Intro:

·        Matter of degree as we have different levels of involvement with different levels of democracy; mainly direct democracy and representative democracy.

·        New form of deliberative democracy.

Body:

DIRECT DEMOCRACY

·        A system whereby more citizens in a nation-state are magistrates rather than mere private individuals. First notably occurred in the Polis or city States in Ancient Greece.

·        Citizens met in public squares, assemblies and public offices to agree upon coherent political policies – considered to be high culture and promoted active citizenship.

·        Majority of citizens eligible got involved – therefore could be seen as an ‘all affair’ compared to representative democracy.

·        The common good was agreed upon by the meeting and discussion of citizens, where the right answer would prevail.

·        More recently, Marxist democracy can be said to be direct.

·        At its extreme, it wishes to temporarily reverse the status quo, and form a mass ‘dictatorship of the proletariat’ to place power and sovereignty in the masses.  Thereafter a new ruling class is formed where direct democracy is maximised.

·        Politicians become delegates rather than trustees.

·        Direct democracy is closer definition to ‘rule by the people’.

·        CRITICISMS – is it really rule by the people? Who is actually worthy of active participation? In Ancient Greece – women, slaves and foreigners were excluded, modern day would illiterate , disabled, certain age and race be excluded?

·        The size of countries populations seriously inhibits practically enforcing direct democracy.

REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY (Mill and Locke)

·        Representatives are elected and become trustees. They are trusted with protecting property rights of the rational and self-interested individual, and separating public and private spheres and not getting involved in the latter.

·        Governance by the intelligent, whose wisdom overrides the ‘popular clamour’ cried for by the citizens.

·        CONSENT is the only legitimate basis of authority, so we can only be subjected to laws by our consent either personally or via our representatives. Politicians must earn this consent. Governments become accountable via frequent elections.

·        Democracy is an instrument for rational individuals to achieve liberal goals rather than an ideal.

·        Whilst people choose the representatives, and can take part through elections and referendums, ultimate power lies with the representatives, even though they can be held accountable. Therefore, less rule of people, and more likely rule of the powerful.

·        Not as democratic as direct democracy, but more practical and easily implemented.

DELIBERATIVE DEMOCRACY

·        Stands between direct and representative democracy – relatively new form. Away from elite/professional exclusivity of ruling class and from the lack of citizen participation – this form calls for higher quality and quantity in political debate.

·        Delegates which represent a microcosm of the nation-state are selected to discuss with candidates policy and issues.

·        Causes increased participation of citizens – thus moving towards a higher level rule of the people.

·        Debate and dialogue that ensue on issues ensure that better arguments prevail.  – is it realistic to create a microcosm of society?