Direct Democracy – Institutional Origins, Initiative Usage, and Policy Consequences
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A Political Companion to Henry David Thoreau
University of Kentucky UKnowledge Literature in English, North America English Language and Literature 6-11-2009 A Political Companion to Henry David Thoreau Jack Turner University of Washington Click here to let us know how access to this document benefits ou.y Thanks to the University of Kentucky Libraries and the University Press of Kentucky, this book is freely available to current faculty, students, and staff at the University of Kentucky. Find other University of Kentucky Books at uknowledge.uky.edu/upk. For more information, please contact UKnowledge at [email protected]. Recommended Citation Turner, Jack, "A Political Companion to Henry David Thoreau" (2009). Literature in English, North America. 70. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/upk_english_language_and_literature_north_america/70 A Political Companion to Henr y David Thoreau POLITIcaL COMpaNIONS TO GREat AMERIcaN AUthORS Series Editor: Patrick J. Deneen, Georgetown University The Political Companions to Great American Authors series illuminates the complex political thought of the nation’s most celebrated writers from the founding era to the present. The goals of the series are to demonstrate how American political thought is understood and represented by great Ameri- can writers and to describe how our polity’s understanding of fundamental principles such as democracy, equality, freedom, toleration, and fraternity has been influenced by these canonical authors. The series features a broad spectrum of political theorists, philoso- phers, and literary critics and scholars whose work examines classic authors and seeks to explain their continuing influence on American political, social, intellectual, and cultural life. This series reappraises esteemed American authors and evaluates their writings as lasting works of art that continue to inform and guide the American democratic experiment. -
Direct Democracy an Overview of the International IDEA Handbook © International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance 2008
Direct Democracy An Overview of the International IDEA Handbook © International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance 2008 International IDEA publications are independent of specific national or political interests. Views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the views of International IDEA, its Board or its Council members. The map presented in this publication does not imply on the part of the Institute any judgement on the legal status of any territory or the endorsement of such boundaries, nor does the placement or size of any country or territory reflect the political view of the Institute. The map is created for this publication in order to add clarity to the text. Applications for permission to reproduce or translate all or any part of this publication should be made to: International IDEA SE -103 34 Stockholm Sweden International IDEA encourages dissemination of its work and will promptly respond to requests for permission to reproduce or translate its publications. Cover design by: Helena Lunding Map design: Kristina Schollin-Borg Graphic design by: Bulls Graphics AB Printed by: Bulls Graphics AB ISBN: 978-91-85724-54-3 Contents 1. Introduction: the instruments of direct democracy 4 2. When the authorities call a referendum 5 Procedural aspects 9 Timing 10 The ballot text 11 The campaign: organization and regulation 11 Voting qualifications, mechanisms and rules 12 Conclusions 13 3. When citizens take the initiative: design and political considerations 14 Design aspects 15 Restrictions and procedures 16 Conclusions 18 4. Agenda initiatives: when citizens can get a proposal on the legislative agenda 19 Conclusions 21 5. -
Information Guide Switzerland
Information Guide Switzerland A guide to information sources on the Swiss Confederation, with hyperlinks to information within European Sources Online and on external websites Contents Information sources in the ESO database .......................................................... 2 General information ........................................................................................ 2 Agricultural information................................................................................... 2 Competition policy information ......................................................................... 2 Culture and language information..................................................................... 2 Defence and security information ..................................................................... 2 Economic information ..................................................................................... 3 Education information ..................................................................................... 3 Employment information ................................................................................. 3 Energy information ......................................................................................... 3 Environmental information .............................................................................. 4 European policies and relations with the European Union .................................... 4 Geographic information and maps ................................................................... -
