Whats wrong with the elite theory of democracy?
Summary :
Table of Contents
- Introduction.
- Fundamental assumptions of the elite theory of democracy.
- Various theories of democracy.
- Schumpeter's view.
- The concept of 'circulation of elites'.
- Procedural democracy.
- The classical theory of democracy.
- The concept of 'consensus of elites'.
- Critics against elite theory of democracy.
- Clarification of the relationship between mass and elites.
- Conclusion.
- Bibliography.
Abstract
The elite theory of democracy has emerged out of two major concerns of its precursors: no theory of democracy until now has given leadership the importance it ought to have, and none has really settled the issue of whether the common man is up to the task of governing a modern and large society. From empirical facts, some theorists have argued that every single modern society is ruled by a class that knows better and has better skills to govern: the elite. Primarily aimed at explaining the on-going structure of our societies, the elite theory of democracy can also result in some normative statements. Indeed, the participative form of democracy is clearly rejected by the theorists, who argue that too much participation would actually weaken democracy rather than reassert it. They argue that masses are incompetent, and thus unable to act "in default of an initiative from without and from above".
See similar documents : Political science
1
Building democratic institutions: East and West Lecturer: A. Dimitrova
Presentation | 01/15/2009 | en | .doc | 6 pages
2
Can any theory fully explain the process of European integration? If not, why not?
Presentation | 01/13/2009 | en | .doc | 13 pages
Latest in the category : Political science
2
How Black Panthers party empowered the black community and the causes of its demise
Term papers | 10/21/2009 | en | .doc | 5 pages
Most downloaded in the last 30 days : Political science
4
An analysis of one of Winston Churchill's most famous speeches: "The Sinews of Peace" or the Iron Curtain speech.
Presentation | 07/07/2008 | en | .doc | 6 pages
Change Currency
Our guarantee :
How it works?
Quality guaranteed
Refunds
Secure payment
Who are we ?
