Lecture/briefing: So, as you would have read in the assigned parts of the chapter, democracy takes different forms- direct and indirect which in essecnces comes down to the exercise of our vote in a manner that has a direct impact on the outcome. For example, citizens maybe asked to vote via a referendum that is of importance to the electorate. The result of the vote will be utlimate decision. Whereas, in governments that practice indirect democrary we elcet leaders who make decisions on our behalf. This in short is referred to being a Republic. Not a “republican” -as in a member of the republican party, but simply as a representative form of government where we imbue leaders with the authority to make decisions for us.
Another concept covered in the chapter is the concept of “majority rule” and “minority rights.” The idea is simple, majority ruke is exactly what it implies, that on any particular issue whatrever the majority (or in some cases plurality) of people says, goes! For example if the majority of our class decided that Prof. Andrews should not assign readings for the entire of the semester, then the opinion/decision of the majority shall stand. Just so that you are all aware, this forum is not a democrarcy, consider me a beneficient dictator… LOL!!! However, the concept of minority rights is also a bedrock of our democrarcy. In essence despite the ruling of the majority, there are certain gurantees that afforded those who hold a minority opinion. For example, if the president and congress decided to reinstituted the deplorable and immoral practice of slavery, the US Constitution and the Supreme Court may have a different view ruling it unconstitutional. The rights of minority voices shall not be infringed no matter the overwhleming voices who may wish to silence them!
The chapter mentions a couple theories regarding how political power is exercised within our society. The first is the Ruling elite theory which states that those in our society that are well educated and wealthy exercised a disproportionate amount of power over the rest of society and therefore can wield power in such a manner that largely benefits them. The theory of Pluralism however, is a competing concept which states that different groups and coalition compete for power and none has aboslute power over any group and whatever power they may have amassed is temporary.
John Locke: In the chapter Locke is presented as a man who’s ideas have a compelling impact on our ideology of government. He opines that there exists a contract between the people and the government and that their power derives from the people themslves to work on our behalf. By the same token, he also says we the citizens also carry a great responsibility. That responsibility is that we must be informed and engaged.
Assignment: Let’s Debate the issues.
1. I would like you to post a response to this thread in the discussion section and offer your opinion. First, if the the majority of people may have voted in a particular way, why should we concern ourselves with the losing side of the argument? After all should not the power of your arguments win the day? If the majority of citizens believe an action or legislation benefits the majority of citizens then it stands to reason that it is what’s best for society. Argue the merits and demrits of your position.
2. In your observation and /or belief, do you think that those of us in society who have money and well educated always benefit? Do you think think the system is “rigged” in favor of the powerful? Or do you think that the there exist some balance to the equation that might benefit you from time to time.
3. Is John Locke right, and do you believe that we as a citizenry are informed and engaged? If the government has broken that spocial contract what them does Locke say we must do. Do yoiu believe you are sufficiently informed and engaged?
