The early weeks of this course emphasized the integral role that processes play in democratic governance. While democratic processes are important to democratic governance, they are sometimes slow and messy and may seem to be an impediment more than a means for resolving society’s problems. In addition, the daily operations of the democratic system create challenges to its very existence. Particular issues and challenges also may place a strain on democracy. One example is the tension between liberty and safety related to individual rights and personal security. Both issues highlight elements of founding democratic principles, yet they conflict and demonstrate discord within the microcosm of democracy. As a student of governance and public policy, it is important that you are aware of how challenges within democracy might impact day-to-day governance and policy making. Understanding these challenges may be helpful as you develop strategies to surmount them as they arise.
To prepare for this Discussion:
With these thoughts in mind:
This is the question
Post a brief description of the policy issue you selected. Explain how democracy poses a challenge to the resolution of the issue by means of governance and/or public policy. Be specific and provide examples to illustrate your explanation. Explain how the democratic challenges to the resolution of that issue might be overcome.
Resources
Gilley, B. (2009). Is democracy possible?
Journal of Democracy,
20(1), 113–127.
Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.
Santas, G. (2007). Plato’s criticisms of democracy in the
Republic.
Social Philosophy and Policy,
24(2), 70–89.
Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.
Conversi, D. (2007). Democracy, nationalism and culture: A social critique of liberal monoculturalism. Social Compass, 2(1), 156–182. Retrieved from
http://www.researchgate.net/publication/227683178_…
Laureate Education (Producer). (2014a). Critiques of and challenges to democracy [Audio file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
In this media piece, a subject-matter expert discusses how democracy poses a challenge to the resolution of a public policy issue by means of governance and/or public policy.
Laureate Education (Producer). (2009b). Perspectives on the world
Jenco, L. (2003). Thoreau’s critique of democracy. Review of Politics, 65(3), 355–381.
Miller, J. (2002, Aug. 28–Sept. 1). Democratic rhetoric and democratic audiences. Paper presented at the American Political Science Association 2002 Annual Meeting, Boston, MA.