INTL 3300 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Public Knowledge, Democratic Consolidation, Modernization Theory
4 Feb 2016
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Document Summary
There are two types of democracy: representative democracy. Emphasis on direct citizen involvement in politics. When did the us truly become a democracy: 1787- constitution, 1791- bill of rights, 1920- women suffrage, 1965- voting rights act, democracy depends on the context and cultural backdrop, we keep progressing towards more democratic systems. Democratization has 2 stages: democratic transition: change from one regime type to another. Can be really fast or really slow (violent overthrow vs small changes) Can happen several different ways: democratic consolidation: the process by which a country strengthens its democracy. Achieved when the democracy is the only game in town. Causes of (5 different groups of theories: modernization theory. Assume a positive causal relationship between economic development and emergence/growth of democracy. Increased level of econ sophistication => creation of middle class => more literate population => demands for greater enfranchisement: cultural theories. Some cultures (western) are more inclined than others (eastern) to democratize due to cultural values.
