1: Introduction
1. Abraham Lincoln is often noted for stating that democracy is, "of the people, by the people, and for the people." But democracy is not as easily realized. Why is democracy difficult to understand? Why is democracy hard to put into practice? Can you think of a modern nation where democracy is in practice and effective and another nation where democracy is not effective?
2. The concepts of democracy and freedom are not interchangeable; however, they are connected. How are democracy and freedom different? What are some examples of freedom (or freedoms)?
3. People are instrumental to the health of a democracy. The people must vote, have the right to assemble, have religious freedoms, vote, and read the press (media). What are other ways that people can help a democracy thrive?
4. The Magna Carta was an important early democratic document. Why? Can you think of other democratic documents? What are they called? How are they similar to one another?
5. The Magna Carta was key to moving from an absolute monarchy to more democratic governance, whereby King John of England acknowledged the legal rights of the people. Since the Magna Carta, nation-states’ constitutions note the rights and limitations of the government. Many modern countries have constitutions or other founding documents. If you had the power to right a founding document, what would the document say?
2: Characteristics of Democracy
1. Democracy is a concept, and it is a practice. Democracy is about institutions, values, attitudes, and practices. When you think of democracy or democratic rights, can you think of examples of democratic institutions? Democratic values? Democratic attitudes and practices?
2. Democracy tempers majority rule and protects minority rights. Majority rule is important, but not at the cost of adversely affecting minority rights. This is why voting on measures is important—so that the people have an opportunity to weigh in on issues. What does this mean? How can a nation or government acknowledge majority rule and minority rights?
3. Basic human rights are understood as the right to free speech, press, assembly, equal protection under the law, the right to vote, religious freedom, toleration, and the ability to fully participate in life. Can you think of what a typical day would look like for someone living in a democratic state where their human rights are protected? How would this vary from a non-democratic state?
4. Direct democracy is hard to practice. Why? Representative democracy is the most common form of democracy. Why?
5. Technology and social media have become more pervasive during elections. In general, people are using the internet for a host of things. How does the internet help or harm democracy? Do you think that electronic voting can be effective?
3: Rights and Responsibilities
1. Are monarchies democratic? What does it mean that people are citizens of the democratic state and not subjects? (This question will require additional research).
2. Democracies are noisy. Why should a healthy democracy be loud and busy? What does this mean for the rights of the people?
3. Freedom of speech is an important right. At times, this means tolerating speech that we do not like or completely disagree with; however, there are limits to free speech. Slander and libel are not protected forms of speech. What are they not protected speech? Please provide some examples.
4. Freedom of religion exists in democracies, and this includes the right to worship and observe in private or in public. Why is freedom of religion a fundamental right?
4: Democratic Elections
1. In the past, taxes, tests, and other requirements such as owning property were used to prevent certain people from voting. Why are free, competitive, and regular elections important to a democratic state? How often are elections held in your city, state, province, or country?
2. The extension of democratic rights to women, religious minorities, and different racial or ethnic groups have varied. Why? If these rights are fundamental, how could democratic states withhold full rights to different groups?
3. Public debate is important; however, we have witnessed more inflammatory discussions or violence in parliaments, in the streets, and online harassment. How do we support public debate and temper anger or violence?
4. The winner-take-all model is common in representative democracies; however, many representative democracies have proportional systems. Which is more democratic? Which system are you more familiar with? Which system is better for parties and for the public?
5: Rule of Law
1. The rule of law is meant to protect the people from governmental tyranny. Rule of law also protects the people from lawlessness from one another, since all people are equal under the law. Why was it acceptable to not extend the rule of law to women and other groups who were denied their equal rights? Has ideology influenced rule of law?
2. Due process protects the right of the people from governmental abuse and outlines the protections that all people have with regards to charges being laid against them and how the state will process the charges. Here, the judiciary or courts are important. Justice and transparency are integral parts of due process. Why? How is maintaining law and order connected to due process?
3. The rule of law also means that people have the right to a speedy trial, not be subject to cruel and unusual punishment, not be compelled to witness against themselves, as well as not be charged for a crime twice (double jeopardy). These protections are typically the purview of the judiciary. Can you explain why the judiciary or courts are an important part of a healthy democracy?
6: Constitutionalism
1. A democratic state’s constitution is the supreme law of the land and everyone must abide by the rights, privileges, and rules outlined in the constitution. The authority of the national or federal government is outlined in the constitution. Is government corruption less likely to take place in a democratic state?
2. Why is British Common Law referred to in this section? How were eighteenth century philosophers instrumental to discussions about fundamental rights or founding documents? (You may need to do some research to answer these questions.)
