elector. Robert Michell (elitist) argued under a representative democracy, liberty can be said to dissapear with the ballot when dropped into the box.
In determining the differences between the two one first must contextualize. Direct democracy was designed for small scale societies; towns, poleis, principalities and city states of a kind found in Ancient Greece, early modern Europe and pre-revolutionary America. As these cities transformed into republics, larger states and empires participation of ordinary citizen became impractical. A large scale demographic could no longer meet to discuss policies in an assembly and due to the complexity and fragmentation of homogeneity of culture and religion competing interests began to flourish as society split into a series of groups. Therefore, even if the participants could meet, reaching conclusions would be incredibly difficult due to the diversities of beliefs, living conditions and interests. Time became another issue for due to Ancient Athens being an incredibly wealthy state with slaves and women performing the bulk of the work Athenian male citizens were able to dedicate the majority of their time to politics, with the assemblies meeting over forty times a year. Such is not possible in the modern world and due to the triumph of liberal democracy and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights every human being is entitled to life and liberty making slavery abhorrent.
Many philosopher, however, continued to refute representative democracy as Immanuel Kant stated autonomy demands self-legislation, and hence only those who govern themselves directly can be said to be free.

Discuss the Impact of Social Media on Political Participation

Explain the Concept of Separation of Powers in a Republic

Compare and Contrast Democracy vs. Autocracy

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8. What was Plato's criticism of Athenian democracy and what was his proposed solution?

Plato believed Athenian democracy was the ideal form of government and that everyone should have equal say in the affairs of the city state.

Plato argued that the majority rule in a democracy leads to the best outcomes for society as a whole.

Plato criticized Athenian democracy but proposed no alternative solution to address its flaws.

Plato's Kalipolis
Plato's Republic consisted of three tiers; the guardians, the auxiliaries and the people. The two superior level require certain qualities which can be detected and nourished from birth. For the auxiliaries it is spiritedness (thymos) which provides them with the necessary courage to defend the city state. For the guardians it is wisdom which is a prerequisite for governing. The individuals who remain form the body of society, each who perform certain tasks (ergon) which best suited to their nature (physis) for example if one is skilled in carpentry they will become a carpenter or in repairing shoes, a cobbler. By acknowledging one's potential and one's weaknesses they may find their place within society, this will in turn create social harmony and an end to conflict. Plato believed justice was pursuing one's path instead of trying to infringe upon another's particularly if you are better suited to your own which on the majority of occasions is the case.
Plato believed justice didn't only exist in the exterior world but the interior soul when reason controls passions. The true philosopher possesses knowledge of ultimate truths and is not mislead like the vast majority in to mistaking appearances for reality. In order to be emotion balanced the Guardians remained separate from society and lived in communities, in which they were prohibited from forming families or personal relationships which interfere with study. However, Plato did believe women posses the necessary quality of a Guardian and therefore, proposed special breeding programs so that only the very best genes could produce those of the highest rank.

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9. Who did John Locke refute in his political thought regarding the assignment of political power?

Thomas Hobbes

Charles I

John Locke vs Robert Filmer
Robert Filmer's 'Patriarcha' united political power with paternal, as God asserted Adam, the first male, above all other beings. He was to adopt a paternal role as to were his descendants, the monarchy and govern the rest of humanity. However, Locke refuted this as he believed mankind was designed 'to be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth and subdue it and have dominion over every living thing that moveth upon Earth". Humanity, therefore, were assigned a paternal role not one succession. Political power, did not reside with the monarch but the people as they gave their consent to be govern on the basis their natural rights would be protected. If the governing force became tyrannical and threatened such rights, consent would be withdrawn and with it the authority to govern. Constitution, the separation of powers and checks/ balances ensured individuals in government remained accountable to the public.

Machiavelli

John Locke refuted Robert Filmer's idea of political power being united with paternal authority, in contrast to Locke's belief that political power resides with the people and not with a monarch.

Explanation

John Locke refuted Robert Filmer's idea of political power being united with paternal authority, in contrast to Locke's belief that political power resides with the people and not with a monarch.

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10. What perspective theorists believe democracy is based on a tripartite system consisting of state officials, employers' groups, and trade unions, with representation through memberships as opposed to competitive elections?

Populist Perspective

Socialist Perspective

Authoritarian Perspective

Corporatist Perspective
Democracy is based upon a tripartite system, consisting of state officials, employers' groups and trade unions. Their form of representation is through memberships as appose to competitive elections. Edward Heath's government in the early 1970's operated under a tripartite system. Many believe it is an undemocratic model as the government can choose which groups they will communicate with, often those with economic influence have a stronger chance, leaving others on the outside even if they have significant public support. There are also few systems in place to guarantee the discussions held and the conclusions made are in the interests of the nation rather than the few.

The correct answer is the Corporatist Perspective as it describes a democracy based on a tripartite system with representation through memberships, like the one operated under Edward Heath's government in the early 1970's.

Explanation

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11. What friction exists within liberal democracies between capitalism and democracy according to the Marxist Perspective?

According to Marxists, as people become more dependent on the state, public spending will decrease, leading to a more balanced economy.

Elitist Perspective
Theorists; Pareto, Mosca and Michels. It was the belief of classical elitists that democracy was a smokescreen for oligarchic rule. Although this is still advocated by many, there is an acknowledgment that the electorate can decide which elite rules. Elite who wins an election is believed to reflect, most closely, the values, policies and philosophies of the majority of voters and through regular, competitive elections they are held to account. Nevertheless, this remains an incredibly weak form of democracy for an elite can only be removed by the interception of another, Vilfredo Pareto referred to this as 'a circulation of elites'.

Marxists believe that capitalism and democracy can coexist harmoniously without any potential for disequilibrium.

The ruling class makes concessions to other groups in order to increase social equality within liberal democracies.

Marxists argue that the bourgeoisie maintain control over the masses through hegemony, resulting in political inequality within capitalist societies. They believe that the ruling class prioritizes their own interests and only makes concessions as necessary to stabilize the economy and maintain control, leading to a potential 'crisis of legitimation' as described by Jurgen Habermas.

Explanation

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12. What are the pros and cons of democracy according to theorists Freedman and Hayek from the New Right Perspective?

A. Democracy leads to economic stability and growth, with minimal risks of inflation.

B. Democracy allows for unchecked government power and decisions made without regard for the people.

Pro's of Democracy -
- The governing power is accountable to the people -The majority of governments would rather rule through consent than cohesion, consequently, the interests of the people is in mind when making decisions - Democracy encourages development within citizens - Citizens have a moral right to participation and many would go as far to say they also have a moral obligation to - Democracy encourages social change, reform, progress and an addressor of public grievances.

Cons of Democracy -
- The government should comprise of educated elite who have the necessary means to act within the interest of the country - Majority rule within an uneducated elite is unwise - By focusing upon political equality, social and economic inequality, according to Marxists, need not be addressed - Democracy is patriarchal according to many feminists.

C. Democracy discourages citizen participation and promotes political inequality.

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