0
Democracy
Democracy is a type of government characterized by a "rule of the people." In most democracies, citizens are equal and have the ability to vote for their political leaders.
1,484 Questions
Currently, Japan is a democracy. Though signs of democratic thinking have appeared in Japan since the Meiji Reconstruction, the most significant transition to a democracy was after World War II when Japan created a new constitution. Japan has a Prime Minister which is elected.
How did Rousseau influence democracy?
Democracy used beliefs based on reasoning and ideas used during the Enlightenment.
Do government leaders follow the rule of law in the US and why?
The earlier model of government, prior to the rule of law, was that the authorities (whomever they were, usually kings, emperors, etc.) had power, and they would use that power in whatever manner they saw fit, without restriction. This resulted in many extreme abuses of power. The only law was might makes right. Louis XIV of France famously said "I am the state" (or in the original French, l'etat c'est moi) meaning that the entire nation of France was really about him; no one else mattered except insofar as they served his purposes. This is a kind of inversion of what we would like government to be. Ideally, government should primarily serve the needs of the citizens who are governed, rather than being used only for the advantage of those in power. Otherwise, citizens have no reason to support their government. Government is simply imposed upon them by force, which is tyranny. Governments which are based solely on their ability to kill anyone who opposes them are indistinguishable from large, successful gangs of criminals, as if the Mafia were to rule America.
Laws, therefore, are devised in order to specify exactly what government should be doing, so that it is not left up to government officials to make official decisions based on their own personal wishes. Of course, we still have government officials who violate the law for their own purposes; this is known as corruption. However we do at least have a system in which people can be accused of corruption, and if necessary removed from office. Even a President may be impeached. No one is above the law, and the law therefore serves everyone.
What are the five hindrances to Democracy?
Some hindrances to democracy include greed, retrogressive cultures, suspicion and selective application of democratic rule. Anarchy settles in once democracy fails.
How is the United States both a democracy and a republic?
Answer:
The United States is not both a democracy and a republic. The United States relies upon a constitutionally created republic to form their more perfect union. Section 4 of Article IV of the Constitution explicitly states: "The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government..." Nowhere in the Constitution are the words Democracy or Democratic used. The Constitution is, in fact, decidedly un-democratic by nature. The Electoral process in electing the President is a prime example of how non democratic the Constitution is. It is, in the end, the Electoral Collage that elects the President and not the people. Another example, currently rendered moot by Seventeenth Amendment, that originally mandated that Senators be chosen by the House of Representatives. The Seventeenth Amendment changed that, (some would argue illegally or unconstitutionally.), so that the people may elect their own Senators. The Bill of Rights expressly forbids government officials from infringing on the rights of the individual and implicitly prohibits the majority from trampling over the rights of any individual. The Constitution of the United States of America is not a Democratic constitution and yet today the United States spends billions of tax dollars making the "world safe for Democracy".
If the United States, then, is not a Democracy then why do so many people believe it so? There is much literature, historical data and essays written on the Democratic America. Alexis Tocqueville's classic work Democracy in America published in two volumes, the first in 1835 the second in 1840 did much for tilling the soil and planting the seeds that would become a "Democratic America". Woodrow Wilson sold World War I to the American People by being the first to promise to "make the world safe for Democracy.", right around the same time Congress fought so hard to change the Constitution by Amendment, (a questionable act), and make the election of Senators "more democratic." It was, and still is argued, that by having the House select the Senate members this created a Senate that tended towards a more conservative process making the progress of legislation slow and laborious. This, of course, was the intent of the Framers of the Constitution. One of the major principles behind the Constitution is the idea that government must be chained like a beast at every turn. The process of legislation should be slow and laborious to avoid prolific legislation that will ultimately infringe upon the rights of the people.
There is a notion among democratic advocates that the foundation of freedom lies in a free and open election where every persons vote counts. This is just rhetoric, and the ability to participate in a free and open election means nothing if your fundamental and natural rights are at risk. The ability to express yourself freely does not come from a free and open election where every ones vote counts. The right to freely worship your religion of choice does not happen because of an electoral process, the right to love, marry and procreate does not come from a ballot proposal. The right to expect reasonable oath or affirmation of wrong doing before being arrested by government officials, the right to protect your property from unwarranted seizure, and the right to a speedy trial, the right to face your accuser and the right to avoid self incrimination are not freedoms gained through elections, they are rights. Fundamental and natural rights are the foundation of freedom. Free and open elections are an important process in maintaining a government that will continue to protect the rights of the individual, but it is the rights of the people that is what makes us free, not elected government officials.
