Summary
Summary PLC3702 - Democracy and other forms of regime
- Institution
- University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Essay on Indirect, direct, semi-direct democracy Indirect, direct, semi-direct democracy
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Ways citizens participate in the political process:Direct democracy – citizens themselves participate in the political process
Indirect democracy – citizens participate by electing representatives to act on their behalf
Semi-direct democracy – combination of direct and indirect democracy
Direct democracy:
Concept Refers to the participation of the people in
political decision making
Government as a representative
Based on principle of distinction between
government and citizens, as well as the state
and civil society
Based on assumption that all political power
belong to the people
Citizens participate in military and judicial
system
Each member is considered equal
Free and open democracy
Characteristics Most important characteristics:
1. Citizen participation
2. Accountable officials
3. Rule of law
Other forms of direct democracy General will – is the accumulation of what is
in the interest of everyone
Will of all – total of all individual wills
(personal interest)
Advantages Heywood (1997) 1. It heightens the control that citizens can
exercise over their own destinies
2. It creates a better-informed and more
politically sophisticated citizenry
3. It enables the public to express its own
views and interests without having to rely on
self-serving politicians
4.It ensures that rule is legitimate in the
sense that people are more likely to accept
decisions that they have made themselves
Disadvantages Outweigh the advantages
Not possible in large societies and states
Time consuming
Expensive
Impractical
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