You are on page 1of 15

Trends…

Participatory democracy vs representative democracy

The Greeks are often credited with the creation of democracy. Named “demokratia,” or “rule of the people,”
this political system radically changed the relationship of power between a government and its people.
Democracy challenged political elites to be accountable to the very people who elected them. Democracy is
generally perceived the most ideal and preferred system of governance based on its ability to empower its
citizenry and enable self-determination. Much like any system of government, how a democracy is implemented
and practiced has produced varying shades of opinion. Two such interpretations include representative
democracy and participatory democracy.

Most people are familiar with representative democracy. This process involves an electorate selecting and
voting on political candidates and/or political parties, who in turn make policy. Citizens entrust their elected
leaders to act in accordance to how they wish to be represented. Candidates who behave irrationally or
unethical will likely not return to office after losing favor with the voting public. In practice, this system of
governance is also referred to as a republic, which is what the United States is classified as.

Representative democracy is the most prevalent system of government in the Western world. It varies from
constitutional monarchies (United Kingdom) to parliamentary republics (Canada or Germany) to constitutional
republics (United States). In each scenario, there are parallels. For example, most elected officials are
constrained by a constitution, which codifies a system of checks and balances to curtail any significant
centralization of power. This is usually supported by an independent judiciary (which determines what is and
isn’t constitutional) and an elected legislature (which drives policies and legislation). In most cases, the
legislature is bicameral, meaning there are two separate political institutions for legislation to pass through
before becoming law.

Though representative democracy has been generally considered favorable in comparison to the oligarchies and
tyrannies of yesteryear, it still hasn’t necessarily promised the highest degree of freedom. Even political
revolutions built on the ideas of liberty produced checkered results when it came to full enfranchising its
citizenry. Voting rights were predominately in the hands privileged elites and did not include ethnic minorities
and women until the past century. In addition, many argue that representative democracy produces a class of
professional politicians who are beholden to the agendas of the economic elite who finance their campaigns.
The sometimes unholy union between political power and economic wealth reproduce the plutocratic or
oligarchical tendencies of past failed governments.

This is where participatory democracy enters the picture. Many argue that if democracy is to be considered a
fully liberating ideology , then it should remove the “middle man.” Participatory democracy (also known as
direct democracy) puts policy responsibilities directly in the hands of the citizenry. To date, there isn’t a
country in the international order that could be properly defined as a comprehensive participatory democracy.
However, there are microcosms. For example, referendum voting in the United States is the best example of
codified participatory democracy. The legislature can pass the buck when it comes to voting on a measure, and
place a proposal on the ballot for the citizens to vote on directly.
Participatory democracy finds its strengths in smaller settings. For example, the recent Occupy movement is
often cited for utilizing this model of governance within the ranks of its protesters. Turning all constituents
into equal stakeholders, participatory democracy has the unique power to build communities based on mutualism
and cooperation. Many activist networks and organizations – especially those drawn to progressive causes –
favor such an environment because of it allows them to “practice what they preach.” However, its lack of broad
appeal on a larger, national scales highlights its primary weakness: As the size of the citizenry grows and
diversifies, the harder it is to build consensus in an efficient manner.
Democracy is often criticized – and has been for centuries – for vesting too much power in the collective hands
of general public. Winston Churchill said, “The best argument against democracy is a five minute conversation
with the average voter.” Early advocates for republicanism, who wished to invest more power in the individual,
equated the practice of democracy to the “tyranny of the majority” and “mob rule.” Critics joke that
democracy is the equivalent of two wolves and a sheep voting on what’s for dinner. Regardless of the
criticisms, the impact of democratic movements across the world throughout history is uncanny. A large
majority of the world – whether those living in a democratically shaped country or those living under tyranny
who yearn for democracy – strive for many of the principles (e.g., free speech, practice of religion, etc.) that
make democracy an exceptional political system.

C.
Ex. "viable alternative" is a choice or possible solution which might work.

To illustrate this with an example, imagine that you need to get to work but you don't want to drive a car.
Walking to work is not a "viable alternative" because you live too far away from your office. But maybe riding a
bicycle is a "viable alternative".

