PS 201 Introduction to US Politics

Course Introduction Fall, 1998


Elite Democracy Versus Popular Democracy
Elite Democracy Popular Democracy
Commonalities
Democratic political culture Protection of civil liberties, toleration of different opinions, participation in voting, deference to legitimate authority, virtual consensus support for political framework. Protection of civil liberties, numerous opportunities for deliberative decision-making throughout civil society, training in deliberative competencies, provision of necessary educational and other resources for participation.
Concern with how democracy can be sustained Chiefly through the stability of the political system and the use of elections to competitively allocate political power and make elites responsive to mass preferences. Chiefly through the democratization of government and civil society; reduction of economic inequalities; and cultivation of a sense of shared purpose and welfare.



PS 201 Introduction to US Politics

Introduction Fall, 1998

 

Elite Democracy Versus Popular Democracy
Elite Democracy Popular Democracy
Differences
Human nature Masses are often ill-informed, ruled by momentary passions, focused on short-term and parochial interests, easily swayed by demagogues. Only elites are capable of politically rational decision-making. Through participation people enlarge their understanding and become public-spirited. Participation is essential to full human development; lack of participation is evidence of something wrong with the system.
Democratic process Periodic elections decide which elite group will rule. Elections are free and fair. Democracy permeates society. Opportunities to deliberatively decide important issues are commonplace, and time and educational resources to do so well are readily available.
Purpose of democracy A means of regulating elite conflict and a system for the protection of individual rights and the pursuit of private interests. Economic inequalities are the inevitable result of different abilities. The cultivation of community based on individual autonomy and civic virtue. Economic inequalities are minimized because they jeopardize the sense of common good.
Theory of representation Virtual: "representatives ... filter the views of the people through their superior expertise, intelligence, and temperament" (10). Actual: representatives strive to accurately reflect their constituents views of issues.
View of social change Change is ideally gradual and achieved through elite managed reforms Social movements and political action by ordinary citizens is the source of most meaningful reform.