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Foundations of Democracy
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Foundations of Democracy
Foundations of Democracy
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1
Question
What is the origin of the term 'democracy'?
Answer
The term 'democracy' is derived from the Greek words 'demos,' meaning 'people,' and 'kratos,' meaning 'rule.'
2
Question
How long has the concept of democracy existed?
Answer
The concept of democracy dates back approximately 2,500 years to Ancient Greece and Rome.
3
Question
What did Plato and Aristotle contribute to democracy?
Answer
Plato and Aristotle were philosophers who proposed different frameworks for what constituted a well-functioning government, laying foundational political thought on governance.
4
Question
What is the fundamental view of democracy in relation to governance by elites?
Answer
Democracy is viewed as the antithesis of rule by an elite minority.
5
Question
What is direct democracy?
Answer
Direct democracy is a form of governance in which all members of a community participate directly in decision-making processes that affect the group.
6
Question
What historical limitations have existed regarding direct democracy?
Answer
Direct democracy has historically been limited by social distinctions, with political participation restricted based on factors like gender, social status, or citizenship.
7
Question
In Ancient Greece, who was excluded from participating in direct democracy?
Answer
In Ancient Greece, women, slaves, foreign residents, and children were excluded from participation.
8
Question
What logistical challenge did direct democracy face in Athens?
Answer
Quorum requirements in Athens could reach 6,000 citizens, complicating efficient governance.
9
Question
How does Rome's form of direct democracy compare to modern systems?
Answer
Rome employed a form of direct democracy that lasted longer than any modern democratic system, despite being exclusive and initially limited to a small group of elites.
10
Question
Who were the elites in ancient Roman democracy?
Answer
The elites in ancient Roman democracy were men over 15 who descended from the original three Roman tribes, distinguished by wearing white togas.
11
Question
What was the social division in Roman society?
Answer
Roman society was divided between the patricians, the aristocratic class dominating political structures, and the plebeians, the common people with little political voice.
12
Question
What systemic inequalities persisted in Roman democracy?
Answer
Despite gaining the right to vote and hold office, plebeians faced political corruption and inequalities that often prevented them from accessing the highest levels of power.
13
Question
What is Robert Dahl's view on democracy?
Answer
Robert Dahl emphasized that the development of democracy is not a linear process and involves a constant struggle between competing groups.
14
Question
How has democracy evolved according to Robert Dahl?
Answer
Democracy has been created and recreated in various forms, shaped by the unique national cultures of different countries, and is influenced by social movements advocating for rights.
15
Question
What notable advances occurred in Western democracy from the 11th century onward?
Answer
Key elements of modern democracy began to take shape in Western regions such as Iceland, Scandinavia, Britain, the Netherlands, the United States, and France following the English Revolution.
16
Question
What is liberal democracy?
Answer
Liberal democracy is based on principles of equal representation and participation, ensuring that all groups have access to the same political rights and that each vote holds equal weight.
17
Question
What role do political parties play in a liberal democracy?
Answer
Political parties facilitate political engagement and reflect diverse interests within the electorate.
18
Question
Define representative government.
Answer
A representative government is a system in which members of a community elect individuals to act on their behalf, making decisions that affect the entire community.
19
Question
What are key features of representative government?
Answer
Key features include robust political institutions, checks and balances, regular and fair elections, political competition, and an independent judiciary.
20
Question
What rights are crucial in a representative government?
Answer
Crucial rights include universal suffrage, the right to run for public office, and legal protections of civil liberties such as freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly.
21
Question
What are some flaws of modern democracy?
Answer
Flaws include barriers to equality, gerrymandering, voter suppression tactics, and disenfranchisement based on gender, sexuality, race, and other factors.
22
Question
What is gerrymandering?
Answer
Gerrymandering is the manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular party, undermining fair representation.
23
Question
What historical shifts contributed to the spread of democratic governance worldwide?
Answer
The late 20th century saw a significant rise in democratic states, influenced by the fall of dictatorships in Southern Europe and the end of the Cold War.
24
Question
What sparked the American Revolution?
Answer
The American Revolution (1775-1783) was sparked by colonial discontent over taxation without representation and British interference in colonial governance.
25
Question
What was the Stamp Act of 1765?
Answer
The Stamp Act of 1765 imposed direct taxes on printed materials in the colonies, angering colonists who had no representation in British Parliament.
26
Question
What was the Boston Massacre?
Answer
The Boston Massacre was an event in 1770 where British troops fired on a crowd in Boston, killing 5 colonists and wounding 6 others.
27
Question
What led to the Boston Tea Party of 1773?
Answer
The Boston Tea Party was a protest against the Tea Act, wherein colonists dumped British tea into Boston Harbor to oppose taxation policies.
28
Question
What were the Coercive Acts of 1774?
Answer
The Coercive Acts of 1774 were punitive measures imposed by Britain, including closing the port of Boston and restricting self-governance.
29
Question
What major question divided British authorities and American colonists before the Revolution?
Answer
The key question was whether the British parliament had the right to impose laws and taxes on the colonies without their consent.
30
Question
What significant role did the First Continental Congress play in American independence?
Answer
The First Continental Congress (1774) was established to address tensions with Britain, leading to a unified resistance against British goods and governance.