D.
1.COLLECTIVE LEARNING
2.NAME THE ISSUES
3. FRAME ISSUES
4. INDENTIFY RESOURCES
5. MAKE DECISIONS DELIBERATELY

CWNF
pre-writing is important and how it can aid your writing process:

It helps writers develop clear reasoning


It helps writers find week points in arguments
It increases efficiency by helping the writer map, plan, or brainstorm about their writing before beginning a
first draft
It helps a writer organize their thoughts
It helps a writer process the order of those thoughts so they can organize them effectively for their audience
It can facilitate a better understanding of audience and rhetorical situation

Pre-writing facilitates the process of writing because it allows us to think more concretely about our
assignment or topic. For example, if I have to write a paper on the government structure, it may be beneficial
to create something like a concept map to break down exactly what that is comprised of. However, if I have a
paper that requires answering a question like, “What is the benefit of contraception?”, then perhaps an outline
may be better because it is conducive to finding reasoning and sources to support my answer.
Anthropology
Known as the 'science of humanity', anthropology covers a broad range of topics – from
human behaviour, to cultural relations, and how the evolution of humanity has influenced
society's structure. It's often described as being both scientific and humanistic, meaning
it's well-suited for anyone looking to indulge passions for both of these kinds of subject –
and, whilst focusing on history to an extent, there's plenty of chance to apply it in modern
contexts too!

Archaeology
Whilst many people think of archaeologists as being like Indiana Jones, the truth is very
different – though no less interesting. Similar to anthropology in that archaeology is the
study of humanity, it relies much more on the material evidence left behind by cultures.
There is excavation work, analysis and surveying to be done. Europe's rich history – with
the Roman Empire, the Vikings, and much more – means it is a perfect place to study this.

Economics
Economics looks at the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services. You
can choose to take a close view or a broad one, but in general, it comes down to looking at
how the economic systems of the world work. This knowledge can be applied both
theoretically and practically, meaning the subject is well suited for anyone interested in
the current economic world.

Geography
Though many of us may remember geography as the subject at school that involved maps,
it goes beyond that – analysing population, the land itself, the relationship between the
two and often linking to the earth sciences (such as geology). At postgraduate level, you'll
be able to specialise in a particular branch – such as oceanology, environmental management
or tourism geography.

History
History is a broad subject, encompassing large areas and time periods of the worlds.
Whilst postgraduate level study gives you a chance to specialise, you'll still be using similar
skills – interpreting sources, looking at current theories of the past, and assessing ideas
against the available evidence. With Europe's long, well-documented history, there's the
chance to get to look at the places you're studying first hand.

Law
Studying law will give you the opportunity to look at a variety of legal systems, and to
focus on a particular area – contract law, international law or criminal law, to name but a
few. Doing further study in law is especially useful if intending to go into it as a career,
although it is possible to study it solely for academic reasons.
Linguistics
Linguistics is the study of language – looking at its form, context, or meaning. Rather than
learning to speak a particular language, it's more about how language itself works. Within
linguistics, there is a broad range of study, from looking at grammar, to language
acquisition or the evolution of language. With the EU having 23 official languages, and
Europe itself having more than 60 indigenous regional and minority languages, what better
place to study linguistics?

Political Science
Politics affect every part of life, so it's no wonder it makes such a fascinating area of
study. Often broken up into Political Philosophy, Comparative Politics and International
Relations, this subject allows for studying both historical and current events. Again, this is
a degree perfect for both those aiming for a career in the area, or looking at it
academically, and with the EU containing so many differing systems, it's a fantastic place
to study it.

Psychology
Both theoretical and experimental, psychology makes use of studying both social behaviour
and neurobiological processes. With such a broad area of study – the human mind – you'll
specialise in particular areas, perhaps child development, interpersonal relationships or
social psychology. Europe has a long history with psychology, thanks to Germany's
involvement in its development, so in studying here you'll be joining a long line of innovative
scholars.

Sociology
Sociology is the study of society, both on the individual and structural level. Covering
topics such as class, religion and social mobility, there's a broad range to choose to
specialise in. Some sociologists work solely for theoretical purposes, whilst others intend
to use their findings in policies or welfare. In such a multicultural continent as Europe,
with its large variety of societies, you'll find plenty to study, and with the amount of
changes that have taken place in the past century, there'll definitely be an area to
interest you.