3. In the United States, the Bill of Rights are the first ten amendments in the U.S. Constitution. These amendments were crucial to the passing of the Constitution, and they outline the basic rights that are guaranteed to the people. The next seventeen amendments were added to the U.S. Constitution. Are you familiar with other founding documents or constitutions? How are they similar or different?
4. Federalism is power shared at different levels of government. There might be a federal, provincial (or state), and municipal levels of government, and they are expected to work well together in a democratic state. Can you think of examples where the different levels of government can work well or be at odds with one another? For instance, transportation issues often intersect with the local and state or provincial levels of government.
7: Three Pillars of Government
1. The executive branch, legislative branch, and the judicial branch are often referred to as the three branches, or three pillars, of a democratic government. Do you think that this is correct? Is there a missing branch or institution?
2. The executive branch executes the law, the legislative branch makes the law, and the judicial branch reviews the law. The separation of powers between the three pillars offers them checks and balances on one another. Do you think that one branch is more powerful than another? Which one and why?
3. The executive branch in a modern democratic state is normally part of a parliamentary system (with a prime minister) or a presidential system (with a president). Which one (prime minister or president) is more effective and why? (This will require some additional research.)
4. An independent judiciary can review the law and work as a check on the other two pillars to ensure that laws meet the constitutional guidelines. If the law does not, the law is unconstitutional. Is this a strong check on the executive and legislative branches?
5. In many democratic states, the people do not vote in the justices or jurists sitting on the courts, as they are appointed by the prime minister or president. And, the justices often have a long appointment (or in some cases, a lifetime appointment). Is this democratic or merely an effective practice to ensure that there is no political retaliation for their decisions?
8: Free and Independent Media
1. A free and independent media is key to a strong democracy. However, in the U.S. and Canada media monopolies exist with the print newspapers, television, and radio stations. How is this a free and independent media when media conglomerates own the vast majority of the media outlets?
2. The internet and smart technologies have allowed people broader access to different news sources and apps (applications). This means that people have access to not only traditional news outlets, but also citizen journalists’ points of view. One consequence of citizen journalism and ideological news sources is that "fake" news has become more prominent. How can a consumer of news or information discern what are real or legitimate news sources and what are more ideological or "fake" news sources?
3. In a democratic state, the media should inform, educate, and serve as a watchdog on the government and other institutions. Do you think that the media fill this role today? Please provide some examples.
4. There are many theories about the media and the way they work. This book refers to the agenda-setting role of the media. How does the media set the agenda? Is this more common with a strong media monopoly, or can small media outlets also set the agenda?
9: Political Parties, Interest Groups, and NGOs
1. Political parties provide people different ideological choices for their particular ideological leanings; however, some see political parties as ineffective, partisan groups. How are political parties effective, and when can they be perceived as ineffective? (This might require additional research.)
2. Political parties provide a vetting process for possible candidates. They also set the party’s platform, recruit candidates, nominate party leaders, offer policies, and educate the public. If political parties do this and so much more, why are they often viewed with disdain? People will often say that the candidates are the same or lament that it is not worth voting. How can political parties work more effectively to change these opinions?
3. Interest groups represent peoples’ political, social, religious, and other personal interests. Some interests groups write policy and try to influence politics. Why would people want to join an interest group?
4. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are interest groups that have a more national or international focus and tend to work more closely with governmental agencies as part of their advocacy. Are you familiar with any NGOs?
10: Civil-Military Relations
1. In a healthy democracy, the military serves the nation. Can you think of countries where the military is in charge? Are these nations more authoritarian in nature? Do you think that this is a coincidence?
2. Military officials must remain neutral and serve the nation. Active military members can vote and participate neutrally in politics. Are there advantages to having a neutral military? Should active military remain neutral in politics?
3. Elected officials lead countries and seek the counsel of the military for issues related to war. Given the military member’s expertise, should they be allowed to run for public office while active in the military?
11: Culture of Democracy
1. Democracy is a balance of competing values and interpretations of democratic rights. How can we balance peoples want for freedom and need for societal order?
2. Education should thrive in a democratic state and be viewed as a basic need to ensure that the people are supported. Should college tuition be paid by the state? Is it acceptable for a government to dictate which subjects receive more state funding or should the state be value neutral with higher-education funding?
3. If democracy is both a promise and a challenge, why is it one of the most coveted types of governmental systems? Democracy is typically noted as the highest form of government that respects the people’s rights. Why?
4. Economics can challenge democratic needs, as many Western democracies have witnessed during economic downturns. How can we balance societal needs and the reality of economics?
