Social 30 Topic A: Ideologies and democracy Notes

Political and Economic Systems- Notes

Topic A is called Political and Economic Systems

Covers these systems in theory and practice
Often the theory and practice dont correspond (e.g. Soviet
communism and Marxism not the same)

Politics is concerned with decision-making for society: the creation of

legislation, and the execution and interpretation of those LAWS that
regulate society. It also includes all of the processes involved, including
compromise, coercion, negotiation etc.
Ex.1 The government of Alberta has threatened to ignore the federal
gay marriage law (deals with laws and decisions to be made regarding
those laws)
Ex.2 The Supreme Court ruled that the parents right to discipline a
child as they see fit supercedes any Charter right of children, as long
as reasonable force is used.

Economics is concerned with the production, distribution and consumption of

goods.
In modern societies, this entails LAND, LABOUR and CAPITAL .
Ex.1 A Ford company moves its operation to Mexico in order to lower
production labour costs and, therefore, price of a Ford car.
Ex. 2 The government announced a plan to subsidize (pay part of the
cost of) daycare for low income parents.

I. IDEOLOGIES (Chapters 1 and 2 in Ideologies 3rd edition)

Ideologies are ways of thinking regarding political or economic organization

based on key beliefs or values
Often generalized as being a continuum or spectrum between
collectivism (a belief in the greater, collective good) and individualism
(beliefs centered on the individual good or good of the one)
Social 30 Topic A: Ideologies and democracy Notes

Basic spectrum of values and beliefs:

_____________________________________________________________
Interventionism (by government) Individualism
Collectivism (Personal liberty)
Cooperation and equality Competition and freedom

Philosophical ways of thinking on the nature of the individual: how we see

the nature of the individual influences our ideological choices and the
systems used by groups:

Thomas Hobbes and the need for strong authority: saw man as
inherently bad and needing firm laws to keep order. Believed that
men were generally brutish and should submit to the wisdom of
certain enlightened elites. Believed in authoritarian systems (strong
authority), in particular enlightened monarchy.

John Locke and the need for fundamental rights: saw man as
inherently neutral, a tabula rasa, but capable of being
educated/informed and making decisions that best suited him/her.
Society created a social contract with their government and willingly
gave up some natural rights in exchange for order. Certain rights he
felt, were inalienable: the right to life, liberty and property. A
political liberal, he believed in an informed electorate and limited
democracy.

J.J. Rousseau and the general will: saw man as inherently good and
governments and social order as corrupting. Despised traditional
government as oppressive and self serving. Believed that civil society
should follow the general will of the masses. (a sort of majority rules
concept) The responsibility of government was to implement and
enforce the general will of the people; in other words the citizens
would be relatively free of governmental restrictions other than those
the citizen agreed to.
Social 30 Topic A: Ideologies and democracy Notes

Adam Smith and free market ideals: saw man as essentially self-
serving. An economic liberal, he felt that economies would function
best when individuals had the liberty to pursue their personal
interests and, like Locke, believed governments should limit their
intervention to keeping order and stability.

Montesquieu and separation of powers: saw the necessity of

governmental forms that separated power into three separate bodies
to perform the 3 functions of government: to legislate (the
legislative); to judge (the judicial) and to execute (the executive).
This would avoid concentration of powers which leads to abuses. This
theory was at the heart of the American republic with its elected
executive.

From these views on political-economic organization came other ideologies

derived from this spectrum: liberalism, socialism, conservatism, fascism,
communism.

Classifying and ordering ideologies with spectrums

Spectrum #1: Attitude towards change in society (from 19 th century)

_________________________________________________________
Radicals Liberals Moderates Conservatives Reactionary
(instant/(rapid) (gradual) (status quo)(return to past order)
violent)
Proponents:

Marx/Lenin Rousseau Locke/Mill Burke Hitler/Mussolini

Social 30 Topic A: Ideologies and democracy Notes

Spectrum #2: Level of governmental authority

Totalitarian Authoritarianism Rep.Democracy Pure Dem. Anarchism

(Interventionism/ (Individualism)
Collectivism)
Hobbes Locke Rousseau

_________________________________________________________

Spectrum #3: Level of government intervention in the production,

consumption and distribution of goods (economic system)
____________________________________________________
Communism Socialism Liberalism Welfare capitalism Pure capitalism
Command or Govt Mixed economy Capitalism with a Little to no govt
Planned econ. Redistribution Safety net intervention or
Of wealth ownership
K. Marx J.S. Mill Keynes A. Smith

