A Democracy Without Federalism Would Be Un-Democratic
- Submitted by: mahonkh
- Views: 1371
- Category: Politics
- Date Submitted: 01/18/2011 06:44 PM
- Pages: 3
- Report this Essay
A Democracy without Federalism would be Undemocratic
A perfect democratic system faces many challenges according to theorist Robert Dahl. As a result, it is integral for some sort of organization of the nation to fit most of the criteria of a perfect democracy. This form of organization is known as federalism. Federalism enhances Robert Dahl’s ideal democracy due to the opportunities of participation it grants to the people, the greater chance for people’s inclusion, and because it can allow for citizens to control the political agenda.
One of Dahl’s conditions for a perfect democracy calls for effective participation from the people. The people cannot participate if they do not, “…have adequate and equal opportunities to express their preferences…” (Edwards III, 16). Federalism helps bring forth participation by creating multiple levels of government. This, in turn, helps provide numerous elected offices for which citizens can either vote or try to take part in. An example of this system can be seen by positions such as the mayor of a city, seats on the town council, and district courts. Also, there exist many issues to vote on throughout the cities and states. These issues are usually called measures that can significantly change a state’s law. Therefore, the opportunity exists for participation. It is the decision of the people on whether or not they wish to partake in the democratic process. From voting to governmental positions, people have access to participation in the American governmental system, thus showing one way in which federalism goes towards an ideal democracy.
Another condition that Dahl states for an ideal democracy says that all people must have the capability to be included. As a result, the government has the obligation to, “…include, and extend rights to, all those subject to its laws…” (Edwards III, 17). As a result, the same rights need to be guaranteed to different people despite race, sex, religion, or economic status. Race and...
A perfect democratic system faces many challenges according to theorist Robert Dahl. As a result, it is integral for some sort of organization of the nation to fit most of the criteria of a perfect democracy. This form of organization is known as federalism. Federalism enhances Robert Dahl’s ideal democracy due to the opportunities of participation it grants to the people, the greater chance for people’s inclusion, and because it can allow for citizens to control the political agenda.
One of Dahl’s conditions for a perfect democracy calls for effective participation from the people. The people cannot participate if they do not, “…have adequate and equal opportunities to express their preferences…” (Edwards III, 16). Federalism helps bring forth participation by creating multiple levels of government. This, in turn, helps provide numerous elected offices for which citizens can either vote or try to take part in. An example of this system can be seen by positions such as the mayor of a city, seats on the town council, and district courts. Also, there exist many issues to vote on throughout the cities and states. These issues are usually called measures that can significantly change a state’s law. Therefore, the opportunity exists for participation. It is the decision of the people on whether or not they wish to partake in the democratic process. From voting to governmental positions, people have access to participation in the American governmental system, thus showing one way in which federalism goes towards an ideal democracy.
Another condition that Dahl states for an ideal democracy says that all people must have the capability to be included. As a result, the government has the obligation to, “…include, and extend rights to, all those subject to its laws…” (Edwards III, 17). As a result, the same rights need to be guaranteed to different people despite race, sex, religion, or economic status. Race and...