Liberalism, Marxism and Democratic Theory Revisited: Proposal of a Joint Index of Political and Economic Democracy
brazilianpoliticalsciencereview ARTICLE Liberalism, Marxism and Democratic Theory Revisited: Proposal of a Joint Index of Political and Economic Democracy Angelo Segrillo Department of History, University of São Paulo Liberalism and Marxism are two schools of thought which have left deep imprints in sociological, political and economic theory. They are usually perceived as opposite, rival approaches. In the field of democracy there is a seemingly in- surmountable rift around the question of political versus economic democracy. Liberals emphasize the former, Marxists the latter. Liberals say that economic democracy is too abstract and fuzzy a concept, therefore one should concentrate on the workings of an objective political democracy. Marxists insist that political democracy without economic democracy is insufficient. The article argues that both propositions are valid and not mutually exclu- sive. It proposes the creation of an operational, quantifiable index of economic democracy that can be used alongside the already existing indexes of political democracy. By using these two indexes jointly, political and economic democracy can be objectively evaluated. Thus, the requirements of both camps are met and maybe a more dialogical approach to democracy can be reached in the debate between liberals and Marxists. The joint index is used to evaluate the levels of economic and political democracy in the transition countries of Eastern Europe. Keywords: democratic theory; transition countries; economic democracy Introduction iberalism and Marxism are two schools of thought which have left deep imprints Lin political, sociological and economic theory. Both have been very fruitful in il- luminating a wide range of common issues across these fields and yet are usually perceived 8 bpsr Liberalism, Marxism and Democratic Theory Revisited: Proposal of a Joint Index of Political and Economic Democracy as opposite, rival approaches contradicting each other in general. -
2021 the Swiss Confederation a Brief Guide
The Swiss Confederation 2021 a brief guide Get the app! CH info The R iver Aare mean ders it s way It is ov th erlooked by t roug he h Federa Be l Pal rn. ace, the hea rt of S w iss po lit ica l li fe . Preface “Democratic proce- Dear Reader Political developments in recent years show that not every dures take longer, but country has to remain democratic just because it once was. In fact, democratic processes are increasingly being called provide more stability into question because they allegedly produce ‘the wrong outcome’. Reference is made to lower COVID-19 case num- and engender greater bers in authoritarian states or to higher economic growth rates. Some peevishly ask whether the urgent problems of acceptance in the long today can ever be resolved through lengthy democratic term.” procedures and compromises. Federal Chancellor Walter Thurnherr Those who argue in this way have not understood the es- sence of democracy. There are countries where the govern- ment controls the people. And there are countries where the people control the government. Democracies fall under the second category. It is true that even authoritarian regimes sometimes make decisions that are supported by the majority. But there are no rules defining how the majority can overturn decisions if they no longer agree with them. Democratic procedures take longer, but over the years, they provide more stability and engender greater acceptance. Those who want to preserve democracy respect the institu- tions, the independence of the courts, the competences of the different powers and the fundamental values of the con- stitution. -
The Role of Direct Democracy and Federalism in Local Power
Institute for Empirical Research in Economics University of Zurich Working Paper Series ISSN 1424-0459 Working Paper No. 209 The Role of Direct Democracy and Federalism in Local Power Bruno S. Frey and Alois Stutzer October 2004 THE ROLE OF DIRECT DEMOCRACY AND FEDERALISM IN LOCAL POWER Bruno S. Frey* and Alois Stutzer** (University of Zurich) October, 2004 Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Bruno S. Frey Dr. Alois Stutzer Institute for Empirical Research in Economics University of Zurich Bluemlisalpstrasse 10 CH-8006 Zurich Switzerland and CREMA - Center for Research in Economics, Management and the Arts * Phone: +41-44-634 3731, Fax: +41-44-634 4907, E-mail: [email protected] ** Phone: +41-44-634 3729, Fax: +41-44-634 4907, E-mail: [email protected] i The Role of Direct Democracy and Federalism in Local Power Abstract: Alienation to politics weakens political competition and can undermine the acceptance and legitimacy of democracy as a political system. Governance and representation problems at the local level cause part of citizens’ lack of power and political alienation. Citizens have local power if they can influence the political process so that its outcomes are closer to their preferences and if they feel to be effective in the political sphere. In order to increase citizens’ local power, we emphasize the role of institutions of local governance. Local democratic governance is concerned about the relationship between citizens and local government institutions, political representatives and officials. This relationship is fundamentally shaped by the federal structure of a nation’s government and by the scope and depth of citizens’ participation possibilities in the political process. -
