Is Democracy Compatible with Elitism
Is democracy compatible with elitism?
Introduction: To analyse the compatibility of democracy with elitism it is first important to define both the terms democracy and elitism. Democracy is in its simplest form is the rule for the people by politicians etc, and elitism is most simply known as ‘a class that rules and a class that is ruled’. This therefore opens up the question, do those in higher positions effectively rule those lower down, democracy within elitism, and the effects if elitism was not around. ‘a minority which monopolises the effective exercise of power’. P69, schwarzmantel.
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The importance of elites in high governmental positions- there has to be centralisation in a government, because according to… the majority are disorganised etc, and therefore wouldn’t be able to handle governmental policies. Also been said that the elites have more to lose if everything was to fail, and therefore their best interests are with the people. ‘the mass, who lack both the will and the capacity for political leadership’. P72
“The incompetence of the masses is almost universal throughout the domains of political life, and this constitutes the most solid foundation of the power of the leaders” p82 schwarz
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Democracy and competition within- keeping in line with democratic values as well as working alongside elitism. Democracy equals equality, people can still work their way up.. Pareto-
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Sole interest of those in charge defies the meaning of democracy- Aristotle and mob rule- only vote in leaders, don’t have a right over the policies involved- although the meaning of democracy is often contested, it is widely accepted that freedom and equality have a place in democracy. How can this be said with elitists in charge.
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Benefit themselves- elitists, not actually in it for the interests of the people- isn’t this a fundamental value of democracy?- ‘some see the power and privileges of the ruling class
Introduction: To analyse the compatibility of democracy with elitism it is first important to define both the terms democracy and elitism. Democracy is in its simplest form is the rule for the people by politicians etc, and elitism is most simply known as ‘a class that rules and a class that is ruled’. This therefore opens up the question, do those in higher positions effectively rule those lower down, democracy within elitism, and the effects if elitism was not around. ‘a minority which monopolises the effective exercise of power’. P69, schwarzmantel.
Paragraph one:
The importance of elites in high governmental positions- there has to be centralisation in a government, because according to… the majority are disorganised etc, and therefore wouldn’t be able to handle governmental policies. Also been said that the elites have more to lose if everything was to fail, and therefore their best interests are with the people. ‘the mass, who lack both the will and the capacity for political leadership’. P72
“The incompetence of the masses is almost universal throughout the domains of political life, and this constitutes the most solid foundation of the power of the leaders” p82 schwarz
Paragraph two:
Democracy and competition within- keeping in line with democratic values as well as working alongside elitism. Democracy equals equality, people can still work their way up.. Pareto-
Paragraph three:
Sole interest of those in charge defies the meaning of democracy- Aristotle and mob rule- only vote in leaders, don’t have a right over the policies involved- although the meaning of democracy is often contested, it is widely accepted that freedom and equality have a place in democracy. How can this be said with elitists in charge.
Paragraph four:
Benefit themselves- elitists, not actually in it for the interests of the people- isn’t this a fundamental value of democracy?- ‘some see the power and privileges of the ruling class