Question

Compare and contrast the two classic definitions of democracy – participatory and representative democracies. Discuss Aristotle’s definition of democracy. Give one example of how direct/participatory democracy works. What are the key parts of Schumpeter’s definition of democracy? Give one example of how Schumpeter's representative democracy works. Which of the two types of democracy did the majority of the Founding Fathers favor - representative/indirect or participatory/direct? Which form of democracy do you think is the best fit for the needs of the United States? Why? Explain your answer. What form of democracy are we practicing in the United States on the federal level, and in California on the state level? Which form of democracy do you favor? Why? Explain your answer

Answer 1

Compare and contrast the two classic definitions of democracy – participatory and representative democracies.

Participatory democracy or participative democracy emphasizes the broad participation of constituents in the direction and operation of political systems. Etymological roots of democracy (Greek demos and kratos) imply that the people are in power and thus that all democracies are participatory.

Representative democracy, also known as indirect democracy or representative government, is a type of democracy founded on the principle of elected officials representing a group of people, as opposed to direct democracy.

Participatory democracy involves more lay citizen participation in decision making and offers greater political representation than traditional representative democracy, e.g., wider control of proxies given to representatives by those who get directly involved and actually participate.

Discuss Aristotle’s definition of democracy.

For Aristotle, democracies were very polarized societies, containing rich and poor and not much in between. Aristotle believed that democracy is the wisdom of crowds. This is useful, because all societies must evolve their governing rules as needs change. Aristotle also cautioned against something he called extreme democracy – as it can lead to demagogues.

Give one example of how direct/participatory democracy works.

A partial example of direct or participatory democracy occurred in the USA with drawing up the plans to rebuild New Orleans after 2005's Hurricane Katrina, with thousands of ordinary citizens involved in drafting and approving the plan.

In recent years, social media have led to changes in the conduct of participatory democracy. People now-a-days sign petitions on social media on important topics and send it to the government.

What are the key parts of Schumpeter’s definition of democracy?

Schumpeter defined democracy as the method by which people elected representatives in competitive elections to carry out their will. The key parts of his definition were aspects of democracy such as "representation, accountability, equality, participation, justice, dignity, rationality, security, freedom.”