N.B Because conservatism is based on the status quo, and because

liberalism evolved over time, today:
Neo-conservatives (new conservatives) defend the economic status
quo of private property and capitalism i.e. against government
intervention in the economy. These are CLASSICAL LIBERAL ideals.
Modern liberals (new liberals) argue for some government intervention
to protect against the ill side effects of capitalism (unemployment, poverty)
and are often called WELFARE CAPITALISTS.
Social 30 Topic A: Ideologies and democracy Notes

II. POLITICAL SYSTEMS: Democracy and Dictatorship (Ch.3

Ideologies)

RECALL:
Spectrum #1: Level of governmental authority

Totalitarian Authoritarianism Rep.Democracy Pure Dem. Anarchism

(Interventionism/ (Individualism)
Collectivism)
Lenin Hobbes Locke Rousseau
EX. USSR Iraq (before Canada/USA Ancient Athens
Nazi Germany US invasion) Sweden/Switzerland

Political Systems: the way in which governments make decisions, with

Participation of individual citizens in governmental decisions-
Democracy, based on a positive view of the average individual
Concentration of decision-making in the hands of limited elites:
single person (king, dictator), groups (aristocracies, oligarchies)

A) Model Democracy or Political Individualism:

In general, these value the individual citizens and their liberty to

participate in decision-making.
Individuals are theoretically equal in decision-making authority
System functions through negotiation, compromise and consensus of
the citizenry.

Pure democracies: every member of the group is polled and generally,

a simple majority rule is applied. Today, referendums and plebiscites
are limited forms of pure democracy.

Representative democracies: modern democracies use

representative assemblies to make decisions for the people.
Representatives are elected by the people.
Limited democracy: representative democracies may be more or less
responsive to the electorate between elections.
Social 30 Topic A: Ideologies and democracy Notes

MODEL DEMOCRACY: Use chapter 3 to complete this outline:

Democracy substitutes election by the incompetent many for appointment by the
corrupt few.
-G.B.Shaw

Democracy is rule by the people: the contract between people and

government- sovereignty of the citizenry over affairs of government
Often defined as the rule of majority with respect for minority
rights

1) Direct vs representative democracy:

Direct democracy (referendum/plebiscite)

Representative democracy

2) Prerequisites of democracy:
Separation of powers-
Regular elections with real choice of representation-
Elections are free of fraud and intimidation (secret ballots)-
Universal suffrage- all persons of majority have equal voting
rights
Democratic process for changes in leadership-
Guarantees of individual rights and freedoms such as the
freedom of association, speech and equality rights-
Free media- no limits on the expression of opinion and coverage in
the media
Accountability of government to the people-
Presence of an opposition to the government-
Rule of law- the systems rules are respected (a Constitution)

Extent of democracy: democracies vary in level of individual freedom and

government control:
Just how responsive to the will of the people should the government
be? How often should it seek permission to act?
How does society balance the responsibilities and rights of citizens?
Social 30 Topic A: Ideologies and democracy Notes

Potential disadvantages of democracy:

Tyranny of the majority ex. Segregation in the United States;
Apartheid
Inefficiency: democracy too slow and inefficient to meet the
demands of modern world
Apathy (disinterest): US voter participation rate over last 20 years
has averaged under 50%
(A citizen of America will cross the ocean to fight for democracy,
but won't cross the street to vote in a national election. -B.Vaughn)
Power of special interest groups: political process tends to be
dominated by well organized groups with particular interests (ex.
Corporate lobbies)
Mediocrity: democratic elections often produce disappointing
representation

It has been said that democracy is the worst form of

government except all the others that have been tried.
-Winston Churchill

B) Dictatorship or Political Collectivism:

Authoritarian Systems or Dictatorships are paternalistic systems where

citizens are meant to obey and government maintains strict control and
order.
Believe in central authority to make efficient decisions for the
common good.
They impose a set of collective values upon the population. The good
of the group supersedes the good of individuals
Various types: monarchies, aristocracies, oligarchies, military
dictatorships (juntas) etc.
Social 30 Topic A: Ideologies and democracy Notes

Totalitarian systems: extreme authoritarian systems- these aim to control

the behaviour and beliefs of citizens.

**REGARDLESS OF IDEOLOGY, all political systems, democratic or dictatorial,

aim for a certain level of STABILITY and SOCIAL ORDER.

