Political Science 2244E Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Joseph Schumpeter, Elite, Direct Democracy
12 Nov 2012
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What values matter most in american democracy. What makes a law or constitution a source of right? (question of legitimacy: virtually all americans agree that no exercise of political power is legitimate if it is not in some sense democratic. Also referred to as elitist"s theory of democracy. Requires that individuals and parties be able to run for office, that communication be free, and that the voters perceive that a meaningful choice exists. Some people argue direct democracy can and should be reclaimed even in a modern society by letting cities govern themselves or by requiring those affected by a government to participate in its formulation(citizen participation) Fathers of constitution strongly favoured representative democracy and believed that government should mediate, not mirror, popular views and elected officials should represent, not register majority sentiments, supposed citizens didn"t have time, information, interest, or expertise to make reasonable decisions.
