QUESTION 2 MODELS OF DEMOCRACY
WEEK 3 QUESTION 2: MODELS OF DEMOCRACY
Instructions for Writing assignment:
The TWO questions below come directly from the Lectures for Weeks 2 and 3. You are to write no more than THREE analytical paragraphs ( 250 words max ) answering either Question ONE or Question 2. Analysis is NOT descriptive writing. You are to copy and paste your chosen question in the section where you submit your assignment and then write your response so that question and response are in sync with each other.
Please Note: Personal pronouns: “I, you, me, we, they are NOT allowed. Contractions (isn’t, wasn’t, weren’t, aren’t, they’re, etc.,)” are never allowed. Answer to the question MUST be based SOLELY on supporting evidence, not personal opinion. Assignment is NOT a personal opinion piece but rather a research evidence based analysis. You must cite any and all sources used. Texts and other sources like for example, NYT, are allowed . Use of encyclopedia is completely prohibited at all times and so is copying and pasting of any source that is irrelevant and without proper citation. All sources used MUST be cited using the MLA system. Please remember to appropriately paragraph your work and avoid posting one huge blog.
You may NOT cite the exemplary papers in your answer. You must also take careful note that the exemplary papers are MORE THAN assigned word count and your word count is 250 words MAX. Please show word count and DO NOT exceed them
QUESTIONS
1.Analyze the three models of democracy discussed, (Direct, Liberal Representative and Pluralist), and show which model or models come the closest to the “democracy” currently existing in the U.S.? Carefully and systematically show the evidence that justifies the model or models you have identified.
2. What is the relationship between the Models of Social Justice as propounded by Plato, Edmund Burke, John Locke, David Ricardo, Adam Smith, and Robert Nozick and the Models of Democracy as propounded by Plato, Jean Jacques Rousseau, James Madison, et al., and their applicability to the American Political System?
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Example of an answer (long version) to the assigned topic, question #1:
Please note: The example papers are the long versions of a response to topic in that they exceed the 250 word count you are asked to write. Nevertheless, you are to read each one and think about it when formulating your answer to your chosen question. You MAY NOT copy them, paraphrase them, or cite them in your response to assignment. They have been provided solely to help you think through how you may formulate your assignment recognizing of course that they exceed the word count.
QUESTION:
Analyze the three models of democracy discussed, (Direct, Liberal Representative and Pluralist), and show which model or models come the closest to the “democracy” currently existing in the U.S.? Carefully and systematically show the evidence that justifies the model or models you have identified.
While American democracy is rooted in the Liberal Representative model as propounded by John Locke, the system also contains elements of the Pluralist model. The following analysis demonstrates how American democracy reflects both models.
According to Greenberg, Liberal Representative Democracy is where “People rule indirectly through representatives authorized to make policy decisions in the name of those who elected them.”1 The US government is structured for citizens to vote directly for House and Senate representatives . Further, US citizens influence the Presidential Election through the Electoral College system. These elected representatives (President, Senators, Representatives) have the authority to appoint other individuals to positions within the three branches of government.
US Citizens experienced this representative process in the 2016 Presidential Election, as well as in House and Senate races. The Presidential election cycle is a significant opportunity for citizens to influence the representatives who will shape public policy over the next four years. Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election, summarized the opportunity for US citizens well in the first Presidential debate when she stated, “I hope the people out there understand: This election’s really up to you. It is not about us [Clinton and Trump] so much as it is about you and your families and the kind of country and future you want.”2
Liberal Representative Democracy assumes that citizens primarily influence the system through the election of representatives. Pluralism, however, asserts that “ . . . most Americans belong to a variety of groups and seek, through such groups…to advance their own interests and Aspirations.”3 Special interest groups play a significant role in American democracy. For example, the leaders of the National Rifle Association consider themselves “proud defenders of history’s patriots and diligent protectors of the Second Amendment.”4 This interest group plays a significant role in supporting legislation aligned with the goals of its constituents.
Americans influence government policy through elections and special interest groups. Together, these leverage points guide the elite representatives who develop policies that impact all citizens.
Works Cited
[1] Greenberg, Edward, The American Political System, A Radical Approach. 1989, p. 25.
2 Blake, Aaron, “The first Trump-Clinton presidential debate transcript, annotated.” The Washington Post, https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/09/26/the-first-trump-clinton-presidential-debate-transcript-annotated/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..
