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