POG 240 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Bicameralism, Athenian Democracy, Liberal Democracy

• School: Ryerson University
• Department: Politics and Public Administration
• Course: POG 240
• Professor: franciswiafe-amoako

Document Summary

Originated from two greek words demos meaning common people and kratia meaning power or rule. Fundamentally, democracy means power in the hands of the people or political power resides in the hands of the public/people. Could be defined as a political power exercised directly or indirectly through participation, competition and liberty. Liberal democracy: one that promotes participation, competition and liberty. Direct: allows the public to participate directly in the affairs of government, choosing policies and making government decisions, pure form of democracy, athenian democracy in the 5th century bc. Indirect: emphasizes the separation of powers within states, public being represented in government through elected officials, most modern democracies are representative democracy by form. Liberty: civil rights and civil liberties. Is the act of getting involved in the democratic process. Method of which electorates select candidates for office. In liberal democracies all adult citizens have the right to vote.