POLI 100 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Dissolution Of The Soviet Union, Westminster System, Direct Democracy
Document Summary
Soviet union collapse started the trend of democratic institutions with competitive elections where adults could elect/end their government leaders. Illiberal democracies: competitive authoritarian regimes or semi democracies. These leaders are elected (rigged votes) and pay no attention in protecting individuals rights (ie. free speech). Difficult to oppose as these leaders control media and state institutions. Democracy: regime in which political power is widely distributed and power in some way rests with the people. All governing bodies should be involved in crucial decision making. Rulers should be accountable to the ruled (justify their actions can be removed if not right) Rulers should be chosen by representatives of the ruled. Rulers should act in the interests of the ruled. *5-7 argued to be not democratic because no accountability for rulers to be removed by the ruled* Political system: the totality of institutions within a state and all the connections between them. Westminster system of parliament, cabinet, and prime minister.
