Political Theory

The "framers" of the constitution did not intend for political parties to be created, however the "right vs. left" divide forced it. This same divide has been true throughout history since the dawn of civilization.

Its not that democracy encourages political parties. Democracy just allows political parties to be formed, but often when one or two political parties share the vast majority of funds or power, they are able to outspend "third party" candidates by huge amounts and essentially control the entire government.

(i) Political parties contest elections to win the majority and form the government. They choose candidates who are popular personalities known to their voters. In India, they are chosen by the top leaders, in most countries by members of the party.

(ii) Political parties prepare their policies and programmes and make them known to the public. They make every attempt to convince the public that their programme is the best. They organise public meetings, speeches, demonstrations to gain public support. They even announce policy changes if once they are elected.

(iii) Political parties mobilise public opinion on major issues through pressure groups. They not only inform the public, they also seek its support involving problems facing the country.

The characteristic of capitalism where buyers and sellers freely and willingly exchange in market transactions is referred to as voluntary exchange. This principle is at the core of capitalist economies, allowing individuals to participate in trade based on mutual consent and self-interest.

The modern state is anorganized territory with definite geographical boundaries that are recognized by other states. It has a body of law and institutions of government. The modern nation state is dependent on the loyalty of citizens. The state offers protection, order, justice, foreign trade, and facilitations of inner state trade in exchange for this loyalty. The goal of the modern state is to maintain order and happiness of it's citizens is only reached by establishing officials, courts of law and laws to abide by, soldiers to protect the state, and systems of money for trade.

America started using democracy with the establishment of the United States as an independent nation in 1776. The Founding Fathers created a democratic system of government with the adoption of the U.S. Constitution in 1787.

A direct democracy is a govt. where the people have a direct say on what goes on. Athens, Greece in the old times is a prime example of this. Many other Greek city-sates were also like this. It is kind of like the New English Town meetings in the north. WHere the whole town comes to gether to discuss and vote on different issues. Your Welcome

Many moral principles influencing Western democracy come from a variety of sources such as Greek philosophy, Roman law, Christian teachings, Enlightenment philosophy, and the ideas of modern political thinkers. These principles emphasize concepts such as individual rights, equality, justice, and the rule of law.

Communism as a political theory originated in the mid-19th century with the works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. The first communist state was established after the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia in 1917, which led to the formation of the Soviet Union.

The European Parliament is a democracy, as are all the governments of major countries in Europe. Some countries do have a monarchy, but they have little power to run the country. The UK is a famous example, but also countries like Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands and Norway.

Direct democracy has its roots in ancient Athens, where citizens directly participated in decision-making processes. The concept was further developed during the Enlightenment period in Europe, with thinkers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau advocating for greater citizen engagement in governance. Today, direct democracy is practiced in various forms in countries such as Switzerland through referendums and initiatives.

The executive branch is responsible for carrying out laws in a parliamentary democracy. This branch is led by the prime minister, who is typically the head of government and oversees the administration of laws and government policies.

The State of California is a representative democracy, specifically a republic. This means that citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. California operates under a system of governance outlined by its state constitution.

Some Interesting facts about democracy are that Greece and Rome used to be apart of the democratic government.Some Interesting facts about democracy are that Greece and Rome used to be apart of the democratic government.

Republicans hate you...

Really though, a democracy is the ideal form of government. There is really not much wrong with it. However with out certain guidelines and rule corruption would run rampant.

The concepts of democracy have roots in ancient Greece, specifically in Athens where citizens participated in decision-making. Over time, democratic principles evolved in various societies and were further developed during the Enlightenment era in Europe. Today, democracy is a widely practiced form of governance around the world.

The two-party system in America dates back to the early days of the country's founding, with the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans emerging as the first political parties. This system has persisted over time, with the two dominant parties evolving into the Democrats and Republicans that we know today.

A direct monarchy is a system of government where a monarch holds absolute power and makes all decisions without constraints from a constitution or parliament. In contrast, a limited monarchy is a system where the monarch's powers are constitutionally restricted by a parliament or other governing body, and they share power with other branches of government.

