Week 1: Democracy: An introduction
1. “An essentially contested concept” Wide and divergent meanings of democracy; no agreed definition. Strictly: rule by the people. Direct democracy (as in ancient Athens) to representative democracy in modern states. It is essentially a process; a diallogue between governed and governing 2. The inheritance from Britain Struggle of parliament against crown. Parliamentary structure based on British model, but Australia already advanced democratically from what Britain was in mid-19th century where rranchise still restricted 3. The effect of the Chartists and other radical democrats –“Britain’s unwanted” Many Chartists and other political agitators transported to Australian colonies. Chartist ideas evident in 1940s; gold rushes of 1850s brought more Chartist influences. In Britain, Chartists branded as dangerous revolutionaries for seeking universal suffrage, regular elections, secret ballot and pay for MPs. 4. How democratic are we really? Is the workplace democratic? Limited political democracy; that is, right to vote, regular elections. Limited scope for citizen participation in political process. Workplace still undemocratic, as are universities and other institutions. Much of everyday life still not democratic in the sense that it is subject to popular sovereignty. 5. Democracy always incomplete, always fragile, always resisted Democracy is always “a work in progress”. It is always resisted by those with privilege and/or power; it is always challenged and vulnerable to challenge. 6. The origins of democracy City states of ancient Athens. Plato thought the idea of rule by the people absurd. Modified by Aristotle. Modern democracy stems from American Revolution and French Revolution. Ruling classes still fear the latter and its emulation. Fear of “the mob”.
7. The majoritarian argument A frequent argument against democracy. Minorities not oppressed by democracy as it relies on a consensus and the consent of the governed.
8. Why democracy? Arguments in favour of democracy, however imperfect. (See Robert Dahl) 9. Four clusters of meaning attached to the term “democracy” Plato → Aristotle Roman republic → Machiavelli → American republic Rousseau → French revolution Modern democracy 19th century to today
10.Growth of modern democracy – Alexis de Tocqueville
“Love democracy, but in moderation.” Tocqueville concerned about the leveling effect of democracy and its gravitation towards the mediocre and the conformist. 10. Liberal democracy and its inherent tensions (See handout – Chantal Mouffe article on articulation between liberalism and democracy). Two very different, often conflicting traditions. Schumpeter, Hayek and others see democracy as a “method”.
11. The Trilateral Commission and the assault on popular sovereignty The Empire strikes back. The end of the post-war consensus. Rise of neoliberalism (Reagan, Thatcher, Keating, Howard) and assault on popular sovereignty. Democracy has to be “wound back”)
Key terms: George Orwell, Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Rousseau, French Revolution, de Tocqueville, liberal democracy, liberalism, popular sovereignty, Trilateral Commission, democratic deficit