There is a story, some say legend and others say historical fact, that upon leaving the Constitutional convention, a gentleman asked Benjamin Franklin; "Mr. Franklin, what have you wrought?" And Franklin responded dryly; "A Republic, sir, if you can keep it." How is the United States both a Democracy and a Republic? It is the way of politics to deceive in order to advance. Democracies are less cumbersome than Republics like America's. Too many restrictions prohibiting government from acting in the way governments will. Another story, a fable, tells the tale of a frog who was about to cross the river when a scorpion approaches the frog and asks the frog if he can climb upon his back so that he may also cross the river. The frog declines explaining that if he were to do that the scorpion would only sting him and then the frog would drown. The scorpion countered that both of them would drown if he stung the frog and would then defeat the purpose of stinging. The frog accepted the rationale and allowed the scorpion to climb upon his back and then jumped into the river and began paddling towards the other side. Midway, all of a sudden, the scorpion stung the frog, and the poor confused frog, just before drowning asked the scorpion why? The scorpion explained that he was a scorpion and it was in his nature to sting. Like a scorpion upon your back, its always when your crossing rivers when the government likes to strike. It is in the nature of governments to reign in the freedom of the people. If people are to be free then it must necessarily be in their nature to govern themselves and keep the scorpions at bay and firmly leash the dogs of war. If freedom is the goal, then it is in the peoples best interest to protect the Republic, so that the Republic might better protect the peoples freedom.
How did Athenian democracy differ from Roman republicanism?
The Roman Republic was a form of government in which the people would choose the representatives to govern them, which means that the elected the senate and assembly made the laws.
The Athenian Democracy was a direct democracy which means that they were a form of government in which an assembly of ordinary citizens makes decisions. Any male citizen could take part in the Athenian Assembly but women, slaves and people born in other countries were not allowed to participate in government.
What is an absolute democracy?
Contrary to popular thinking, enlightened despotism is not easy to define as there are so many variations regarding a despot. The term grew out of the earlier absolutism represented by such rulers as Peter the Great and King Louis XlV.Enlightened despots are rulers with total powers that decide to use their power to help their nations as a whole. For example, such a despot would see that roads and bridges needed repair. With that said, these repairs would be made. Previous despots, were more interested in their own wealth and power and "he;ping" to improve their nation was not a priority. Another way to define it would be this; Enlightened despotism was an acceleration of the old institution of monarchy, which now put aside the semi-sacred doctrine that gave them power. These rulers sought to justify themselves in the light of reason and secular usefulness.
Is the US a dictatorship or is the US a democracy?
The republican party is a regime. For they only represent the upper class/the ultra rich. This regime is dividing our democracy - poor/rich. Yet, there are far more poor, but the rich, as history shows, prevail. That old adage, those with the gold rule. But, this recent election showed more people, frustrated voters, voted for republicans. Their votes will hurt them - they have set in motion a dangerous course.
What are the major responsibilities of a citizen of a democracy?
Citizens in a democratic country have many responsibilities. Here are two of just many:
1. To vote; and
2. To obey the country's laws.
Other duties can include keeping informed of a country's political situation and paying taxes.
An Athenian statesman
There were many Athenian statesmen, but Pericles is the one credited with raising Athens to its highest glory. Pericles was also responsible for the temples built on the Acropolis.
How long can an arrested person be held before being brought before a neutral judicial official?
Since some (many) jurisdictions don't operate a 24 hour court system - until the next regularly scheduled session of court - usually no longer than 48 hours.
Why is the US not a true democracy?
Your question cannot be answered because it contains an idealist mystification. Whether the political system in the United States constitutes a "true democracy" will vary based on how one defines the phrase. At this point in world history, every government on Earth publicly proclaims itself to be democratic ("Democratic People's Republic of Korea," anyone?), despite enormous variations in protected freedoms, social equality, etc. Various political theorists and ruling parties have defined democracy in vastly different ways, and our determination of whose definition is correct will tend to depend on our own social position. There is no objectively correct definition of a "true democracy." So is the US a true democracy? Yes, if you ask most of the people in charge. No, if you're asking me. And whether the US will ever have a set of social relations that would correspond to my definition of a "true democracy" will be the result of social contestation. At any given time, a "true democracy" is what the powerful people say it is. However, political movements are quite capable of changing the way power is distributed.
