a word used in at least three ways in the
discussion of government
 democratic centralism
 direct or participatory democracy
 representative democracy

Authoritarian governments define
democracy as - a system that represents
the “true interests” of the people,
whether or not they directly affect those
interests.
 The central leadership discusses among
themselves and decide on what are the
“true interests” of the people.

former Soviet Union operated on this
theory – the central committee made all
economic and political decisions.
 In other authoritarian regimes, ruthless
dictators, calling themselves democratic
based on this concept, conduct the
business of the country in the “true
interests” of the people.

Based on Aristotle’s definition of the
“rule of the many.”
 Most practical in the Greek city states in
which citizenship was extended to all
adult male property holders.
 These citizens met as a group to decide
on issues affecting the polis.



New England town meetings.
However, as towns and cites become
larger, they are opting for elected
representatives to handle the town’s
business.
initiative and the referendum allow a
substantial measure of direct democracy in
modern political system.
 Initiatives allow voters to place legislative
issues directly on the ballot if enough
signature are obtained.
 This completely bypasses the legislative
process in which a proposed bill goes
through committee action in both houses.

The referendum allows the legislative
branch to place a controversial piece of
legislation already approved by them on
the ballot.
 Voters get the opportunity to reject or
approve the particular bill.
 These two methods allow the voting
citizenry a sort of direct democratic
participation.

representative democracy involves
leaders acquiring power by means of a
competitive struggle for the people’s
vote.
 For representative democracy to exist
there must be genuine leadership
competition.
 Sometimes this theory is referred to as
the elitist theory of democracy

This sort of government is supported by
those who feel that in a direct
democracy it is impractical for the public
to make policy across a vast array of
issues.
 They believe that people often decide
large issued on the basis of fleeting
passions. (ex. Propositions in California –
will of the people vs. mass hysteria)


For the representative democracy to
function, it is necessary that there be
competing elites and free
communications.