ECONOMICS
A Morris economics major is a rigorous, broad introduction to the theories and empirical tools of
the field. Economics addresses the economic environment as a social science.

MANAGEMENT
A distinctive feature of the Morris management major is that it includes a foundation in the social
sciences and also focuses on an applied area within the topics of interest to future managers.
HUMAN SERVICES
Human services professionals work in many capacities to strengthen communities, address social
concerns, and assist others in times of need. You will find them in a wide variety of occupations,
working with the underserved or helping people improve their lives.

Archaeology
The branch of anthropology that studies prehistoric people and their cultures.

Pseudoscience
An activity resembling science but based on fallacious assumptions.

Systematics
The science of systematic classification.
Disciplines in Applied Social Sciences
Biologist
(biology) a scientist who studies living organisms.

Physical Chemistry
The branch of chemistry dealing with the physical properties of chemical
substances.

Empiricism
Medical practice and advice based on observation and experience in ignorance of
scientific findings.

Creationism
The literal belief in the account of Creation given in the Book of Genesis.

Pharmaceutics
The art and science of preparing and dispensing drugs and medicines,

B.S.Arch.
a bachelor's degree in architecture.

BPS
(computer science) the rate at which data is transferred (as by a modem).

Stem
a turn made in skiing; the back of one ski is forced outward and the other ski is
brought parallel to it.

Parity
(physics) parity is conserved in a universe in which the laws of physics are the same
in a right-handed system of coordinates as in a left-handed system.

Egalitarian
a person who believes in the equality of all people.
Prudence
1. Discretion in practical affairs
2. Knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress

Orography
The science of mountains

Net
A computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that
use the TCP/IP network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange.

Astrology
A pseudoscience claiming divination by the positions of the planets and sun and
moon.

Jamboree
A gay festivity.

Geriatrics
The branch of medical science that deals with diseases and problems specific to
old people.

Master of Arts
A master's degree in arts and sciences.

Socialize
1. Make conform to socialist ideas and philosophies
2. Prepare for social life
3. Train for a social environment

Natural Philosophy
The science of matter and energy and their interactions.

Scientific
1. Conforming with the principles or methods used in science
2. Of or relating to the practice of science
Civics
The social science of municipal affairs.

Futurology
The study or prediction of future developments on the basis of existing
conditions.

Gerontology
The branch of medical science that deals with diseases and problems specific to
old people

Ology
An informal word (abstracted from words with this ending) for some unidentified
branch of knowledge.

Amenity
Pleasantness resulting from agreeable conditions.

Bioscience
Any of the branches of natural science dealing with the structure and behavior of
living organisms.

Faux fax
A socially awkward or tactless act.

Robotics
The area of AI concerned with the practical use of robots.

Ethics
The philosophical study of moral values and rules. Motivation based on ideas of
right and wrong.

Social Service
An organized activity to improve the condition of disadvantaged people in society.
Introduction to the World Religious and Beliefs
Judaism- a. Founders: Abraham (2000 B.C.) and/or Moses (1391-1271 B.C.)
b. Sacred texts: Torah, Poetry, Prophets, Talmud, Mishnah
c. Doctrines: Ten Commandments, 618 Rules
d. God: Yahweh/Jehovah
e. Sects: Orthodox, Conservative, Reform Liberal
f. Issues: Antisemitism, Zionism, Holocaust

Christianity - a. Founder: Jesus Christ (c. 7 BC30 A.D.)


b. Sacred texts: Bible (Old Testament and New Testament)
c. Doctrines: Trinity, Virgin Birth, Deity of Christ, Resurrection, Last
Judgment
d: God: Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit)
e. Sects: Roman Catholic, Greek/Eastern Orthodox, Protestantism, etc.
f. Issues: Ecumenism, Sexuality issues (e.g., contraception,homosexuality,
ordination ofwomen)

Islam - a. Founder: Prophet Muhammad (570-632 A.D.)


b. Sacred texts: Qur’an, Hadith
c. Doctrines: Five Pillars of Islam (Shahadah-declaring there isno other god but
Allah and Muhammad is His messenger, Salat-ritual prayer five times a day,
Sawm-fasting during Ramadan, Zakat-alms giving to the poor, and Hajjpilgrimage
to Mecca at least once in a lifetime)
d. God: Allah
e. Practitioners: Sunni, Shi’ite,Sufi
f. Issues: Gender Inequality, Militant Islam, Migration

