What Makes Democracy Succeed or Fail

Table of Contents Introduction Public sphere Civil society State Causal relationships and social mechanisms Conclusion References Introduction The word democracy is famous in the world today. It is used to describe a form of government that allows equal opportunities to all its citizens. Also, it is used to influence the policies and laws of a nation. In such administrations, people who meet certain standards are free to convey their views.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on What Makes Democracy Succeed or Fail? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As Abraham Lincoln once said, â€Å"democracy is a government of the public, this government works for the citizens and it is administrated by citizens†. In America, democracy is demonstrated in the exercise of democratic procedures such as voting for the president or members of congress. Before any democratic government comes into power, people have to be enlighte ned. In other words, enlightenment precedes democracy. Immanuel Kant claims that â€Å"enlightenment is man’s liberation from his self-incurred immaturity† (Kant, 1784). Immaturity in this text is the inadequacy of a man to make his own decisions without the input of other people (Kant, 1784). It is said to be self-imposed when people choose to lie not because they lack understanding but because they do not have the will and courage to make a personal decision (Kant, 1784). For this reason, it is necessary for the public sphere, civil society and state to be enlightened to strengthen democracy. Enlightenment will help them to reason publicly and express their opinion while keeping the state in check. The success or failure of democracy is determined by the state, civil society and the public sphere. When these institutions are functioning properly democracy succeeds. This paper examines how these three institutions influence the democratic process. Public sphere The pu blic sphere is a key component of democracy because it represents the opinions of the people. It determines whether democracy succeeds or fails. Jurgen Habermas (1996) in his article â€Å"Civil society and the Political Public Sphere† claims that the public sphere is a social experience. It is similar to a collectivity but different from an organization. It does not embrace the principles or frameworks of an institution. It has no membership or leaders. The public sphere is a system that represents the opinions or views of different people. The opinions of people in different social spaces vary. All these views are synthesized and combined to form one common opinion (Habermas, 1996). These opinions are reproduced in the course of communication. There are different forms of the public sphere: political, religious, scientific, and art among others. Democracy requires freedom of speech and this freedom can be found in the public sphere. Influence is a vital element of the publi c sphere that affects democracy. It is based on a mutual understanding of individuals in a social space (Habermas, 1996). Consequently, public views can be used to influence the voting behavior of the jury, government organizations or citizens.Advertising Looking for essay on political sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The influence of the public sphere in a political realm can be used as political power when it follows institutionalized processes (Habermas, 1996). This power can be controlled by political leaders or other parties. On the other hand, this influence usually attracts a power struggle. Some leaders or organizations that have the influence of the public sphere can capitalize on their power for their own selfish gain (Habermas, 1996). Such actions destroy democracy because power is transferred to a minority instead of the public. According to Habermas, the public sphere should recognize problems, categorize them and find a feasible solution (Habermas, 1996). If the communal opinion is manipulated, then it means that the solutions will meet the needs the few people in power. Therefore, democracy thrives where the public domain is free from manipulation or blackmail. In addition, the system of communication must capture the views of the citizens without biases. The public sphere enlightens the citizens. It provides an avenue where people think for themselves without considering the views of others. Civil society Civil society has a decisive role in preserving democracy. In the past, civil society was defined in terms of the Marxian theory. It represented the Bourgeoisie class. However, civil society has undergone a revolution. Habermas describes the civil society as organizations that are distinct of the government or any economic affiliations (Habermas, 1996). They include institutions of learning, religious groups, and mass media. They are voluntary groups that secure the systems of c ommunication that make up the public sphere. Religious groups typically provide moral boundaries as opposed to political. According to Tocqueville, associations help to fight individualism and promote freedom in politics (Habermas, 1996). Civil society exists only in civilized communities that allow liberation and freedom. Otherwise, different organizations can arise without a cause. Unlike public spheres, civil societies can only find influence and not political control. This is because civil groups seek power for the people and not themselves. Additionally, these organizations must meet certain requirements. They have to respect the rights of people and the rule of law. The function of the civil society is to represent the people and regulate the authority of the state (Habermas, 1996). The can do this by ensuring that the state uses its power efficiently. One of the vices that lead to the failure of democracy is corruption.