theories of democracy 4 theories protective developmental pluralist participatory
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Theories of Democracy
4 Theories
Protective
Developmental
Pluralist
Participatory
Theorists can approach democracy with Two Questions in mind…
What is democracy in THEORY?
What is democracy in PRACTICE?
Protective Democracy• A model democracy would
Protect the rights of capitalist actors = free market
• Promoted by James Mill (father of James Stuart Mill) in 19th century and Founding Fathers
• Assumes there will be inequality in society and that elite will and should rule
• Worst part of democracy for these theorists = “excesses of Democracy” – tyranny by majority
Developmental Democracy• Model democracy would
develop civic participation and good citizens
• Assumes people are inherently good (conceived by John Stuart Mill – James’ son -- mid-19th century)
• Assumes democracy has MORAL purpose
• Accepts representation as a practical necessity – vs. Protective theory which fears popular rule
Pluralist Democracy• Model democracy
will be run by a Plurality through competitive elections – which means a large sector of society that is and will always be apathetic
• Emerged as theorists observed relative apathy among citizens in US in 1950s
• Elite will rule and people will choose among a slate of elite in elections
• Citizens participate in govt through special interest groups
Participatory Democracy• Model democracy would have
citizens who participate on wide scale – esp. at local level
• Arrived in 1960s as social groups critiqued current power structures (Carole Pateman)
• Special interest groups do NOT offer most citizens a chance at participation
• People do not NOT participate because they are naturally apathetic but because the STRUCTURE of current democracy excludes them
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