3 Greenberg, Edward, The American Political System, A Radical Approach. 1989, p. 29.
4 Nra.com. N.p., n.d. Web.
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Example of the assigned topic, question #2:
What is the relationship between the Models of Social Justice as propounded by Plato, Edmund Burke, John Locke, David Ricardo, Adam Smith, and Robert Nozick and the Models of Democracy as propounded by Plato, Jean Jacques Rousseau, James Madison, et al., and their applicability to the American Political System?
In The American Political System, Greenberg outlines several models of social justice and democracy. According to Greenberg, Classical Liberalism is at the core of the American concept of social justice. Under Classical Liberalism, “Justice is what happens in an ideal free market, where the individual is free to pursue his or her own self-interest and to acquire property.” In other words, all Americans have the opportunity to pursue their own self interests. Analyzing the concept of democracy, Greenberg locates it in the Liberal Representative model where “people rule indirectly through representatives authorized to make policy decisions in the name of those who elected them.” Taken together, the models of social justice and democracy provide the foundation for the American political system. This system is designed to support the pursuit of profit in a free market, with certain rights, freedoms and liberties.
The structure of the of the American Political System is rooted in the US Constitution. It is important to remember that the Constitution was written by “a small, educated, talented, wealthy elite representative of powerful economic interests” who agreed that “the fundamental role of government is the protection of liberty and property.” To this end, the US Constitution laid out a framework that supports capitalism in the following ways:
Creates a strong centralized government
Establishes safeguards for private property and a market economy
Creates a representative democracy that protects the interests of the minority against those of the masses
The Constitution and the political structure it creates, protects individual rights to pursue profits and acquire property without limitation of accumulation. Furthermore, since the US Government comprises three branches (Executive, Legislative, Judicial), all with different functions in a co-equal system of government, the system is organized to prevent dramatic changes to the system of government. These checks and balances protect liberty and property rights from tyranny of the majority.
There is no question that the American Political System is structured to protect its market system and confers on every individual certain rights, freedoms and liberties. One recent example is a court case related to the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, where 20 children and 6 teachers were shot. The victims’ families filed a lawsuit against Remington, the manufacturer of the gun used in the mass shooting (the AR 15). The families sought to make Remington accountable for marketing and selling a military-grade firearm to a civilian. Just this past Friday (October 14, 2016), a federal judge dismissed the case, citing the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). Gun commerce is protected under the constitution because the PLCAA “prohibits lawsuits against gun manufacturers and distributors if their firearms were used in the commission of a criminal act.” The PLCAA effectively protects businesses who sell firearms, without holding them accountable for misuse. This law protects the free market, which is central to the US Classical Liberal Representative system. Remington is constitutionally protected, and they are able to seek profits from selling weapons like the AR 15, even if those weapons are misused. While Sandy Hook is a tragic outcome, the PLCAA reaffirms the US model of social justice and democracy, where justice is defined by equal opportunity to participate in the free market, but where unequal outcomes are an unfortunate result. Holding the gun manufacturer accountable for an individuals’ horrific misuse interferes with the free market, the foundation of the American political system.
Another way to approach gun control and address the tragic outcomes of gun violence is to change the law to make it harder for guns to get into the hands of dangerous individuals. Of course, any new policy must not interfere with an individuals’ rights to pursue their interests in a free market. The American political system is structured to ensure that this issues are carefully considered. Through separation of powers, the American political process allows for small, incremental changes, as opposed to larger volatile ones. In the gun control example, this means that any new gun legislation must be carefully considered by multiple decision-makers before any legislation is enacted. On June 2016, four separate gun control measures were voted on in the Senate. None of these measures passed. This means that the political process must start again to re-evaluate what types of gun control laws can meet the needs of public safety, while balancing the Constitutional rights of other constituents (gun manufacturers, citizens who have the right to bears arms, etc.).
Meanwhile, gun companies continue to profit. According to CNN Money, “Smith & Wesson (SWHC (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.) and Sturm Ruger (RGR (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.) were among the best stocks in America in 2015.” Close analysis of these developments suggests that, while every US citizen has the opportunity to pursue his/her own self-interests, it appears that the Constitution offers even more protections to the economic elites, who profit in a free market. While change may eventually come to address gun control, the progress is likely to continue to be slow. The masses will continue to influence representatives through elections and special interest groups, the economic elites will continue to grow their profits, and our Legislative branch will need to find the balance that guaranteed appropriate freedoms for all parties involved.
Works Cited
Feyerick, Deborah et al. “Sandy Hook: Judge Dismisses families’ lawsuit against gunmaker.” CNN. October 14, 2016.
