According to Robert Dahl, there are seven minimum requirements to determine if a country is democratic. These specific procedural norms must be followed in order for democracy to thrive, and although these procedures alone do not define democracy, they are necessary for its presence and continuance.
Schmitter wonders if officials elected constitutionally are able to exercise power without being restrained by unelected people. Dahl sets the first criteria that, “[c]ontrol over the government decisions about policy is constitutionally vested in elected officials.” So far, our public officials (Congress, the president, etc.) are elected, excluding the Supreme Court Justices who are not elected; since the courts are not elected, they can not set …show more content…
According to K&K, “when citizens exercise control by participating in making decisions, they subjectively feel like active citizens and thus develop loyalty to their society.” Any adult citizen can run for office (the president being an exception). If the wealthy are the only ones being elected, it is a problem as they control nearly all aspects of a city. If 80% are men, it institutionally makes it more difficult as they can decide whether or not women has a place among …show more content…
In procedures, civil liberties, freedom of speech, and ability to organize outside of government are essentialities. Civil rights movement, gay rights, women’s rights: these groups must be treated fairly and equally. Certain protections from the courts are in place so that groups are treated fairly, and not discriminated against. Dahl’s fifth criteria states, “[c]itizens have a right to express themselves without danger of severe punishment on political matters broadly defined.” Although using money to express more speech may seem undemocratic, as long as everyone is able to express their speech, that is democratic. On the other hand, totalitarian governments try to break people apart: unable to form bonds, discuss political issues, or organize protests. Civic consciousness, fair competition, and meaningful cooperation are basic principles in life. People alone have no voice, and are easily outvoted by the masses, but when they can agree on an issue, the inclination to act and work together can make all the
Schmitter wonders if officials elected constitutionally are able to exercise power without being restrained by unelected people. Dahl sets the first criteria that, “[c]ontrol over the government decisions about policy is constitutionally vested in elected officials.” So far, our public officials (Congress, the president, etc.) are elected, excluding the Supreme Court Justices who are not elected; since the courts are not elected, they can not set …show more content…
According to K&K, “when citizens exercise control by participating in making decisions, they subjectively feel like active citizens and thus develop loyalty to their society.” Any adult citizen can run for office (the president being an exception). If the wealthy are the only ones being elected, it is a problem as they control nearly all aspects of a city. If 80% are men, it institutionally makes it more difficult as they can decide whether or not women has a place among …show more content…
In procedures, civil liberties, freedom of speech, and ability to organize outside of government are essentialities. Civil rights movement, gay rights, women’s rights: these groups must be treated fairly and equally. Certain protections from the courts are in place so that groups are treated fairly, and not discriminated against. Dahl’s fifth criteria states, “[c]itizens have a right to express themselves without danger of severe punishment on political matters broadly defined.” Although using money to express more speech may seem undemocratic, as long as everyone is able to express their speech, that is democratic. On the other hand, totalitarian governments try to break people apart: unable to form bonds, discuss political issues, or organize protests. Civic consciousness, fair competition, and meaningful cooperation are basic principles in life. People alone have no voice, and are easily outvoted by the masses, but when they can agree on an issue, the inclination to act and work together can make all the