Hinduism - a. Founders: Aryans (1500 B.C.)


b. Sacred texts: Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita
c. Doctrines: Dharma-duty, Kamapleasure, Artha-wealth, Mokshaliberation,
Brahman, Atman, the Identification of Brahman andAtman, the Four Yogas
(Yoga of Knowledge, Yoga of Work, Yoga ofDevotion or Love, and Yoga of
Psychological Exercises)
d. Gods: 33 million gods and goddesses
e. Issues: Gender Inequality, Caste System, Poverty

Theravada Buddhism - a. Founder: Siddhartha Gautama(563-483 B.C.)


b. Sacred texts: Tripitaka
c. Doctrines: Four Noble Truths, Eight-fold Path, Law of
Dependent Origination and The Impermanence of Things
d. God: non-theistic
e. Issue: Territory conflict in Mainland Southeast Asia

Mahayana Buddhism - a. Founder: Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 B.C.)


b. Sacred texts: Sutras
c. Doctrines: Four Noble Truths,Eight-fold Path,The Six
Perfectionsto become a Bodhisattva (generosity, morality,
patience, perseverance, meditation, and insight)
d. God: non-theistic
e. Issues: Tibet invasion, Engagedactivism
f. Universality and growth of sects:Development of Buddhism to
Zen(Chan) Buddhism as the fruit of its encounter with Taoism.

Confucianism - a. Founder: Confucius (551-479B.C.)


b. Sacred texts: Confucian Classics
c. Doctrines: Mandate of Heaven, T”ien, Human nature as originally good
(Mencius) or evil (Hsun Tze), Rectification of Names, The MoralWay
consisting of five cardinal virtues, Filial Piety, and Ancestor Worship
d. God: Heaven
e. Issues: Gender inequality, Authoritarianism

Taoism - a. Founder: Lao Tzu (604 B.C. - ?)


b. Sacred texts: Tao Te Ching, Book of Chuang Tze
c. Doctrines: Wu-Wei, Law of Reversion, Following nature
d. Tao as the Origin of all Beings, unnamable and eternal
e. Issues: Inaction, Superstitious practices, Environmentalism

Shintoism - a. Founders: Prehistoric Animists of Japan


b. Sacred texts: Kojiki and Nihongi
c. Doctrines: belief in kami, divinity of emperors
d. Gods: kami (animist and nature spirits)
e. Issues: Shrine visits of Japanese prime ministers

Spirituality
-one’s integrative view of life; involves a quest for the meaning and ultimate value of life as
opposed to an instrumentalist or materialistic
attitude to life.
Allah:
The Islamic term for god. Allah is the creator of the universe. He is considered to be
merciful, beneficent, protective, mighty, a provider, the exalted one, lord, all knowing, all
hearing, all seeing, magnificent, wise, and eternal. The Qur’an states 99 characteristic
names for Allah.

Allahu Akbar
Arabic for “Allah is most great,” or “God is great.” It is used as a call to prayer.

Assalaamu Álaikum
A general greeting in Islamic culture, which means, “Peace be upon you.”

Ayatollah
A spiritual leader among the Shi’ites.

Barakah
Means blessing or divine grace.

Bismillahir rahmanir Rahim


A phrase recited before doing any daily activity. It means,”In the name of Allah, the most
beneficent, the most merciful.”

Caliph
Successor of Muhammad as leader of the Muslim community.

Daa’i
A missionary in Islam.

Dar-al-harb
A term used for the non-Muslim world and means “House of War.”

Dar-al-Islam
A term that refers to the Islamic world and means “House of Islam.”

Abrahamic religions
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. All three faiths trace their origins to the patriarch
Abraham who rejected the polytheism of ancient Sumer to embrace a belief in one,
invisible, deity. Sometimes referred to as “the desert religions.”
Agnosticism
the philosophical position that the existence or non-existence of God or a First Cause is
unknowable.

