Part 14/21:
Majority Rule vs. Individual Rights: Ensuring decisions reflect the common good without sacrificing minority rights.
Participation and Competence: Can all citizens make informed choices? Ancient philosophers like Plato expressed skepticism.
Manipulation and Populism: The danger of demagogues exploiting emotions for personal gain.
Efficiency vs. Legitimacy: Democracies might be slow or indecisive, sacrificing swift action for legitimacy.
Oligarchic Drift: Over time, representatives may prioritize self-interest, reducing actual citizen influence.
Types of Democracy
- Direct Democracy: Citizens directly vote on laws and policies (e.g., ancient Athens, Swiss referenda). While ideal in theory, practical limitations restrict widespread use.