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10 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What was the movie "An African Election" about? |
It was about the 2008 election in Ghana. The international community believed that if the election went well it could help repair the broken image of democracy in Africa.
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Why does Ghana matter? |
It's a story of hope and progress for Africans. Obama has referred to Ghana as one of the most accomplished countries in Africa in terms of maintaining a true democracy. |
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A number of governments claiming to be "democracies" are not. Why? |
They say that they are democratic because their policies and structures reflect the interests of the people even though they don't hold election. The word democracy means little there because the government is deciding what the interests of the people are. |
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A meaningful definition of democracy must include specific opportunities. Know the details of each. |
1. Recognition of dignity of the individual- every man is entitled to life, liberty, and property. No government should be able to take these rights away. 2. Equal protection of laws for each individual- no discrimination by government or by the people. Equal opportunity. 3. Opportunity for all to participate in public decisions- popular consent. People should not have decisions made for them, but by them. 4. Decision making by majority rule with the value of each vote being equal- the problem is that when the majority wins, many others lose. |
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Understand John Locke's Social Contract Theory |
The consent of the people is the only true basis for any government. People form governments to preserve their natural rights and the assure justice. If governments act improperly, they break their contract with the people and no longer enjoy the consent of the governed. |
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What is an interest group? |
An association that pressures government for policies it favors. Also called lobbying groups or special interest. Is a group, that is determined to encourage or prevent changes in public policy without trying to be elected. |
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What is "limited government"? |
A government that is itself restrained by law. |
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Explain Totalitarianism. |
Unlimited government is totalitarianism. No personal rights or liberty. A leader exercises unlimited power. They decide what people can say and write and go. Example- Nazis. |
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What is the difference between direct and representative democracy? |
Direct democracy is a form of government in which all qualified members of society take part in the decision and policy making process. It is largely not possible today, mostly because of numbers. Representative democracy exists when qualified citizens select their representatives. Those selected decide issues on behalf of the people. Representatives are selected by vote of all of the people. |
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What is the elitist perspective? |
The elitist perspective asserts that government is managed by the few and that the few have certain characteristics in common. |
