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| | Basic course 5: Problems
for democracy
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If one thing has become
clear over the previous basic courses it is this: Democracy is not like
a machine, which, once installed, keeps working without problems. Democracy
is dependent on certain conditions, which have to be continually created
anew. Democracy always runs the risk of becoming too distant from the
democratic ideal. |
In short: Democracy is not the finished
product, but an ongoing task. In order for democracy to be successful it is
essential that the institutions and procedures work as they are intended. But
the most important aspect of all is the commitment of the people. In this, the
last basic course in this section, we will be taking a look at some of the
problems facing democracy today.
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Text 1
deals with the future of democracy.
Following a look at some of the successes and dangers that faced
democracy during the 20th century, as well as a section on the problem
of expertocracy, this page lists possible worries on the horizon.
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Text 2
concentrates on the problem of disenchantment with politics. Using the
TV family that has accompanied us throughout this Main Subject Group, we
will be illustrating how an attitude of
"Politics - no thanks!"
can arise.
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Text 3
addresses the fundamental standard used for reaching decisions in
democracy: the principle of majority rule.
Two short texts illustrate the conditions needed and the problems caused
by this principle.
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Text 4
discusses the outlook for democracy
in the 21st century drawing on the theories by Tocquevilles and Bryce.
Here we will be addressing the problem of a media-led democracy and the
problem of "unrivaled" democracy following the collapse of the
socialist alternative.
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