POL 4134 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Rational Basis Review, Marine Pollution, Direct Democracy

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Political Science
• Course: POL 4134
• Professor: Roger Rickwood

Document Summary

Democracy is a system whose government is accountable to the people. Our ideal government by the people is direct democracy. All citizens would be members of the sovereign assembly, in which all public issues would be decided. A direct democracy would also adhere to the principle of majority rule in the most uncomplicated way, which is by abiding by the wishes of a simple majority whenever a proposal comes up for decision. Precisely, the effective leadership of the executive branch of government must have the confidence of the elected part of the legislative branch, and must resign if it loses that confidence. Foundation of responsible government is the notion that ultimate control should be in the hands of the public, who act through democratically elected representatives. Judiciary is the branch of government whose characteristic functions are to resolve disputes according to the law and to interpret and develop the law.