Liberal democracy is a contradiction in terms. Discuss
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- Created on: 02-05-16 10:57
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- Liberal democracy is a contradiction in terms. Discuss
- Is a political regime that combines a liberal preference for limited government w/ a democratic preference for majority rule
- Regular free and fair elections (universal adult suffrage), contraints on govt (through constitutionalism, consent and rule of law), and an vigorous civil society
- Yes
- Promotes individualism (primacy of indv over any group, society or state)
- Promotes rationalism, knowledge comes from reason/logic, not tradition or custom
- Both suggest indv can govern themselves and democracy is not necessary
- Promotes rationalism, knowledge comes from reason/logic, not tradition or custom
- D suggests collectivism, indv work best in cooperative social groups
- Majoritarianism, and potential for 'tyranny of the majority', rule of the 51% which can result in minority oppression
- D puts equality over freedom and suggests increasing state intervention
- Threat to property rights and the natural equilibrium of the free market
- Also, working class is majority, and as knowledge is not spread equally through society, Mill argued that they will vote for parties with lower pleasures in mind
- Promotes individualism (primacy of indv over any group, society or state)
- No
- Need for state to protect rational but self-serving indv from each other
- Nightwatchmen state, 'necessary evil'
- Jefferson 'that govt is best which governs the least'
- Nightwatchmen state, 'necessary evil'
- Modern liberals like economic govt intervention to enhance positive freedom
- Possible to ensure the govt is restricted through constitutionalism, separation of powers, bicameralism etc
- In order to have power govt should have legitimate authority, through consent, agreement of the people
- Belief in rationalism, democracy is educative process allows indv to make rational choices and develop intellect
- D also promotes tolerant and stable society, as it can allow peaceful discussion through debate rather than violence
- D helps indv promote civil liberties, people can act as limiting force on govt
- Through creation of libdem a social contract is formed
- Authority from below, govt should act in interest of indv, if dont, break the contract and indv have right to overthrow the govt
- Through creation of libdem a social contract is formed
- Need for state to protect rational but self-serving indv from each other
- Is a political regime that combines a liberal preference for limited government w/ a democratic preference for majority rule
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