Use LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to navigate between flashcards;
Use UP and DOWN arrow keys to flip the card;
H to show hint;
A reads text to speech;
35 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
|
Is Democracy Easy To Define? |
No, democracy is not easy to define because it is a term used by politicians who "claim" they know what is best for the interest of their people Ex: Mussolini, Hitler, Stalin all claimed democracies |
|
|
What are the essential characteristics of a Democracy? |
1) Abe Lincoln claimed democracy must be a government of the people, by the people for the people 2) People need the freedom to change and choose the government 3) It acts for the people because the people control the government. |
|
|
What are the two basic principles? |
Equality : -different abilities, wealth, education do not count -legal political economics and social rights must be given to all people -everyone is given the same opportunities to provide them with their full potential -communists will argue that everyone should be provided for equally. Freedom: -It must protect the those with unpopular views. -Rights are not unlimited. Balance. |
|
|
Gastils Checklist: |
Political Rights: -has there been a recent election / how often do they occur -are elections run fairly -are voting rights granted fairly to everyone -is the military involved in the elections -are there periodic changes in ruling parties? Civil Rights: -Is media free from government? -Are fundamental freedom protected? -Is there government sanctioned torture? -Are you able to start or join a labour union? -Is there freedom to own property |
|
|
THE THREE DIFFERENT EQUALITY WITH DEFINITIONS AND EXAMPLES |
Equality of Opportunity : A condition in which all citizens have fair and equal access to education and payment. Equality of Rights: A condition in which everyone is entitled to the same rights Equality of Results: A condition in which all citizens can achieve similar economics and social sucess |
|
|
Define Minority |
A group of people either the smaller number or smaller in power. |
|
|
Violation of Minority Rights |
-lack the representations of minorities -the glass ceiling professionals -unemployment |
|
|
What is John Stuart Mill's view on freedom and expression? |
-He emphasized the right for freedom -"If all mankind were of one opinion mankind would be no more justified in silencing mankind" (Meaning we are simply robbing from ourselves because it is hindering the thought process) |
|
|
What is the "free press" |
Is a key ingredient to a democracy, there is some censorship that may limit freedom. |
|
|
Propaganda |
In non democratic regimes, the government controls the press to control the way the people think. |
|
|
Politicians Use of the Media |
-It can be used especially with TV, must be charismatic and appealing - IMAGE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN MESSAGE Ex: 1960-Nixon-Kennedy -Media may focus on certain features Bush's squint, laugh Mulroney's chin etc |
|
|
Media Bias |
Freedom of press is in Charter of Rights but is controlled by those who own it The media is a business, the owners want to make a profit. Top clients may influence the content of the media ( Mother Teresa ; Princess Diana) -The Star - Liberal The Sun - Conservative |
|
|
Citizen Participation Voting |
-Is a symbol of mass participation in a democracy -It establishes a legitimacy "we we're voted in" -Less likely to have a rebellion -Better than having no say in who rules |
|
|
Factors that Influence Voters Participation |
Legal Factors - Age, Citizenship Personal Factors- Psychological, cynical, apathetic. (Satisfied with present govern feels no need.) Social Factors: Memberships ethnic, class , religion, regional Political Factors: Impact of political leaders Parents School Mass Media Peers |
|
|
Tyranny of the Majority |
Our system is based on majority (50 % + 1) This is assuming the majority is more correct than the minority |
|
|
Inefficiency |
They can not deal with everyone's demands and concerns. They cannot cope with all the complexities of the government |
|
|
Elite Groups |
Power usually is in the hands of a small group who have little in common with the average citizen. Usually the wealthy who have the power and money to run for office Lobby groups have the resources to influence them Many citizens have no say or opinion |
|
|
The Uninterested Electorate |
-More people pay more attention to sports and movies over our countries politics -Many feel powerless and alienated from the government |
|
|
Methods of Interest and Lobby Groups |
Lobby Groups usually meet them directly in their office. Interest Groups they provide funding and support to a party or candidate. |
|
|
The Role and Need for Lobbyists / Pressure Groups |
It is the most effective way to directly influence the government. Because protesting is the loudest but doesn't usually work |
|
|
Plato's thoughts |
Human instinct is to seek social connections to meet basic needs People could not achieve happiness outside of a community |
|
|
Aristotle's thoughts |
The goal of a community was to do whats best for community and the government telling us what to do and what not to do |
|
|
Typology |
The classification of government lawful or lawless ruled by many or one. |
|
|
Monarchy
|
Ruled by One, Lawful |
|
|
Aristocracy |
Rule by Few, Lawful |
|
|
Polity |
Rule by Many, Lawful |
|
|
Tyranny |
Rule by One , Lawless |
|
|
Oligarchy |
Rule by few, Lawless |
|
|
Democracy |
Rule by Many ,Lawless |
|
|
How do groups influence elections/government policy? |
A congressman's number one goal in their political career is to get reelected while an interest groups number one goal is to get what they want enacted into law |
|
|
Types of Lobby and Interest Groups |
Greenpeace is a public interest group Abortion or peace is a single issue interest group |
|
|
Machiavelli |
-Wrote "The Prince" -Seperated morality from politics -Achieve your goal and don't let morals get in the way -Kill your enemies or make allies with them. -It is better to be feared than loved, but avoid being hated. |
|
|
Hobbs |
-Believed in Absolutism -Rule of Law : The rights of citizens must be sacrificed for the good of society -Maintain power through fear -No time for culture -Human nature is to be selfish and brutal and live in chaos
|
|
|
Locke |
-Man's nature is to be free and independent -People live by moral law. -Government must protect the citizens rights with their consent -laws must reflect majority -Rebellion is justified when public trust is violated -"Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" |
|
|
Rousseau |
-In a community we develop mental and moral abilities but within a society vices and corruption comes out. -Members of society agree to place themself under authority for the "Genreal will/ universal good" -Wrote Social Contract -Was fearful of the tyranny of the majority and influence of elite. |