Who Rules? Lesson Activities GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS
Who Rules? Lesson Activities GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS Who Rules? Think About It! What kinds of governments exist? What kinds of leaders can be in charge of a country? Think about everything you’ve ever heard of or learned and add it to this mind map. Types of Governments & Leaders Theocracy can apply to any of these! Where would you put theocracy on this chart? MINI-QUIZ Do You Know Your Forms of Government? A or B? 1. One person is in charge. A B Autocracy Democracy A or B? 2. Citizens often have no rights. A B Democracy Dictatorship A or B? 3. Can exist with other forms of government. A B Dictatorship Theocracy A or B? 4. Led by a king or queen. A B Monarchy Oligarchy A or B? 5. Nobody is in charge. A B Monarchy Anarchy A or B? 6. Those in charge are military members who took over by force. A B Junta Democracy A or B? 7. Leader often shares power with other parts of government. A B Monarchy Dictatorship A or B? 8. Democracy where citizens elect others to serve in government. A B Direct Representative A or B? 9. Citizens vote to elect their leaders. A B Democracy Autocracy A or B? 10. A small group rules the country. A B Oligarchy Democracy A or B? 11. People do not answer to any leader or government. A B Oligarchy Anarchy A or B? 12. God and religious law are the government authority. A B Oligarchy Theocracy A or B? 13. The group with power can be based on race or social class. -
The Swiss Policy Agendas Project
Comp. by: Muthuraj Stage : Proof ChapterID: 0004234838 Date:14/11/18 Time:15:18:35 Filepath:D:/BgPr/OUP_CAP/IN/Process1/0004234838.3d Dictionary : OUP_UKdictionary 160 OUP UNCORRECTED PROOF – FIRST PROOF, 14/11/2018, SPi 18 The Swiss Policy Agendas Project Roy Gava, Pascal Sciarini, Anke Tresch, and Frédéric Varone 18.1 The Swiss Political System The Swiss political system is peculiar in many respects (for an introduction see Kriesi and Trechsel, 2008). First, Switzerland stands apart regarding its form of government, which is neither parliamentary nor presidential. Second, direct democracy is a central element of Swiss politics. Third, Switzerland has often been characterized as a paradigmatic case of consensus democracy (Lijphart, 1999). Negotiation, compromise, and consensus-building have thus been traditionally considered a hallmark of policymaking. The Swiss government, the Federal Council, is a seven-member executive body. Since 1959, it has integrated the four major political parties (i.e., Social Democrats, Liberals, Christian Democrats and the Swiss People’s Party), system- atically accounting for over 70 percent of the electorate. The government is consequently shared by all main parties, which receive a number of seats in the Federal Council that is roughly proportional to their parliamentary strength. Each federal councilor leads a ministry but shares otherwise the same governmental rights and duties. Moreover, the government operates under the collegiality principle. This means that the Federal Council speaks with a single voice: even if a federal councilor disagrees with a governmental decision, he or she is expected to endorse it and defend it vis-à-vis the parliament and the public. -
Comparing Forms of Government Table Of
COMPARING FORMS OF GOVERNMENT SS.7.C.3.1 Compare different forms of government (direct democracy, representative democracy, socialism, communism, monarchy, oligarchy, autocracy). TABLE OF CONTENTS Lesson Summary ...................................................................................................................... 2 Suggested Student Activity Sequence .................................................................................... 3 Student Activity Sheets & Reading Materials ....................................................................... 4 Sources .................................................................................................................................... 14 Answer Keys ........................................................................................................................... 15 Civics Content Vocabulary ................................................................................................... 20 Essential Teacher Content Background Information ........................................................ 21 SS.7.C.3.1 – Updated 3/19 | 1 Lesson Summary Essential Questions What are forms of government? How do they compare to each other? NGSSS Benchmark SS.7.C.3.1 Compare different forms of government (direct democracy, representative democracy, socialism, communism, monarchy, oligarchy, autocracy) Florida Standards LAFS.68.RH.2.4 LAFS.68.WHST.3.8 LAFS.68.WHST.3.9 MAFS.K12.MP.6.1 LAFS.68.WHST.4.10 LAFS.7.SL.1.1 LAFS.7.SL.1.2 LAFS.7.SL.2.4 Overview In this lesson, students -
Civics and General Studies Journal