Greenberg, Edward. The American Political System, A Radical Approach. 1989, p. 18.
Long, Heather. “Gun stocks surge 70% in 2015 alone.” CNN Money. October 5, 2015.
Phillips, Amber. “The senate voted on four popular gun control proposals Monday. None of them passed.” The Washington Post. June 20, 2016.
Schubert, Louis et al. Irony of Democracy. 2014, p. 39.
Listed below are copies of what my classmates responded and how the lecturer responded to their work
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Inbar Feldman
Jan 18, 2020Jan 18 at 2:11pm
Analyze the three models of democracy discussed, (Direct, Liberal Representative and Pluralist), and show which model or models come the closest to the “democracy” currently existing in the U.S.? Carefully and systematically show the evidence that justifies the model or models you have identified.
The three models of democracy have each developed over many years in order to progress society today. The American government is a system that most resembles that of a Liberal Representative Democracy as well as a touch of Pluralism.
Liberal Representative Democracy is the second model of democracy that forms its main expressions in the works of John Locke. Nevertheless, another philosopher who believed in this form of democracy was James Madison. Madison once wrote that “‘…we may define a republic to be… a government which derives all its powers directly or indirectly from the great body of the people.’”(1) This explanation expresses how the U.S. government is today considering that the government makes the political decisions, yet the citizens take part in electing those government officials. Pluralism is only slightly relevant to the democracy existing in current American society due to its outgrowth from Liberal Representative Democracy. James Madison was a strong believer of Pluralism and argued for it. Madison believed that “…pluralism will help achieve a compromise by helping decision-makers become aware of and fairly address several competing interests and principles.”(2) These compromises are ones that stem from electing officials to decide different policies as seen in the American system. Overall, Pluralism is a way to form groups of people with similar interests relating to political issues.
Liberal Representative Democracy and parts of Pluralism are the ways in which society today exists. The U.S. democratic system currently exists as a government upon which representatives are elected by citizens.
Works Cited:
(1) Galston, William A. “The Populist Challenge to Liberal Democracy.” Brookings, Brookings, 17 Apr. 2018, www.brookings.edu/research/the-populist-challenge-to-liberal-democracy/.
(2)Longley, Robert. “What Is Pluralism? Definition and Examples.” ThoughtCo, ThoughtCo, 31 July 2019, www.thoughtco.com/pluralism-definition-4692539.
Word Count: 252
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Inbar,
First of all a good attempt at addressing assignment. However, it CANNOT exceed Word Count at anytime! Given word count limit, it is essential that you formulate your answer ensuring it addresses what assignment asks, then, edit it so that it meets word count. A single word over word count violates instructions for assignment.
Secondly, answer must carefully and systematically responds to what assignment asks ensuring that it answers questions. There is need . for much more careful editing to answer question as required,
Willie Pace
ThursdayJan 23 at 6:45pm
Analyze the three models of democracy discussed, (Direct, Liberal Representative and Pluralist), and show which model or models come the closest to the “democracy” currently existing in the U.S.? Carefully and systematically show the evidence that justifies the model or models you have identified.
There are Three types of Democracy and I’m going to explain each different type and tell you why which model is the right fit for the United States and explain why within each model.
Direct Democracy is an form in which many people decide on whether the policy initiatives directly throughout the whole entire world. This also differed from the majority of the currently establishing different Democrats and just showing how it affects the world overall.
Liberal Representative is like a liberal political ideology and also an form of the government and shows how it works in which the ways that the government operates under the principles of classical liberalism. Although, after a long period of time sustained an expansion throughout the late 20th century. Lastly, it became the liberal democracy and made a very big impact on the world and the predominant political system in the world and had and showed the impact that was made.
Pluralist Democracy basically describes a type of political system where as there is more than one centers of powers coming from different places and locations. Pluralists also allows freedom of association however pluralism May exist without democracy and decision making that is located most likely in the framework of the government who has something to do with but also non government organizations and groups.
Works Cited:
Wikipedia › wiki › History_of_dire…Web resultsHistory of direct democracy in the United States – WikipediaLinks to an external site. {Use of encyclopedia as a source is totally and completely prohibited. You must never do this again otherwise upon evaluation of assignment a ZERO will be assigned}
https://www.belfercenter.org › why-…Web resultsWhy the United States Should Spread Democracy | Belfer Center for Science and International …Links to an external site.
