Democratic Principles
Not all democratic governments look alike; however, they all share certain fundamental principles. Majority rule, liberty, equality, and rule of law are a few of the universal principles generally shared across democracies. Some principles form the foundation of democracy and are absolutely essential to sustaining democratic governance. Still others are worthwhile but not essential to democracy. Contemplate how democratic principles relate to democratic governance and contribute to a democratic society. As you think about democratic principles for this Assignment, weigh those that are most important to democracy as you understand it. Perhaps your evaluation might help you answer the following question: Exactly which democratic concepts and principles make a government democratic?
To prepare for this Assignment:
- Review the article “Democracy and Equality” in this week’s Learning Resources. Consider whether you think equality is a fundamental democratic principal.
- Review the article “Mill’s Moral and Political Philosophy” in this week’s Learning Resources.
- Consider the democratic principle of liberty as it relates to democratic governance.
- Think about the tenets of John Stuart Mill’s conception of democracy and whether you agree or disagree with the ideas he proposed.
- Select at least two democratic principles that you consider fundamental and essential to democracy.
- Select at least two democratic principles that you consider related and desirable but not essential to democracy.
- Think about what conclusions might be drawn about democratic principles as they relate to democratic governance.
The Assignment (1–3 pages):
- Briefly explain the four democratic principles you selected.
- Explain which principles you think are fundamental and essential to democracy and explain why.
- Explain which principles you think are related and desirable but not essential to democracy and explain why.
- Based on your evaluation, draw at least one conclusion about democratic principles as they relate to democratic governance.
Support your Assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation while adhering strictly to APA style of reference.
Readings
- Post, R. (2006). Democracy and equality.The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science,603(1), 24–36.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases. - Brink, D. (2007). Mill’s moral and political philosophy. In E. N. Zalta (Ed.),The Stanford encyclopedia of philosophy(Fall 2008 ed.). Retrieved fromhttp://plato.stanford.edu/entries/mill-moral-political/
- Machan, T. (2005). The right to private property. InInternet encyclopedia of philosophy. Retrieved fromhttp://www.iep.utm.edu/property/
- The United Nations. (1948).The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Retrieved fromhttp://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/
- Waldron, J. (2004). Property. In E. N. Zalta (Ed.),The Stanford encyclopedia of philosophy(Spring 2012 ed.). Retrieved fromhttp://plato.stanford.edu/entries/property/
Media
- Laureate Education (Producer). (2014d).Democratic principles[Audio file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.In this media piece, subject-matter experts offer contrasting perspectives on a contentious public agenda issue and examine how various concepts or principles of democracy impact that public agenda item.
Optional Resources
- Wright, Q. (1954). Human rights and charter revision.The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science,296(1), 46–55.
Answer Preview
A democratic government is the one in which the power is invested in people and the people are able to exercise this power through the representatives that they choose for themselves. In order to sustain a democratic government…
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