Order 1294302: Political Science
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Chapter620111.pptIntroduction to Political Science
POL 120
Regimes
Dr. Kula A. Francis
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Democracy
- According to Roskin et al, there is probably no single word with more definitions…
Soviet Union – claimed to be one of the most democratic systems in the world.
China – called the “People’s Republic”
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Democracy
- The word DEMOCRACY comes from Greek…
Demos – people
Kratia – government
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Types of Democracies
- ILLIBERAL DEMOCRACY
Election produces a regime over rights and freedom of citizens
- REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY
Found in the U.S., U.K.
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Representative Democracy
Popular Accountability of Government
Political Competition
Alternation in Power
Popular Representation
Majority Decision
Rights of Dissent and Disobedience
Political Equality
Popular Consultation
Free Press
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Representative Democracy
- Popular Accountability of Government
Leaders are accountable to citizens
“Bad” politicians can be voted out
- Political Competition
Voters have a choice (minimum of two distinct alternatives)
Parties have time and freedom to organize and present their case before elections
- Alternation in Power
Power occasionally changes hands
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Representative Democracy
- Popular Representation
Voters elect representatives to act as legislators (to voice and protect their general interest)
- Majority Decision
The Majority decides… (but with respect to minority) – Racial Make-up of the U.S.
- Right of Dissent and Disobedience
People must have the right to resist the commands of government they deem wrong or unreasonable.
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Representative Democracy
- Political Equality
All adults (regardless of gender are equally able to participate in politics) – One Person – One Vote!
- Popular Consultation
Need to know what the people want…(usually turning to public opinion)
Letters to the editor
Opinion Polls
Press Conference/ Interviews with elected officials
- Free Press
Free and Critical Mass Media
Mass media provides citizens with facts, raise public awareness…
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TOTALITARIANISM
- Totalitarian system –
Elites are almost completely unaccountable
Roskins et al, 2007- state only Cuba and North Korea remain examples of this form of government…
- State controls communication and economic life.
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Six Features of a Totalitarian State
- An All-Encompassing Ideology
- A Single Party
- Organized Terror
- Monopoly of Communications
- Monopoly of Weapons
- Controlled Economy
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Totalitarian Government
- All-Encompassing Ideology
Portrays the world in black-and-white terms…
“Claims” to be building a perfect, happy society
Anyone against it is the “enemy of the state”
- A Single Party
Only one party exists
Party membership is controlled (usually less than 10% of the population)
- Organized Terror
Uses physical and psychological methods to keep citizens ‘cowed’
Constitutional guarantees either do not exist or were ignored
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Totalitarian Government
- Monopoly of Communications
Indoctrinates the people with the official ideology and promotes and feeling that the system is working well…
- Monopoly of Weapons
Governments have complete monopoly on weapons (eliminating armed resistance)
- Controlled Economy
State becomes powerful
Resources are allocated to heavy industry, weapon production, etc.
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Authoritarianism
- Governed by a small group (a party, dictator, or the army)
- Does not attempt to control everything
Economic, social, religious, cultural, and familial matter are left up to the individuals…
- Individual freedoms come second to command, obedience, and order…
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Democratization of Authoritarian Regimes
- Since 1974, the majority of Authoritarian or totalitarian countries have become or adopted a democratic system.
Example: Chile, South Korea, and Taiwan
- Education – no longer fall for extremists ideas…
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