1. 2. 3. 4.

Lecture 1The Liberal Democratic Model A long history? Athens direct democracy, can it really have relevance today? 18th century, US & France but limited in scope both reactions to absolute rule of monarchies. 20th century, after WW1, way of integrating most of the population into the political system via the spread of universal suffrage. Limited to developed countries, often with certain parts of society being excluded, e.g. women, ethnic minorities. Post WW2, Democracy still not the dominant form of political regime. Cold War often presented as war between forces of democracy and dictatorship totalitarianism. Today, some form of democracy, most numerous system across the world. But are all democracies the same and what is so good about democracy? Why Democracy? Participation by population is needed to protect individual interests notion of individual rights Creates a population that is informed and committed to the system Citizens are able to develop to their fullest capacity Provides stability and allows for effective governance Allows for more efficient economic development Characteristics of modern democracies. Should have the following; A cluster of rules and institutions permitting the broadest participation of the majority of citizens in the selection of representatives who alone can make political decisions affecting the whole community. Held, D. (2006) Models of Democracy. 3rd Ed, Cambridge, Polity. Page 94. What are the rules? An elected government Free and fair elections, with each citizens vote having equal weight what of the choice of electoral systems or the party system? What of plurality or majoritarian systems? US? France? Is a proportional system more likely to satisfy this requirement? Spain? The eligibility to vote should not depend on race, religion, class etc. Does such a situation exist in any of the case study countries? How often should elections take place? Freedom of conscience France does not allow the manifestation of religion in the public sphere, e.g. wearing the veil in schools, would it be tolerated in the parliament? The freedom to express criticisms of the government Russia? The right to access information freedom of information France? The right to oppose governments Nigeria, Spain? The right of all citizens to stand for government Can a poor man really become President in the US or France? What are the rules governing eligibility? The right to form political parties What of party system in US? Problems of Democratic model How far should democracy go? Should it consider issues such as economics? Can a real democracy exist in the face of economic inequalities? How representative of the population does the system have to be to be really democratic? Does the vote really represent a limitation on the political elites? Is there a recipe for democracy? Is there a viable alternative?