Anglican
relating to the Church of England. An ancient name for the English people was “Angles.”
The Church of England traces its beginning to 597, the year in which Pope Gregory I sent
St. Augustine to Canterbury. The Church of England remained under papal authority until
1534 when Henry VIII declared himself the Supreme Head of the Church because of
conflicts with Pope Clement VII.

Animism
the belief that every material form of reality (plants, animals, stones, thunderstorms,
earthquakes) have an indwelling spirit; often includes belief in the continued existence of
individual disembodied human spirits capable of helping or harming the living.

Asceticism
a mode of life that excludes physical pleasures and self-indulgence. Many religions regard
asceticism (fasting, abstaining from sexual activity, wearing inadequate clothing) as a
means of reaching a higher spiritual state.

Atheism
disbelief in any deity or supernatural power.

blasphemy
indignity offered to God, from Greek blasphemia, “a speaking ill, impious speech, slander.”
Religions define blasphemy in terms of their own beliefs, often designating prophets and
holy objects along with God as subjects not to be profaned. Many countries have anti-
blasphemy laws.

Ecclesiastic
relating to a church. Greek ekklesiastikos referred to the ancient Athenian political
assembly. First century Christians writers adopted the word to mean “assembly of
believers,” or “church.”

Episcopal
having to do with a bishop. Like “ecclesiastic,” the English word bishop derives from a
Greek word, episkopos, “watcher, overseer. The Greeks used their word to refer to
government officials. First century Christian writers used bishop or episkopos to refer to
church elders. In time bishop came to mean the chief administrator of a diocese
(administrative district governed by a bishop) with the power to ordain. Episcopal is the
adjective for bishop.

Evangelical
having to do with the Christian gospel/New Testament writings. The word is also used to
describe a type of Christian belief that emphasizes the inerrancy of scripture and
salvation through personal conversion.
LOREN LEGARDA

“In my several visits to museums and contemporary art spaces for many years, I took note
that even countries such as Tuvalu and Maldives participated in the Venice Biennale. That made me
more determined to have a Philippine participation, our second national pavilion in the Venice
Biennale after 51 years of absence,” Senator Loren Legarda explains.

Message of Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda at the Closing Ceremony of the Global Resolve
against Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC) November 20, 2020

Legarda: Bring Culture closer to the people, reawaken citizens’ pride in the Filipino Culture

Topnotch Senator

At her own initiative, Sen. Legarda has spearheaded

Senator Loren Legarda is the only female senator who topped the Senate race twice, with
more than 15 million and 18.4 million votes in 1998 and 2007, respectively.

The only woman to become Senate majority leader, Loren is chiefly responsible for the
passage of the following laws which she authored and co-authored: the Expanded Senior Citizens
Act of 2010 (RA 9994); the Barangay Kabuhayan Act (RA 9509); the Magna Carta for Micro, Small
and Medium Enterprises (RA 9501); the Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act (RA 10000); the Anti-
Violence Against Women and Children Act (RA 9262); the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710); the
Anti-Child Labor Law (RA 9231); the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (RA 9208) and its expanded
version (RA 10364); the Philippine Ear Research Institute Act (RA 9245); the Universal Newborn
Hearing Screening and Intervention Act of 2009 (RA 9709); the Food and Drugs Administration
(FDA) Act of 2009 (RA 9711); the Philippine Tropical Fabric Law (RA 9242); the Eid’ul Fitr Holiday
Law (RA 9177); the Tourism Act of 2009 (RA 9593); the Clean Air Act (RA 8749); the
Environmental Awareness Education Act (RA 9512); the Renewable Energy Act (RA 9513); the Solid
Waste Management Act (RA 9003); the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (RA
10121); the Climate Change Act (RA 9729) and its amendatory law (RA 10174), which provides for
the creation of the People’s Survival Fund, the Kasambahay Law (RA 10361), the Enhanced Basic
Education Act of 2013 (RA 10533) and the Universal Healthcare Act (RA 10606), among many vital
pieces of legislation.

Now on her third term as senator, Loren chairs the Committees on Finance, Climate Change,
and Cultural Communities.
Game-changer for Asia
Environmental Champion
Peace builder
Voice of the Indigenous Peoples
Women and Children's Rights Champion
Passionate Advocate
Top Caliber Journalist
Passion for Excellence
Family of Public Servants

Next…

You might also like