Word Count: 251 {WORD COUNT MUST ALWAYS BE RESPECTED]
Dr. Joseph A. Woolcock
FridayJan 24 at 7:09pm
Willie,
Please note: Word Count is REAL! You must follow instructions! You cannot ignore them and succeed in this class. You are OBLIGATED to follow them ALL THE TIME!
Answer as submitted needs significantly more work. Check with NET TUTOR for help or if you are also a regular student on campus, seek help from the TLC. You need it.
Apryl Whitaker-Tara
FridayJan 24 at 7:24pm
The three main models of democracy have developed over time. A Direct democracy in one in which the people determine public policies. A Pluralist democracy is a model in which one group dominates, while other groups struggle for influence. A Liberal Representative model has elected officials that represent people.
The United States uses a Liberal Representative model where representatives are elected to allow the ‘people’ a choice in representation within government. John Locke, English Political Philosopher, contended that governments purpose was to protect individual liberties or the natural law that entitles individuals to their life, property and liberty. Democracy within the United States developed to contain some elements of Pluralism. It’s impossible for 300 million+ people to participate in the social decision making of the government. In the US the representatives selected to determine and shape policy, eligible voters vote in elections; this is a similar function under the pluralism democracy model. However, these two models differ when it comes to the emphasized importance of the representative.
Within the US, the Liberal Representative model the representative has an interest in remaining in power. Corporations, and small interest groups maintain a large amount of political power by purchasing the interest of representatives. In contrast the Pluralist democracy model show no evidence of a compromise within leadership when corporations and special interest groups a minimal impact on the governing model.
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Apryl,
This submission is a beginning. Your answer must be coherent, systematic and thorough. You need to make the time, do the research, and carefully write a coherent , systematic and analytical response to what assignment asks. This requires that you do research, think about what you learn and then formulate a proper response. Please take this class seriously. It is a college level course to help you develop appropriate analytical skills that will prepare you for the next phase of your education.
Works Cited:
Schubert, L., Dye, T. R., & Zeigler, L. H. (2016). The irony of democracy: an uncommon introduction to American politics. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Edited by Dr. Joseph A. Woolcock on Jan 24 at 8:21pm
Chiuwen Yu
Jan 21, 2020Jan 21 at 1:16pm
Analyze the three models of democracy Direct democracy, Liberal Representatives Democracy & Pluralist Democracy.
Direct democracy is a form of democracy in which people decide on policy initiatives directly , this differs from the minority currently established democracies which are representative democracies , in many states people would not rule the meaning and the government would not pay representative salary in direct or representative representative to make laws on their behalf this is the most modern country have today Direct democracy which makes the decision by the minority which is what they were Rule for. In other words liberal representative democracy is a democracy where represented to you with protection for individual liberty and property by Rule of law and in contrast a defensive democracy limits some rights and freedom in order to protect the institution of the democracy Liberal democracy is a political ideology and a form of government in which representative democracy operates under the principle of classical liberalism A liberal representative democracy is a democracy that balances the will of people being held accountable for their actions to the people in their elected representative A pluralist democracy describes a political system where there is more than one center a power modern democracy or by definition Pluralist democracy allow freedom of association how ever pluralism may exist without democracy The classical pluralism is the view of Politics and decision-making which are located mostly in the framework of government but that many non- governmental groups use their resources to exert influence
however in today’s model of democracy I strongly feel that we are close to the Liberal representative democracy because it has to do with the people helping make the decision democracy in the United States is very strong but shows a few cracks because in conclusion from political scientist it is said that almost the United States performed well on some of the most important measures of democracy free and fair elections freedom of speech and judicial limits on executive power The United States is a representative democracy which means our government is elected by citizens citizens vote for the government officials these officials represent the citizens ideas and concerns in government voting is one way to participate in democracy citizens also contact officials when they want to support or change a law so I would have to say that in today’s democracy in the united State we are a liberal representative democracy
work cited
www.Liberalrepresentative.comLinks to an external site.
www.theAmericanInterest.com Links to an external site.www.sciencedirect.comLinks to an external site.
Chiuwen,
Your submission needs a lot of editing, grammar, spelling, punctuation and coherence. You ought to take a face to face class instead of an online class that can provide you with the kind of assistance you need given your limited fluency in English.
Your response to the assignment as submitted needs significant more work that should come from tutorial assistance through the Teaching and Learning Center on campus. My role in this class does not extend to tutorial assistance and you need a lot of that.
If you come to Foothill campus any at all, I would like you to come and see me so that we can talk. My office is in Building 5000, Room 5024. I am there Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30-9:30 am.