Unit 3: Democratic States and Democratization
In Unit 3 we focus on the concept of democracy. We explore various attributes that characterize democratic states and differentiate them from authoritarian regimes. We then examine processes of democratization, the breakdown of democracy, and the debate regarding the relationship between democracy and economic development. We conclude the unit by exploring the contemporary case of the Arab Spring.
Think about how you would respond to these questions. What differentiates democracies from authoritative regimes? What conditions facilitate democratization? Do contemporary trends in the early 21st century support or undermine democratic states? Finally, do you agree with those who argue that democracy improves economic outcomes?
Completing this unit should take you approximately 6 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- define democracy;
- differentiate between representative (indirect) and participatory (direct) democracy;
- identify prominent characteristics of democratic states;
- identify trends in democratization;
- list the six major explanations for democratization; and
- assess if democracy improves economic outcomes.
- define democracy;
3.1: Defining Democracy and the Characteristics of Democracy
Read this series of articles about democracy. Why did the Founding Fathers believe that direct democracy could not work in America? You should also be able to explain the differences between direct, minimalist, deliberative, and radical democracy.
Read this article. All democratic political systems represent a basic set of values and principles. In the United States, these values are expressed in the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and other significant documents, speeches, and writing throughout history.
Watch this lecture, which takes an in-depth look at democracy and its institutions. The speaker claims that democracy is the most successful at delivering on the mature Enlightenment's twin promises to recognize individual rights as the ultimate political good and to base politics on some kind of commitment to objective knowledge. Interestingly, democracy as a tradition was not made famous by its champions, but rather by its critics. The speaker guides the class through the writings of Plato, Tocqueville, Madison, and Dahl. He zeroes in specifically on American democracy and such concepts as tyranny of the majority, factionalism, and checks and balances.
3.2: Democratization
Read this article. Democratization (i.e., a transition to democracy) is a process of changing from an authoritarian or totalitarian system of government to a democratic government that is widely regarded by the population and the global community as legitimate and permanent. A democratic transition involves the negotiation and acceptance of democratic rules and procedures; the building or restructuring of political, social, and economic institutions; and the channeling of political competition along democratic lines. An essential component of this transition is deciding on a new constitution that reflects political, religious, cultural, and economic realities within the society and its regional environment.
Read this report, which presents research findings on the linkages between democratic governance and sustained development in addition to the role of the U.N. in facilitating both. While reading the report, reflect on how democracy building serves to advance development in specific instances.
Read this article on the political development of democracy in Latin America. In 1991 political scientist Samuel Huntington defined three "waves" of democratization that have taken place throughout history. The first wave brought democracy to Western Europe and Northern America in the 19th century. It was followed by a rise of dictatorships during the years between World War II and World War II. The second wave began after World War II, but lost steam between 1962 and the mid-1970s. The latest wave began in 1974 and included the historic democratic transitions in Latin America in the 1980s, in addition to Asian Pacific countries and Eastern European after the fall of the Soviet Union.
Read this article. The author attempts to assess the state of democracy worldwide through an examination of four concepts of democracy.
Watch this discussion of the Arab Spring and prospects for democracy in the Middle East. What do you believe are the long-term prospects for sustained democracy in this region?
Unit 3 Assessments
- Receive a grade
Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.
- This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
- You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
- You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.
- Receive a grade
Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.
- This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
- You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
- You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.