ELECTORAL SYSTEMS: Most political systems hold elections but

only democracies have fair ones where:
Elections are held free of fraud and intimidation
An opposition to government is present
There is universal suffrage
The weight of one individuals vote equals that of any other

The two most common electoral systems which represent voter wishes with
different degrees of accuracy:

1) REP BY POP such as in Canadian and US federal elections:

a. the political boundaries are cut up into ridings or constituencies
b. each constituency represents a mini election
c. only the top vote getter wins a seat (often with less than 50%
of the vote. Losers are not represented.
ADVANTAGES OF REP BY POP: people have a recognizable figure to
represent them and their area; people can hold that person
accountable; it is close to the simplest and most cost effective way of
holding an election; because it over-represents the majority, it tends
to provide stable government

DISADVANTAGES OF REP BY POP: over-represents the majority

and under-represents the minority; ridings typically vary in size so
that all votes are not proportionally equal; small parties tend to be
shut out (ex. Green Party with 7% of the vote has no seats)

2) PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION: ex. Sweden

Social 30 Topic A: Ideologies and democracy Notes

a. Country divided into large ridings with several members

b. Total votes counted and a mathematical formula is used to
assign each party a number of seats corresponding to the % of
votes garnered.
ADVANTAGES OF PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION: PR provides
an accurate breakdown of the peoples wishes; allows for small parties
to earn a few seats with, say, 7% of the vote; more democratic

DISADVANTAGES OF PR: anyone can start a party; support so

scattered that governments rarely have a majority=instability;
because no one representative is responsible for a district, it is
difficult to hold someone accountable.
Social 30 Topic A: Ideologies and democracy Notes
Social 30 Topic A: Ideologies and democracy Notes

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES in a Democratic Society

(Case Studies 4 and 6)

The right of my fist ends where the right of your nose begins.

Issue: to what extent should democracies respect the rights of

minorities or the disadvantaged?
Should citizens have the right to smoke in public?
Should citizens have the right to choose whether or not to wear a
seatbelt?
Should citizens have the right to carry a weapon?
Should citizens be forced to contribute to a DNA databank to help solve
crimes?
Should female citizens have the right to decide for themselves whether
or not to have an abortion in the first trimester?

Rule by the people (democracy) implies:

Citizens are rational and able to make good decisions for themselves
A social contract in which citizens agree that at some point, they may not
be a part of the majority that makes the final decisions but have the
responsibility to obey
That peaceful dissent is a democratic right

Democracies have produced tyranny in the past:

Segregation in the United States
Apartheid in South Africa
Residential schools in Canada
The APEC crisis in Canada?

The Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982) guarantees the rights and
freedoms of Canadian citizens and gives them special protection
under the law
(ex. Protection against illegal search and seizure)
Social 30 Topic A: Ideologies and democracy Notes

Gives the Supreme Court the ultimate responsibility of judging

where the rights of individuals and the goals of the state
intersect

The notwithstanding clause gives provinces the rights to override the

Charter in specific areas where it does not agree
(Ex. Alberta has threatened to use the clause against any amendments to
the traditional definition of marriage)

The right of dissent: all citizens have the right to disagree (dissent) with
laws; normally however, they are bound by the social contract to obey

Civil disobedience: means to disobey existing laws

based on the idea that law makers may make mistakes or pass laws that
do not respect the best interests of the people
Social 30 Topic A: Ideologies and democracy Notes

Social 30 Notes
Federal Government in Canada
Canada is a
Federal state: two levels of government
Representative democracy
Constitutional monarchy (monarch is official head of state)
Parliamentary system: the law-making body is parliament and head of
government is Prime Minister
Responsible government: government answers to the peoples
representatives in the House of Commons during daily question period

As Montesquieu wanted, there are three branches of

government:

Executive Legislative Judicial

(Queen and rep. Bicameral The Supreme
the Governor Parliament: Court &
General) House of Constitution (incl.
Commons & Charter of
Senate Rights)
Executive Legislative Judicial
(Queen and rep. Unicameral: Provincial Courts
the Lt Governor) The Legislature

Canada is, however, characterized by a soft separation of powers b/c the

Prime Minister and Cabinet also play an advisory role to Queen, and the monarchs
power is symbolic only.
House of Commons Senate
incl. PM and cabinet (105 appointed senators)
(308 elected MPs) sober second thought
Cannot be removed;
FPTP or Rep. by
must resign by age
Pop
75
Social 30 Topic A: Ideologies and democracy Notes

