Assignment 2
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School
East Los Angeles College *
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Course
101
Subject
Political Science
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
Pages
3
Uploaded by CommodoreTroutPerson995
1.
What are the main features of any democracy? Why are they important?
Citizens have more authority under a democratic system to influence their future and form their
own government. It involves either representative democracy, where people choose
representatives and voice their thoughts, or direct voting, where people can vote on laws directly.
For sound judgment, it is essential to take part in town meetings, public discussions, and
nonviolent protests. In a democracy, equality is crucial because it guarantees that everyone is
treated fairly regardless of their race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. Every vote has equal
weight and is equally important. Suppressing minority rights can harm the majority since
democracies rely on openness and intellectual diversity. Power distribution among the various
governmental branches and the preservation of free and fair elections are crucial for preventing
the abuse of democracy. Democratic societies are governed by the rule of law, which demands
that laws be fairly enforced and that they be applied equally to all individuals. To resolve
conflicts, it is vital to have an impartial entity, such as the courts.
2.
What are some differences between a proportional representation system and a plurality
(winner-takes-all) voting system? Which do you think is the better of the two and why?
In the United States and other democracies, the plurality system is a common practice that
chooses the candidate with the most votes to win an election. However, it might produce a slim
margin of victory, which would discourage many voters from casting their votes for the victor.
Similar to the plurality system, the majority system also awards the candidate who receives the
most votes, but it also stipulates that the candidate must receive more than 50% of the vote. If
nobody does, a run-off election is frequently held. A supermajority, or a winning percentage
greater than fifty percent, may be necessary for a majority vote in some nations, states, or other
institutions. The integrity and success of democracy depend on choosing the appropriate voting
mechanism. All voting systems have advantages and downsides because they all try to strike a
balance between making voting simple and selecting a winner with the authority to make
changes. The winner may find it more difficult to enact change, for instance, if the plurality
system does not represent a larger percentage of votes. A win rate greater than fifty percent
might be necessary for majority voting, although the process might take longer.
3.
What is a mixed voting system? How do they function?
To ensure that minority parties are represented, the Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) voting
system combines aspects of proportional voting and first-past-the-post voting. Each voter is
given the opportunity to cast two ballots—one for the popular vote and the other for their
preferred political party. As a result, there are twice as many representatives to account for
minority representation and popular vote. This method challenges the two-party system by
ensuring that every voter has an equal opportunity to influence overall representation. To ensure
minority parties have some representation, MMP is a hybrid voting method that combines
aspects of proportional voting and first-past-the-post. To ensure that one party does not hold a
majority of seats at any particular moment, it works as a counterbalance to the popular vote or
first-past-the-post system.
Institutions in Action pp. 170-171
1.
What are the strongest explanations for democratization in Asia?
Through hard or soft developmental authoritarianism, elections, universal suffrage, and political
parties, Asian democracies have progressed to some degree of democracy. Some Asian
democracies, on the other hand, are based on a different social tenet, with robust governments
devoted to defending communal needs, a lack of many liberal democratic norms, and longevity
of political elites. The freedom of speech, the separation of powers, and civil and political rights
as understood in Western political thinking have not always been fully upheld in several Asian
nations. It has been suggested that the development of the free market comes before democracy
and civil rights, and that cultural norms have been utilized to suppress opposition. In a setting
where progress is taking place, stability and basic welfare should come first. Strong government
and a restriction on some political rights are also important for the good of society.
2.
Do you think China will be more or less democratic in the future? Why?
Formerly one of the world's poorest nations, China has developed into the second-largest
economy and a superpower with influence beyond its boundaries. To enable democratic
transformation, many Westerners are searching for indications that the Communist Party
dictatorship may be eroding. China's economic might, home market, and developing socialist
economy are credited with its change. Because of its opposition to Western values and ideals,
this regime is on the opposing sides of the argument between autocracy and democracy.
Questions and Methods pp. 176-177
1.
Why would social capital be needed in a democracy? What is the challenge of a "low
trust" society?
A major obstacle to effective global governance is low public trust in the government.
Government officials frequently suffer from low levels of political involvement as a result of
citizens' perceptions of them as corrupt and self-serving. Because of this mistrust, citizens may
resort to survival tactics like voting or buying off authorities, which can lower social capital and
jeopardize the viability of democracy or development.
2.
Can governments promote social capital? Think about policies that could create bridging
and bonding social capital in a low-trust society.
A social norm known as social capital, which can range from simple reciprocity to more intricate
ideologies like Christianity or Confucianism, is an instantiated informal norm that fosters
cooperation between people. It is not just any set of instantiation rules; rather, they must promote
collective cooperation and be connected to moral principles like loyalty, dependability, and
honesty. Modern economies continue to rely heavily on informal norm-based coordination,
particularly as economic activity grows more complicated and technologically advanced. The
state frequently needs to intervene in order to organize people who are unable to organize
themselves when there is no civil society. Corruption, ineffective local administration, and
political dysfunction can result from a lack of social capital.
3.
What is the relationship between the much broader notion of diversity and social capital?
what questions might we consider about the relationship between these two concepts?
The capacity of a group of individuals to effectively collaborate in order to realize a shared
objective is known as social capital. Trust, a common identity, standards, values, and
interpersonal connections all serve to benefit society as a whole. Since ancient times, social
capital has been studied and is frequently used to denote civic and social duty. It spreads ideas
and improves information flow. Positive results from social capital can include finding jobs
through personal connections, rising happiness, improving health, and fostering community trust.
It encourages cooperation, respect for one another, and trust inside organizations, which boosts
output and profits.
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