If you have ever read the Constitution, you will find that the word "democracy" never comes up anywhere in the Constitution. The Founders did this on purpose. Democracy, without safeguards, is simply majority rule, even if unconstitutional.
How is a direct democracy and a republic the same?
The terms are not always the same. What is the same is this; in a democracy and in a republic, citizens have to the right to vote. In government, democracies do not exist. It would come down to the "mob rule" Greek definition. In a republic, on the other hand, elected officials carry out the policies thy believe are in the best interests of a nation. The parts of a republic are designed to protect citizens with a minority viewpoint by having various types of legislative, judicial and executive "parts" along with a written constitution. There are many forms of a republic. The example given is one of many types.
What are the ills of democracy?
Disadvantages/Demerits of Democracy
In a democratic nation, it is the citizens who hold the right to elect their representatives and their governing authorities. According to a common observation, not all the citizens are fully aware of the political scenario in their country. The common masses may not be aware of the political issues in society. This may result in people making the wrong choices during election.
As the government is subject to change after every election term, the authorities may work with a short-term focus. As they have to face an election after the completion of each term, they may lose focus on working for the people and rather focus on winning elections.
Another disadvantage of democracy is that mobs can influence people. Citizens may vote in favor of a party under the influence of the majority. Compelled or influenced by the philosophies of those around, a person may not voice his/her true opinion.
Every form of government is bound to have some shortfalls. Different people have different views about the various political systems. The advantages and disadvantages of any political system have to be weighed carefully in order to arrive at any conclusion.
Anyways, I also run a channel at YouTube.I hope you visit it at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/Coolayush23?feature=mhee
Hope This Helps :)
Who was credited with making Athens a democracy?
Cleisthenes in 508 BCE when he introduced a regular assembly of the adult males in Athens.
Is a republic always democratic?
Republic refers to the composition and structure of government while democracy refers to how it is organised.
Is Athens still democracy today?
The ancient Greek city-state of Athens is considered to have been organized as a limited democracy during much of its Classical Period simply because its democratic privileges and rights did not extend to all of its members. For instance, only certain males were allowed to vote and to hold public office.
Why is a free press important and helpful to a democratic society?
In a democracy, the vote of the people guides the policy of the government. If the people are not informed of the truth, they cannot vote rationally. If the press is not free, the rulers determine whether the press publishes the truth or propaganda.
How do you gain power in democracy?
In social science and politics, power is the ability to influence the behavior of people. The term authority is often used for power perceived as legitimate by the social structure. Power can be seen as evil or unjust, but the exercise of power is accepted as endemic to humans as social beings. In the corporate environment, power is often expressed as upward or downward. With downward power, a company's superior influences subordinates. When a company exerts upward power, it is the subordinates who influence the decisions of the leader.
The use of power need not involve coercion (force or the threat of force). At one extreme, it more closely resembles what everyday English-speakers call influence, although some authors make a distinction between power and influence - the means by which power is used.
Much of the recent sociological debate on power revolves around the issue of the enabling nature of power. A comprehensive account of power can be found in Steven Lukes Power: A Radical View where he discusses the three dimensions of power. Thus, power can be seen as various forms of constraint on human action, but also as that which makes action possible. French philosopher Michel Foucault (1926-1984) saw power as "a complex strategic situation in a given society social setting". Being deeply structural, his concept involves both constraint and enablement. For a purely enabling (and voluntaristic) concept of power see the works of Anthony Giddens.
What did most Americans favor a republic or democracy and why?
The idea of a complete democracy scared the framers. They feared that the majority would have complete control over every aspect of the government making things very one sided. The idea of a small republic was also somewhat nerve wrecking because after leaving such tyrannic rule they didn't think trusting government with every decision was a good idea either--elected or not! The key was to find a happy medium where the aspects of direct voter input from democracy and constituency from republic were both thrown into the equation.
Why was German empire not a democracy?
The Nazis loathed democracy and made it perfectly clear that they wanted to get rid of it.
How does Pericles define a democracy?
Without the text in front of us, we can only provide conjecture, but given when and where Pericles lived (Ancient Athens, 500 B.C.E.), it is likely referring to DIRECT DEMOCRACY.