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on W hat Makes Democracy Succeed or Fail? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Once the state is corrupt, people will be denied the opportunity to express their opinion and build the nation. Corrupt officials control public issues in order to benefit. For that reason, the civil society holds the key to democracy. They have the ability and power to educate the public on issues concerning their rights and duties as egalitarian citizens. In this process, civil society provides enlightenment. Moreover, civil society can help citizens, and the government to develop critical values such as respect for divergent views, concession, acceptance, and control. Civil society brings people from different social and symbolic spaces together based on their common interests. By encouraging people to come together, civil society curbs individualism. Civil society is a key partner of a democratic state. State Although a democratic government refers to a governme nt managed by the people, the state is equally significant. A successful democracy requires a dependable state. Such a state must promote equality and not dictatorship. It also requires the support and reverence of its people. Tocqueville in his book Democracy in America compares democracy in two states, France and America (Tocqueville, 1835). He claims that one of the dangers facing democracy is extreme devotion to equality. According to Tocqueville (1835), if everyone is equal then no individual has the right to regulate the affairs of another. The only opinion would be majority rule, but this will lead to authoritarianism. If multitudes control power they will acquire despotic tendencies and the minority will suffer. The role of the state in democracy is to ensure that citizens are not trapped in individualism and materialism. Hence, to minimize or avoid these tendencies, the state can endorse institutions such as the Supreme Court and the jury (Habermas, 1996). These institution s may be flawed, but they provide balance. Such systems allow individuals to respect other people and use their freedom wisely. Additionally, the state can support other non-institutional organization like the media and religious group. Causal relationships and social mechanisms Democracy demands equality. However, equality has two consequences. First, individuals are enlightened and allowed to express their opinions. Individualism and oppressive characteristics can emerge. Secondly, equality can prevent an individual from thinking and instead depend on the decisions of others. Kant describes this as immaturity. Such people allow others to think for them. Fascism and Nazism developed because people allowed other people to make decisions. The state, civil society and the public sphere offer a balance for equality and promote democracy.Advertising Looking for essay on political sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Conclusion The views of Kant, Habermas and Tocqueville are relevant and credible in strengthening democracy. Tocqueville in his book recommended the democratic system in America because it embraces the elements of the public sphere, civil societies and the state. All these institutions and prodigy have to function well for democracy to flourish. The public sphere communicates the opinion of the people. The civil society anchors the public domain by supporting them. It also checks on the state. Similarly, the state provides a framework for the civil society and the public sphere to succeed. These associations combat despotic and individualism tendencies. The question as to â€Å"what makes democracy succeed (or fail)?† is determined by the achievements of the public sphere, the civil society and the state. If these key institutions prosper then democracy will succeed. References Habermas, J. (1996). Civil Society and the Political Public Sphere. In J.C. Calhoun J. Gerteis (Ed s.), Contemporary Sociological Theory (pp. 388-405). New Jersey: Blackwell Publishers. Kant, I. (1784). What is Enlightenment? In J.C. Calhoun, J.Gerteis J. Moody (Eds.), Classical Sociological Theory (pp. 39-43). New Jersey: Blackwell Publishers. Tocqueville, A. (1835). Democracy in America. In J.C. Calhoun, J.Gerteis J. Moody (Eds.), Classical Sociological Theory (pp. 55-71). New Jersey: Blackwell Publishers. This essay on What Makes Democracy Succeed or Fail? was written and submitted by user Tanner Mitchell to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Brief history of film essays

