POL101Y1 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: Party System
Document Summary
The regional influence: european lead, internal affairs of the americas, african disunity, shared colonial heritage (british prestige) Why has democracy survived uninterrupted for over 60 years in such a poor country long struggle for independence lead to support for democracy. Usually only seen in economically developed countries with a middle class, but india proves that wrong. Political culture support from elite culture that appreciates debate. Healthy suspicion of authority intelligent distrust of its leadership to prevent corrupted power society of bargaining depends on compromise and leads to people respecting one another. Civil society tremendously rich civic life has been a major foundation of indian democratic persistence. Professional associations, trade unions, grassroots groups, social movements, independent media = vibrant society. Political management of diversity resilient political party system. Good nature and quality of political institutions. British style, first past the post, and single member territorial districts federalism (aids conflict management and checks positions of power and widens access to power)