Politics

What is Democracy? Democracy (made up of the Greek words, demos, meaning people, and cratos, meaning power) was created in ancient Athens between 461-322 BCE. It means a power that is ruled by the people. However, it is the vaguest political term in modern world. For example, Stalin interpreted the term differently to the Western world. Stalin believed that Democracy meant that the people had power, so everyone was to be kept on equal footing. The West interpreted it in the sense that the people could vote to elect the government.

What is Representative Democracy? Representative Democracy is when one representative is elected on behalf of the people to make decisions for us. They meet in an assembly to make decisions. The representatives will be accountable for what happens. The elections are free and fair; the voters can express their views. Also, there is universal suffrage. All adults can vote on who will be the representative. There is still party and candidate competition. The voters still have the main choice in who gets into government.

What is Direct Democracy? Direct Democracy is of an Athenian model. All citizens could attend the meetings in the assembly. Also, all citizens could serve as the governing council. However, in ancient Athens, being a citizen was different. Slaves and women werent considered for being on the governing council. The men however, were expected to be on the governing council when asked, as it was their duty to participate. There was an issue with Direct Democracy though, as lots of people meant lots of different opinions, so it was difficult to pass laws at all.

What is Legitimacy? In a political sense, legitimacy is the popular acceptance of a leader through a governing law. It means that people believe that whoever is in charge is right and proper. Authority has political power through consent and mutual agreement. There are 3 types of political legitimacy: Traditional Legitimacy: People accept something because it has always been there. Charismatic Legitimacy: A charismatic government usually features weak political and administrative institutions. Rational-legal Legitimacy: It is through public trust that the government will abide the law that confers Rational-Legal legitimacy.

Politics

Distinguish between Government and State. One of the main differences between Government and State is that State is more or less permanent. A government is temporary, as it is voted in. Also, the State is composed of almost all of the citizens whereas the government isnt. The government consists of only a few selected citizens. The State has sovereignty. Its authority is unlimited. Its power cannot be taken away by any other institution. Government possesses no sovereignty, no original authority, but only derivative powers delegated by the State through its constitution.

Distinguish between Power and Authority. Power is the ability to directly influence someone, be it with force or without force. Also, it can be with opposition, or without opposition. However, power can be seen as evil or unjust. Authority is the right given to someone or something to influence people. This is very similar to power.