Appointment of Good Governance Minister who is responsible DEMOCRATIC PRACTICES IN for among other things for monitoring overall strategy and CHAPTER TANZANIA implementation of ant-corruption measures. The National Anti- 2 corruption Strategy focuses on the need for transparency and accountability in the government. A direct The concept of democracy democracy gives the voting Democracy is a form of government in which population all citizens have an equal say in the decisions the power that affect their lives. Ideally, this includes Conclusions to; change constitutional equal (and more or less direct) participation Problems in governance occur when a government is not only laws, put forth in proposals, development and passage of corrupt, but when it is also inefficient, unresponsive or secretive. initiatives, legislation into law. Essentially, when a government is ineffectual, it is considered to referendums be corrupt. Corruption is fundamentally caused by low wages, and suggestions It comes from the Greek word demokratía poor incentives structure and inefficient system. It is also caused for laws, give binding orders which is a union of two words demos meaning by the desire for unfair advantage and the knowledge that one to elective common people and kratos which means will not be caught or punished for corrupt behavior. officials, such power. Therefore democracy can simply be as revoking defined as the power of the common people. Corruption is not just about ethics, it is also about how them before the government is set up and managed. Parliament and the end of their elected term. There is no specific, universally accepted parliamentarians must oversee the way government works so that definition of ‘democracy’, but equality corrupt behavior is punishable, and opportunities for corruption and freedom both have been identified as are limited through laws. -
11. Types of Government
Where would you want to live? Look at the types of governments below. Next to each type is a brief description of what it is. Types of government Monarchy: A country ruled by a King or Queen Anarchy/Mob Rule: No government, no laws, state of nature. Direct Democracy: Everyone has a say in the Representative Democracy: Choose people to government speak in your behalf Read the statements below. From the statements determine which type of government it is referring to and then circle whether the statement is a pro (positive) or a con (negative) example government pro or con A. One person makes all the decisions, so decisions can be made quickly and easily; you always know who is making the rules so you know who to go to for help; the King isn’t elected, so there are no bitter political battles B. This is a big country with lots of issues, and people would spend all their time voting. If the majority didn’t like an unpopular group, that group could be treated unfairly. C. People get to do whatever they want. There is maximum freedom D. One person makes all the decisions. A bad ruler could hurt a lot of people. E. Unpopular groups could still be treated unfairly. Might give the representatives too much power. The representatives might not do what the people want them to do. F. Everyone gets a say on everything; people are more in control; if people disagree, they will talk to each other and try to work things out or convince each other to vote their way. -
Brief Amici Curiae of Initiative and Referendum
No. 19-974 IN THE Supreme Court of the United States WILLIAM T. SCHMITT, CHAD THOMPSON, AND DEBBIE BLEWITT, Petitioners, v. FRANK LAROSE, OHIO SECRETARY OF STATE, Respondent. On Petition for a Writ of Certiorari to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit BRIEF FOR AMICI CURIAE INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM INSTITUTE AND CENTER FOR COMPETITIVE DEMOCRACY IN SUPPORT OF PETITIONERS Anne Marie Lofaso Lawrence D. Rosenberg WEST VIRGINIA UNIV. Counsel of Record COLLEGE OF LAW JONES DAY U.S. SUPREME COURT 51 Louisiana Ave., N.W. LITIGATION CLINIC Washington, DC 20001 101 Law Center Dr. (202) 879-7622 Morgantown, WV 26056 [email protected] Counsel for Amici Curiae Initiative and Referendum Institute and Center for Competitive Democracy i TABLE OF CONTENTS Page TABLE OF AUTHORITIES ....................................... ii INTEREST OF AMICI CURIAE ............................... 1 SUMMARY OF ARGUMENT .................................... 3 ARGUMENT ............................................................... 4 I. Ballot Initiatives Have Deep Roots In, And Are Critical To, American Democracy, And They Are Used Prevalently Today To Fur- ther Important Political And Social Ends. ........... 4 II. Many States Impose Subject-Matter Re- strictions On Ballot Initiatives, And This Court’s First Amendment Guidance Is Greatly Needed On This Important And Recurring Issue. .................................................. 13 CONCLUSION ......................................................... 16 ii TABLE OF AUTHORITIES Page(s) CASES Arizona State Legislature v. Arizona Indep. Redistricting Comm’n, 135 S. Ct. 2652 (2015) ............................................ 4 Citizens in Charge, Inc. v. Husted, 810 F.3d 437 (6th Cir. 2016) .................................. 2 City of Eastlake v. Forest City Enters., Inc., 426 U.S. 668 (1976) ................................................ 4 Constitution Party of Pa. v. Aichele, 757 F.3d 347 (3d Cir.