Politics is the business of laws

Law-making process in Canada: (ROLE PLAY THIS)
Idea for a law = bill- originate in cabinet
Cabinet presents idea to caucus- ensures Cabinet solidarity and
party discipline
Cabinet presents bill to the House (of Commons) for 1rst reading
House debates during second reading. Government may withdraw or
amend the bill on the suggestion of the House
House votes after 3rd reading: If it passes, bill goes to Senate
Senate debates bill and may return it for amendment
Senate votes on bill: If it passes, bill goes to Governor General
If Governor General signs it, it becomes law

Checks and balances:

Responsible government: the government must face the opposition
every day for question period.
The House may kill bill
The Senate may kill bill even if House passes it.
The Governor General may kill bill by not signing it.
The Supreme Court may quash the law if it is judged unconstitutional-
rule of law

Soft separation of powers: despite these theoretical checks

and balances, Canadas separation of powers is soft (weak):
Party discipline ensures a cabinet with majority government
wins all votes. Backbenchers dont vote against their
cabinet for fear of triggering election.*
PM appoints cabinet ministers from elected party members
PM appoints Senators
PM appoints Governor General and advises her/him.
PM appoints Supreme Court justices (judges)
Therefore:
Governor general hasnt killed a bill in over 50 years
Senate hasnt killed a bill in over 30PMs power is great; has a role in
every branch.
Social 30 Topic A: Ideologies and democracy Notes

*a government that loses a confidence vote must resign, which usually

triggers an election = RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT
Social 30 Topic A: Ideologies and democracy Notes

The Role of Media and Pressure Groups in Democratic Societies

Citizens rights: Rule by the people (democracy) implies:

Citizens are rational and able to make good decisions for themselves
A social contract in which citizens agree that at some point, they may not be a
part of the majority that makes the final decisions but have the responsibility to
obey
That peaceful dissent is a democratic right. All citizens have the right to
disagree (dissent) with laws; normally however, they are bound by the social
contract to obey
Civil disobedience: means to disobey existing laws; breaking the law to
make a point
based on the idea that law makers may make mistakes or pass laws that
do not respect the best interests of the people
This inspired the right to bear arms in the American Constitution.

The Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982) guarantees the rights and freedoms
of Canadian citizens and gives them special protection under the law
(ex. Protection against illegal search and seizure)
Gives the Supreme Court the ultimate responsibility of judging where the rights
of individuals and the goals of the state intersect

The notwithstanding clause gives provinces the rights to override the Charter in
specific areas where it does not agree
(Ex. Alberta has threatened to use the clause against any amendments to the
traditional definition of marriage)
Social 30 Topic A: Ideologies and democracy Notes

Successful autocracies (dictatorships) normally work to control:

1. the army
2. the media and information

Medias role is traditionally:

To inform
To entertain

More specifically, the media defines our reality by showing us what it covers (and
not showing us what it chooses not to cover)
Directs and influences public attention
Unofficial opposition to government by drawing attention, either positively or
negatively, to the governments actions

Criticisms of the media

Profit making industry and therefore covers what is popular

Sensationalism; bandwagon effect; style and image over substance
Concentration of ownership: Aspers in Canada, Murdoch in Australia, US

Pressure groups: Organizations of individuals who work to pressure (or lobby) the
government to pass legislation that they favour
Ex. MADD lobbies tougher impaired driving enforcement
NRA lobbies to protect the Second Amendment and arms manufacturers
the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Pressure groups

hire lobbyists to apply direct pressure on government representatives

Social 30 Topic A: Ideologies and democracy Notes

apply indirect pressure by mobilizing public opinion, commissioning polls, public

education campaigns
Criticisms:
Money buys influence: corporations can exercise greater pressure
Well organized pressure groups affect change that may or may not reflect the
will of the majority
Social 30 Topic A: Ideologies and democracy Notes

Debrief on Democracy:

Advantages Disadvantages
Peaceful and orderly mechanism by Does power slowly fall into the hands
which to change government of a small elite anyway.

Government policy reflects the Apathy makes it less than true.

interests of the people because it is Lends itself to the mediocrity of
accountable the masses.

Free competition between parties Slow, less efficient because of the

gives voice to groups expressing consensus needed
diverse values.
Purest form, direct democracy, is
Rights to individuals: ability to act in impractical.
their own interests and to band
together to increase their political Organized groups may distort the
weight (pressure groups) will of the majority

Rule of law is clear and not arbitrary

Money, media, lobbies buy influence
Values pluralism: a self-governing,
self-confident citizenry, tolerant of
differences in opinion. Tyranny of the majority

Proportional representation leads to

multiparty systems and instability

Rep. by pop leads to greater stability

but distorts the popular vote.