Brief history of film essays The great movie event of 1972 was The Godfather, the top-grossing film of the year and possibly of all time. In a nation apparently worried about violence in motion pictures, on television, and in its streets, the popularity of The Godfather made ironic commentary on American attitudes and values. The year began with angry outcries against the blood and gore of A Clockwork Orange and Straw Dogs, released in December, 1971; and the publication in March of the Surgeon-General's Report on Televised Violence further upset the public. Nevertheless, Americans paid well over $125 million to witness a three-hour testimony to the glories of gangsterdom. Concerned chiefly with power struggles among rival gangland "families," which are, implicitly, units of the "Mafia" or "Cosa Nostra," The Godfather has two central themes: first, in the words of Balzac, that "Behind every great fortune there is a crime," and second, that beneath the bravado and butchery, gangsters are warm and loving human beings, good friends, good husbands, good fathers, and good sons. The public did not complain about the brutality of the film; significantly, the cruelty is not sex-linked as in Clockwork Orange and Straw Dogs. Nor did the community of critics, who are often hostile to big, expensive movies ( The Godfather cost $6 million to produce). They praised the film highly, and gave kudos to all concerned director Francis Ford Coppola; scenarists Coppola and Mario Puzo, who wrote the best-selling novel on which the film is based; and stars Marlon Brando and Al Pacino. New Direction in Film Musicals. The Godfather was not 1972's only blockbuster. Cabaret, an adaptation of the acclaimed Broadway musical of 1971, showed a domestic gross of more than $20 million. Liza Minnelli, daughter of film director Vincente Minnelli and the late Judy Garland, and evidently heir to her mother's charismatic gifts as a performer, stars in the film. The film was based on Christo...

