RI T3W8 Features of Democracy 2021

SlidoCheck-In•Edit your profile with your name (icon in top right corner)•Answer the poll questions•Feel free to type any questions you have at any point during the lesson in the Q&A

Democracy•"Rule(krates) by the people(demos)” •Popular sovereignty: final authority in the state belongs to the people –government is only legitimate if based on the wishes or consentof the people•Full political rights typically restricted to adult citizens who meet certain conditions e.g.not mentally unsound or incarcerated(Harris, 2001)

Types of Democracy•Directvs. Representative(Democracy p. 5)•Westminster(“majority”) vs. consociational(“consensus”)(Governments, systems & regimes p. 34)•Liberalvs. Illiberal (a.k.a. flawed orhybrid)(Politics & government p. 7-8)

What Makes a Country Democratic?

What Makes a Country Democratic?1.Citizens are able toparticipate in the political process and hold governments accountablethrough•Votingto choose representatives (elections) or decide on laws and policy issues (referendums) in a process that is free and fair•Forming and joiningpolitical parties and contesting the government by running for office (political opposition)•Limiting government power through separation of powers, checks and balances, andterm limits (with regular elections)

What Makes a Country Democratic?2.Citizens are aware of their political reality and can make informed choices because of •Protectedindividual rights (civil and political) that allow for the expression of political ideas•An independent mediathat is free from government control •A healthy civil society that allows for the articulation and pursuit of specific interests

Features of Democracy•Elections•Political opposition•Limits on government power •Protected rights•Independent media•Civil society PARTICIPATIONINFORMATION

Elections•Citizens can voteinelections tochoose political representatives who make decisions on their behalf (e.g.parliamentary and presidential elections)•Votes can also be directly cast on particular politicalquestions/issues –referendums(e.g.merger,Brexit)

Elections•In elections that are free and fair,•The government does not interfere(with fake ballots, deliberate miscounts, forced/bought votes etc.)•The right to vote is extended to as many adult citizens with as few legal restrictions as possible (i.e.universal suffrage)•There are equal opportunities to contest the election (running for office, campaigning, etc.)

Political Opposition•Citizens are free to join political parties and run for public office subject to legal requirements (usually similar tovoting eligibility)•Multiple political parties exist to represent various political views in government