Democratic Principles

When asked to think about democracy, you might begin by considering what you already know about the topic. Is there a concrete definition of democracy that is familiar to you? Would you know democracy if you were to see it in action? To be sure, there are principles that make a government democratic, and it is important to note those that are integral parts of democratic governance. In addition to democratic principles, public agenda issues also are important to understand. As you move further into the study of governance and public policy, you may find that public agenda issues touch the very core of democratic governance. This week, you are introduced to several basic principles of democratic governance and consider their lasting impact on contemporary debates in the public agenda.Assignment: Application: Essential Principles of Democracy

Assignment: Application: Essential Principles of Democracy

Not all democratic governments look alike; however, they all share certain fundamental principles. Majority rule, liberty, equality, and rule of law are a few of the universal principles generally shared across democracies. Some principles form the foundation of democracy and are absolutely essential to sustaining democratic governance. Still others are worthwhile but not essential to democracy. Contemplate how democratic principles relate to democratic governance and contribute to a democratic society. As you think about democratic principles for this Assignment, weigh those that are most important to democracy as you understand it. Perhaps your evaluation might help you answer the following question: Exactly which democratic concepts and principles make a government democratic?

To prepare for this Assignment:

• Review the article “Democracy and Equality” in this week’s Learning Resources. Consider whether you think equality is a fundamental democratic principal.
• Review the article “Mill’s Moral and Political Philosophy” in this week’s Learning Resources.
• Consider the democratic principle of liberty as it relates to democratic governance.
• Think about the tenets of John Stuart Mill’s conception of democracy and whether you agree or disagree with the ideas he proposed.
• Select at least two democratic principles that you consider fundamental and essential to democracy.
• Select at least two democratic principles that you consider related and desirable but not essential to democracy.
• Think about what conclusions might be drawn about democratic principles as they relate to democratic governance.

The Assignment (1–3 pages):

• Briefly explain the four democratic principles you selected.
• Explain which principles you think are fundamental and essential to democracy and explain why.
• Explain which principles you think are related and desirable but not essential to democracy and explain why.
• Based on your evaluation, draw at least one conclusion about democratic principles as they relate to democratic governance.

Support your Assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are asked to provide a reference list only for those resources not included in the Learning Resources for this course.

Resources to use

Post, R. (2006). Democracy and equality.
The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science,
603(1), 24–36.

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Brink, D. (2007). Mill’s moral and political philosophy. In E. N. Zalta (Ed.),
The Stanford encyclopedia of philosophy (Fall 2008 ed.). Retrieved from
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/mill-moral-polit…

Machan, T. (2005). The right to private property. In
Internet encyclopedia of philosophy. Retrieved from
http://www.iep.utm.edu/property/

The United Nations. (1948).
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Retrieved from
http://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-r…

Waldron, J. (2004). Property and ownership. In E. N. Zalta (Ed.),
The Stanford encyclopedia of philosophy (Spring 2012 ed.). Retrieved from
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/property/

Required Media

Laureate Education (Producer). (2014d).
Democratic principles [Audio file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.In this media piece, subject-matter experts offer contrasting perspectives on a contentious public agenda issue and examine how various concepts or principles of democracy impact that public agenda item.

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