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Direct democracy Is Impractical for reasons of time, expertise, etc. O) The people make unwise decisions based on fleeting emotions 1110. Direct v. Representative democracy AY. Text uses the term “democracy” to refer to representative democracy 10. Constitution does not contain word “democracy’ but “republican form of government” 20. Representative democracy requires leadership competition if system is to work ??requires meaningful choice for voters, free communication, etc. BOO. Framers favored representative democracy 10.
Government would mediate, nor mirror, popular views 20. People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation 30. Framers’ goal: to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders VIVO. How is power distributed in a democracy? O Majorities politics 10. Leaders constrained to follow wishes of the people very closely 20. Applies when Issues are simple and clear 10. Rule by identifiable group of persons who possess a disproportionate share of political power 20.
Theories on political elites 30) Karl Marx: government merely a reflection of underlying economic forces, primarily the pattern of the ownership of the means of production; government is controlled by the dominant social class boo) C. Wright Mills: power elite, composed of key corporate leaders, military leaders, and political leaders, control and are served by government co) Max Weber: expertise, specialized competence (bureaucrats) will dominate do) Pluralist view: no single elite has monopoly on power; hence must bargain and compromise while being responsive to followers CO.
Cynical view that politics is self-seeking enterprise but…. 0 10. Policy does not necessarily reflect authors’ motives 20. Self-interest an incomplete guide to decisions 30) FALL-CIO supported civil rights in asses, without personal or organizational gain 0) Civil Aeronautics Board employees in asses, worked for deregulation VOW. Political changed 40. Necessary to refer to history frequently since no single theory is adequate 10.
Government today influenced by yesterday 20. Government today still evolving and responds to changing beliefs BOO. Politics is about defining the public interest, not Just “who gets what” VIVO. Finding out who governs 40. CO. EH. Often we have only partial or contingent answers Must understand how preferences are formed Politics cannot be equated with laws on the books Sweeping claims are to be avoided See the What Would You Do?