Historical Memory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

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HRM and absence Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

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Biblical Authority Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Biblical Authority - Article Example From this paper it is clear that Wright N.T delivering the lecture at The Laing Lecture 1989, and the Griffith Thomas Lecture 1989, had a goal of justifying that the bible is worth being authoritative and is indeed authoritative because the words of the bible are the words of God and God Himself and that God is perfect and all-knowing enough to give out instructions that would last and be valid till the end of days. Having explained all terminologies involved and visited views of opposing schools of thought, it is in place to say that the author developed his thesis logically. Indeed, the author’s major strength was for him to have attributed all his arguments to biblical relations and paying homage to other people on the other side of his position.This study highlights that the author really composed his thoughts and arguments well. For him to describe God as omniscient, knowing what is good for all humankind in years to come even before the actual time comes would really lea ve very little room for opposing critics. There however remain unanswered questions to me on how the writer justified most schools of thought. This leaves room for so much doubt if the author’s own stand was authoritative enough.  The writer writes a rather accommodating remark on the school of thought that the scripture was made for to address issues of specific times of the world’s existence and so may be justified not to be thought as an authoritative material for our day.

Zelda Fitzgerald Essay -- Biographies Biography Writers Essays

Zelda Fitzgerald Zelda Fitzgerald began life looking forward to what it could offer her. A popular debutante and success at everything she had yet to try enticed her to believe that she was infallible. It was only during her later life that she realized that life, both physically and mentally, had its breaking point. Though many things have been blamed as the cause of her mental breakdown, there is no specific root to her problem. Diagnosed as schizophrenic in 1930, Zelda would be condemned to spending the rest of her life in and out of mental health facilities, the place where she would take her final breath, killed by a fire in 1948. Zelda Fitzgerald’s first breakdown occurred while living abroad in 1929. Insistent on becoming a world-class ballerina Zelda threw her heart and soul into her dancing. Later in life Zelda would admit that she needed dancing, she wanted, â€Å"dancing to be her exclusive possession† (Milford, 152)[1]. After having a life in which she was constantly referred to as F. Scott Fitzgerald’s wife, Zelda imagined dancing to be her own passion, one which could give her a personality separate from simply being a wife. The pinnacle of her first breakdown occurred in April of 1930. Increasingly Zelda’s behavior had been becoming so strange that Scott finally took her too a hospital. Against her doctor’s wishes she soon left and returned to her apartment where she became increasingly more disoriented, complaining of hearing voices and seeing phantoms. Finally, against her wishes Scott instituted her at Les Rives de Pragins. The one thing Zelda missed was her ballet, of it she wrote, â€Å"It was all I had in the world at the time† (Milford, 160). During her first instance of being institut... ... 4)[3] to a sad lonely existence. Whether it was genetics or Scott Fitzgerald to blame for this transformation can never be decided. What Zelda’s illness took away from her and from society was the creative thinker that could never fully be unlocked. Zelda left behind a treasure of short stories, plays, and paintings. Perhaps without her debilitating schizophrenia Zelda Fitzgerald would have been able to create the independent identity for which she so craved. [1] Milford, Nancy. Zelda, Harper Collins, New York, New York, 1970. All further references refer to this edition. [2] Bryer, Jackson. Dear Scott, Dear Zelda, St. Martin’s Press, New York, New York, 2002. All further references refer to this edition. [3] Willett, Erika â€Å"Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald: Artist, Writer, Dancer and Wife†. PBS Biographies. www.pbs.org/kteh/amstorytellers/bios.html

The Problem of Thor Bridge

Other conventions are used in the text yet the previously sites will be discussed in this essay. All of these conventions are evident through Dole's literary features. These crime writing features ensure the text directly conforms to the great detective style of the genre. The text begins with, Watson the central character, detective Sherlock Holmes loyal assistant narrating the previous case they had tackled. This convention of Watson narration is demonstrated in the first line â€Å"there is a travel-worn and battered tin dispatch-box with my name, John H.Watson, M. D†. He then goes on to tell of the achieving of a letter from a clearly distressed male asking for help to protect his girlfriend, reflecting on the convention of a man in distress begging for help with a case. â€Å"l can't explain things-I can't even try to explain them, but I know beyond all doubt that Miss Dunbar is innocent. † The literary technique, first person perspective is used throughout the let ter to describe the situation so that it becomes apparent to the reader that a real man is pleading for help from the talented detective.The story continues as Holmes begins to use his incredible skills of observation to covers clues, when he notices a mark on Thro Bridge, this alone demonstrates the distinctive characteristics of the great detective. The description in the quote â€Å"The stonework was grey, but at this one point It showed white for a space not larger than a sixpence,† it draws attention to his superior surveillance talent. Nearing the conclusion of the story Holmes communicates his discoveries to those partaking In the Incident.This convention Is demonstrated In the final paragraph of the short story â€Å"Then she took one of her husband's revolvers-there was, as you saw, n arsenal In the house-and kept It for her own use. A similar one she concealed that morning In Miss Dunbar wardrobe after discharging one barrel, which she could easily do In the woods without attracting attention. She then went down to the bridge where she had contrived this exceedingly Ingenious method for getting rid of her weapon. When Miss Dunbar appeared she used her last breath In pouring out her hatred, and then, when she was out of hearing, carried out her terrible purpose.Every link Is now In Its place and the chain Is complete† Each convention used and discussed In this essay, demonstrate the style of crime writing written at the time. Closer analysis of salary texts from different periods also begin to show the evolution of the genre over time. The Problem of Thro Bridge By catty case. â€Å"l can't explain things-I can't even try to explain them, but I know beyond all stonework was grey, but at this one point it showed white for a space not larger than partaking in the incident. This convention is demonstrated in the final paragraph of an arsenal in the house-and kept it for her own use.A similar one she concealed that morning in Miss Dunbar wa rdrobe after discharging one barrel, which she could easily do in the woods without attracting attention. She then went down to the bridge where she had contrived this exceedingly ingenious method for getting rid of her weapon. When Miss Dunbar appeared she used her last breath in pouring out her Every link is now in its place and the chain is complete† Each convention used and discussed in this essay, demonstrate the style of crime writing written at the time. Closer analysis of similar texts from different periods also