The desire for a king or monarch to rule varies across different cultures and countries. Some people may support a monarchy due to tradition, stability, or a sense of national identity, while others may prefer democratic systems for their emphasis on equality and representation. Ultimately, the preference for a king or monarch will depend on the values and beliefs of the population in question.

Jacksonian democracy actually excluded these groups from voting rights. Andrew Jackson's presidency promoted the expansion of suffrage to white males regardless of property ownership, but did not extend voting rights to blacks, Native Americans, or women. This period was characterized by increased political participation and the rise of the common man in American politics.

Coercive power - base is dependent on fear.

Reward power - the opposite of coercive power. People comply ith the wishes or directives of another because doing so produces positive benefits.

Legitimate power - based on one's structural position. It represents the formal authority to control and use organizational resources.

Information power - comes from access to, and control over, informtion.

Because a Democracy is the best form of government hands down. In a Democracy, people have freedom, people can speak freely, people have rights. Unlike in other countries where they have to believe what everybody else believes and they can only have one child and everything.

Voting, Affiliation with a political organization or interest group, Donating money, Writing/contacting political officials, Attending protests or rallies (civil disobedience), Working on a campaign, Petitions to the government, Political lobbying, Boycotts. The list is pretty much endless...

how does an election work in a democracy The Government keeps a list of everyone who is allowed to vote and divides that list up into the areas where people live. In the UK (and in many other places) these areas are subdivided so that you can have elections at different levels for different people. Multi-state, National, Regional and Local. Covering, for example Euro Elections, UK Elections, London Mayor and Assembly Elections and finally Borough elections.

People who think similarly group themselves together into political parties. The parties choose candidates to stand in the election. There can be independent candidates but they often do not get elected.

The parties then put their ideas into something called a Manifesto which they let the general population look at and ask them questions on. They then campaign to let everyone know why they are the best and why the other side(s) are not. Positive campaigning is where you tell everyone why they should vote for all the good things you are going to do. Negative campaigning is picking fault with the other side's manifesto or candidate. Sadly many recent elections have been based on negative campaigns.

A day is chosen (or set down in law) for the election and on that day the people vote for the candidate that they want to represent them. They vote by putting a mark (generally a cross) next to the name of the person they want to win on the paper they are given to vote with. This is called a ballot paper.

In some elections there is a system called first past the post. This means that the person with the most votes wins, even if they don't have the majority of the votes (for example there are 4 candidates A, B, C & D in the poll. A gets 20%, B gets 25%, C gets 25% and D gets 30%. D wins even though 70% of the votes cast were not for D.

Another system is the single transferable vote. In this system the voters list their candidates in order of preference. 1 is given the the one they really want, 2 to the one they would want to win if their favourite didn't get in, 3 against their third favourite and so on. If nobody has more than 50% of the vote the lowest scoring candidate drops out and all of their ballot papers are checked to see where the number 2 votes were to go. These are reallocated and if there is still nobody with 50% +1 then the lowest scoring candidate drops out and their ballot papers are checked until eventually a winner is found.

The numbers of winners for each party is counted and the party with the majority takes control of the Borough, region or country. If there is no clear winner there is a situation called No Overall Control and the parties have to negotiate how they will operate together. This position is sometimes called a hung council, or parliament.

Where there is a clear winner the party can start to put all of their manifesto promises into action by making laws (or repealing or doing away with laws). Sometimes parties do not carry out all of their promises and the opposition (the parties that are smaller) will criticise the majority party for not keeping its promises.

#1-Rule of law. Everyone must adhere to the same laws.

#2-Human Dignity. Citizens should protect and uphold the dignity of all people.

#3-Political Equality. Everyone has the same right to vote and run for office and to speak on public issues.

#4-Political Freedoms. People can speak freely and vote without intimidation.

#5-Common Good. Citizens work towards the common good (what will make people safe and happy).

#6-Being Informed and Getting Involved. Citizens should participate individually and collectively in issues that shape their community, nation and world.

#7-Personal Freedom. People enjoy freedom of religion and freedom of expressions.

#8-Respect. Citizens should respect the rights of others.