POL111H5 Chapter Notes - Chapter 10: Liberal Democracy, Direct Democracy, Indep
Document Summary
Liberal democracy includes following principles: limits should be placed on what government can do. Most liberal democracy countries, an independent court system provides check on government by ensuring it abides by rule of law & provisions of constitutions include in 2nd paragraph. In parliamentary system, gov. is expected to be accountable to the elected legislative body whose support it requires to stay in office (page 239: also, independent agencies act as watchdogs and can hold gov. accountable. Involves giving citizens greater control of public policies and reps. Using referendums, initiatives recall elections: this version of democracy often associated with populism - based on idea that fundamental differences exist between ordinary people and elites who control politics and society. Problems with plebiscitary democracy: citizens not always prepared to vote on long and difficult proposals, concern that voters may be swayed by expensive advertising efforts of interest groups.
