Types of Democracy - AP US Government and Politics
- Define digital democracy.
- Utilizing digital technologies to enhance democratic processes. Technology expands democratic participation and accessibility.
- What does the term 'tyranny of the majority' mean?
- Majority rule may oppress minority groups. Democratic risk when majority suppresses minority rights.
- What is the significance of free and fair elections?
- They ensure government accountability and legitimacy. Foundation of democratic legitimacy and peaceful transitions.
- What is a referendum?
- A direct vote by citizens on a specific policy issue. Allows citizens to directly approve or reject proposed laws.
- Define constitutional democracy.
- A democracy governed by a constitution that limits powers. Constitutional framework constrains democratic majority power.
- Identify a criticism of elite democracy.
- It concentrates power in a small group, limiting broader input. Reduces democratic participation and accountability to masses.
- What is the significance of checks and balances in a democracy?
- They prevent any one branch from gaining too much power. Separation of powers prevents tyrannical concentration.
- What is the role of public opinion in a democracy?
- To influence and guide government policy decisions. Citizen preferences shape government policy directions.
- Identify one way to increase political participation.
- Implementing easier voter registration processes. Reduces barriers to democratic participation.
- Which type of democracy involves direct citizen lawmaking?
- Direct democracy. Citizens vote directly on policies without intermediaries.
- What does 'majoritarianism' imply in democracy?
- The majority's desires have the most influence. Democratic principle privileging numerical majority preferences.
- What is the primary goal of a democracy?
- To represent and serve the interests of the people. Core democratic principle of popular sovereignty.
- Which type of democracy is most likely to use referendums?
- Direct democracy. Direct voting mechanisms are core to this system.
- What role do interest groups play in a pluralist democracy?
- They compete to influence public policy. Multiple groups prevent any single faction from dominating.
- What is the purpose of an electoral college?
- To formally elect the president in a representative democracy. Indirect election system mediating between popular and state will.
- What is the role of a constitution in a democracy?
- It outlines the structure and limits of government. Provides framework and constraints for democratic governance.
- What is a constitutional monarchy?
- A system where a monarch acts within the boundaries of a constitution. Hereditary head of state constrained by democratic institutions.
- Which type of democracy emphasizes consensus building?
- Deliberative democracy. Seeks agreement through discussion and compromise.
- How does elite democracy view citizen participation?
- Minimal participation is necessary; elites make decisions. Argues masses lack knowledge for effective governance.
- What is majority rule?
- The principle that the greater number should exercise greater power. Fundamental democratic principle ensuring majority preferences prevail.
- Identify a key benefit of participatory democracy.
- It increases public engagement and representation. Broadens democratic participation beyond electoral processes.
- What is the principle of popular sovereignty?
- The authority of the government is derived from the people. Democratic legitimacy derives from citizen consent.
- What is deliberative democracy?
- A form of democracy in which deliberation is central to decision-making. Emphasizes discussion and reasoning before making decisions.
- Define social democracy.
- A system combining democratic governance with social welfare. Balances democratic governance with economic equality goals.
- How does representative democracy differ from direct democracy?
- Citizens elect representatives to make decisions for them. Uses intermediaries rather than direct citizen voting.
- What is the main function of political parties in a democracy?
- To organize and coordinate candidates and policies. Structure democratic competition and policy alternatives.
- Define elite democracy.
- A system where a small number of people influence decisions. Power concentrated in hands of educated or wealthy few.
- What is an initiative in the context of democracy?
- A process where citizens propose legislation. Empowers citizens to bypass legislature and propose laws directly.
- Identify one key feature of participatory democracy.
- Emphasis on broad citizen involvement in politics. Maximizes citizen engagement beyond just voting in elections.
- How does pluralist democracy address diverse interests?
- By allowing multiple groups to compete and influence. Prevents single-group dominance through competitive balance.
- Define representative democracy.
- A system where citizens elect officials to make decisions. Indirect democracy where representatives act on citizens' behalf.
- Which democracy type best describes the United States?
- Representative democracy. Federal republic with elected representatives at multiple levels.
- What is civic engagement?
- Active participation in public life and community affairs. Essential for healthy democratic participation and governance.
- Define recall election.
- A procedure where voters can remove an elected official. Democratic accountability tool for removing underperforming officials.
- Identify one advantage of a representative democracy.
- Efficient decision-making through elected officials. Enables governance of large populations effectively.
- What distinguishes pluralist democracy?
- Multiple groups compete to influence policy. Power is distributed among competing interest groups.
- What is meant by 'political efficacy'?
- The belief that one's actions can influence politics. Personal sense of power to affect political outcomes.
- What is a key characteristic of a liberal democracy?
- Protection of individual rights and freedoms. Combines democratic governance with individual liberty protections.
- What is direct democracy?
- A system where citizens vote on laws directly. Citizens participate directly in lawmaking without representatives.
- What is one key challenge for participatory democracy?
- Ensuring active and informed participation by all citizens. Requires sustained commitment and civic education.