Larry Diamond: Four Elements of Democracy
1. What are Larry Diamond’s four elements of democracy?
Free and fair elections
Active participation of citizens in politics and civic life
Protection of human rights
Rule of law, where laws apply equally to all citizens
How do elections help hold leaders accountable?
Voters can reward good leaders by re-electing them and punish bad leaders by voting them out.
What does “no one is above the law” mean?
Even presidents and powerful people must follow the law.
What does the cycle of engagement describe?
The relationship between voting, government responsiveness, and how people feel about the government.
What is an ideology?
A set of ideas and beliefs about how society and government should work.
Give one example of “free and fair elections.”
Citizens vote in regular elections, results are accepted, and leaders can be voted out of office.
Why are elections essential to democracy?
They allow citizens to choose leaders and remove them peacefully.
Why are independent courts important in a democracy?
They enforce laws fairly without political pressure.
In the cycle of engagement, how does voting affect politicians’ behavior?
Politicians pay more attention to and work to serve people who vote.
Which ideology emphasizes equality and equity and supports active government involvement?
Liberalism.
Give one example of “active participation.”
Voting, protesting peacefully, organizing, or engaging in civic groups.
What does it mean for an election to be “free and fair”?
Citizens can vote without intimidation and the results are respected.
Which is NOT a basic right in a democracy: protest, religion, culture, or violence?
Violence.
In the cycle of disengagement, how do people feel about the government?
They feel the government does not care about them.
Which ideology emphasizes individual liberty and limited government?
Conservatism.
Give one example of “protection of human rights."
Freedom of speech, religion, protest, or protection of minority rights.
What happens to accountability if elections are not trusted?
Democracy weakens because leaders are no longer held responsible.
Give one example of a limit on individual rights.
Speech that incites violence is not protected.
How does low voter turnout reinforce political disengagement?
Politicians ignore non-voting communities, which makes people feel unheard and less likely to engage.
Give one economic belief associated with liberal ideology OR conservative ideology.
Liberal: tax the rich to fund social programs.
Conservative: lower taxes and fewer regulations.
Give one example of “rule of law.”
(i.e.) A president or wealthy individual being investigated or tried in court like any other citizen.
Why do politicians pay attention to voters more than non-voters?
Voters can remove them from office.
Why must citizens exercise their rights peacefully?
Rights cannot violate the law or harm others.
Explain one way the cycle of disengagement can be weakened or disrupted.
Increased voting, organizing, or civic participation can force political attention.
Give one social belief associated with liberal ideology OR conservative ideology.
Liberal: support for abortion rights or LGBTQ+ protections.
Conservative: opposition to abortion or hard stance on immigration.