Understanding Direct vs. Representative Democracy
Direct vs. Representative Democracy
Direct democracy is when members of a group participate and vote at meetings where decisions are made that affect the entire group. This type of democracy can be applied in small groups or associations where the number of people is manageable enough to assemble and discuss common problems.
Some problems that arise when direct democracy is practiced include a lack of respect for the rules of serious dialogue, manipulation, deceit, and concealment of important information. Also, this kind of democracy requires much more time and effort than representative democracy.
Representative democracy involves regularly choosing delegates or representatives who are responsible for making decisions affecting the group. This type of democracy is often used to govern institutions with a large number of members, making direct democracy impractical.
Typical problems of representative democracy fall into two main categories: issues affecting the representatives, such as possible corruption or abuse of office, and issues affecting their constituency, such as apathy and disinterest in matters of common interest.
Democracy is not just about accepting majority rule but also respecting the rights of minorities so that they can potentially become majorities. Democracy presupposes an ethical commitment to the human rights of all people.
Two Perspectives on Democracy
Democracy as a Mechanism:
- The government should be in the hands of experts chosen by the people.
- The individual is primarily a consumer.
- The company is primarily a market.
- Confidence in representative democracy and distrust of direct democracy.
- Encourage citizens to participate in elections and only them.
Democracy as a Way of Life:
- The government should be in the hands of the people and selects topics for some experts.
- The individual is primarily an active member of the community.
- Society is primarily a community.
- Confidence in direct democracy and the representative when necessary.
- Encourage citizens to participate in every way possible.
Requirements for a Democratic State
- Universal suffrage
- Secret ballot
- Regular elections
- The right of all citizens to hold public office
- The rule of the majority (or coalition)
- Division of powers
- Civil liberties
Welfare State or the Rule of Justice?
Social status is acquired as a commitment to defend social and economic equality, understood as equality of opportunity so that everyone can exercise their rights and develop their skills.
Citizenship
Citizenship involves the relationships established between citizen and state in different areas: social, political, economic, and intercultural. A citizen enjoys the rights and freedoms in a state and participates in this state through citizenship.
Conditions to Overcome for Citizens
- Overcome the condition of vasallo (medieval) – Servant – man in the service of another (master) – King, Church, and Nobles
- Overcome the condition of subject (modern) – Subordinated – man that was under another (bourgeoisie)
- Overcome the status of “slave” (contemporary) – Exploited