POLSCI 1AA3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Direct Democracy, Takers, David Held
17 Dec 2018
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Document Summary
A political model that is universally used in the modern era. Democracy comes from the greek words demos (people) and kratos (rule) The political reality: democracy is historically, institutionally and culturally varied. Citizens (not professional politicians) directly make the rules and regulations governing: direct democracy society. Rule makers and takers are the same people". Key example of direct democracy: ancient athens. Assembly was the decision making body which was comprised of male athenian civilians, public right to attend the assembly and contribute to the decisions of public policy-ultimately becoming law. In cases where political offices were deemed necessary, office holders were in many cases chosen by lot. Council of 500: helped to prepare agendas for the assembly meetings. Morality is subjective thus the interpretation of what is considered a moral/immoral law would cause conflict. We require individuals with expert knowledge to make substantial decisions regarding public policy. Elements of direct democracy present in the modern canadian context.
