Discover published sets by community

Majoritarianism is the principle that the majority should have the power to make decisions that affect the society. Critiques involve the 'tyranny of the majority' where the interests of minority groups can be overlooked or oppressed, and the question of the efficacy of majority rule in complex issues.

Direct Democracy allows citizens to make decisions directly rather than through representatives. While it can enhance democratic participation, critiques focus on its practicality in large societies, the potential for uneducated decisions, and the risk of majoritarian tyranny without checks and balances.

Federalism involves the division of sovereignty between the national government and subnational entities. Criticisms include potential duplication of efforts, inconsistency in policy and rights across areas, and complications in accountability and governance.

Participatory Democracy emphasizes the broad participation of constituents in the direction and operation of political systems. Critiques center on the challenges of large-scale participation, potential inefficiency, and the risk of decision fatigue amongst citizens.

Political Efficacy is the belief that one's participation in politics can make a difference. Criticism includes skepticism about the actual impact one can have within large political structures, the varying levels of efficacy across different groups, and the potential for disillusionment.

Democratic Peace Theory suggests that democracies are less likely to engage in war with one another. Critiques include the definition of 'democracy' used, the possibility of other factors influencing peace, and historical exceptions to the theory.

Elite Theory posits that a small minority, consisting of members of the economic elite and policy-planning networks, holds the most power—and that this power is independent of democratic elections. Critics argue that it underestimates the power of popular mobilization and democratic institutions.

Liberal Democracy combines representative democracy with the protection of individual rights and freedoms. Critics argue that it prioritizes individualism over communal well-being, can perpetuate inequality under the guise of formal equality, and can be influenced by those with greater economic power.

Cosmopolitan Democracy proposes a model of democracy that transcends national borders, acknowledging global interdependence. It faces critiques regarding feasibility, the challenge of creating a shared global political culture, and the dilution of local autonomy and interests.

Pluralism in democratic theory is the acknowledgment of a diversity of interests within a polity and the idea that politics is a contest among these competing interests. Critics argue that it can lead to fragmentation of society and stalemate in decision-making, and may not accurately represent power imbalances.

Constitutionalism is the practice of limiting government power by law through a constitution. Critics argue that constitutions can become outdated, can entrench the status quo, and sometimes fail to protect against government overreach or tyranny.

Civic Virtue is the cultivation of habits important for the success of the community. Critiques focus on its potential conflict with individual autonomy, the difficulty in defining and measuring it, and the challenge of fostering it within diverse and large populations.

Social Contract Theory posits that individuals consent, either explicitly or tacitly, to surrender some of their freedoms and submit to an authority in exchange for protection of their remaining rights. Critiques include questions about the legitimacy of authority and the actual existence of a contract, especially for those born into a society.

Deliberative Democracy emphasizes the role of discussion and deliberation in democratic decision-making. It is critiqued for potentially being time-consuming and inefficient, for the potential domination by more articulate participants, and for the challenges in achieving truly inclusive and equal deliberation.

Representative Democracy is a system in which elected officials represent a group of people. Criticisms include the potential disconnection between representatives and their constituents, the influence of special interests, and the limitation of citizens' direct influence.