08 Democracy and Political Representation Free Online FlashCards

What defines democracy?

Democracy is a system in which people have a meaningful, politically equal role in controlling public decisions and choosing decision-makers.

What is direct democracy?

In direct democracy, citizens decide policy questions themselves, such as through a referendum.

What are examples of political participation beyond voting?

Political participation includes activities such as voting, campaigning, contacting officials, joining civic groups, protesting peacefully, and standing for office.

Why might formal participation rights fail to produce equal influence?

Formal participation rights do not guarantee equal influence: exclusion, limited access to debate, or unequal resources can make some concerns less visible.

What is political representation?

Political representation occurs when people or institutions speak, advocate, or act on behalf of others in public decision-making.

What judgment dilemma do representatives face?

Representatives face a tension between following constituents’ stated preferences, using their own judgment, and balancing both in light of the public interest.

Does shared background guarantee representation of a group’s interests?

Sharing a group’s background does not guarantee that a representative will act in that group’s interests.

Why is majority rule not unlimited?

Majority rule helps settle disagreement, but it must not be used to silence criticism, prevent minority organization, or deny equal political standing.

What institutional safeguards can limit public power?

Constitutions, laws, courts, and other safeguards limit public power and protect rights while allowing policy change through legitimate procedures.

Why are elections alone insufficient for democracy?

Elections alone are not enough; people also need rights and freedoms to express views, organize, and influence public life.

What is representative democracy?

In representative democracy, citizens elect officials to debate and decide many questions on their behalf.

What political participation right does the Universal Declaration recognize?

People have a right to take part in government directly or through freely chosen representatives; public authority is linked to genuine periodic elections with equal suffrage.