Swift's Model Of Democracy

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Democracy is robust, widely accepted and highly anticipated around the world. It is the triumphant form of government; dominantly used in Europe, North and South and America and becoming reformed and taking new roots in Africa and Asia. Although the term democracy is based on its Greek origin, demos kratos, meaning people rule, the term cannot be simply understood as such. Due to vast coverage, the adaptation of democracy has varied greatly, whether regionally, nationally, by state or through different branches of government. Perhaps this can be advantageous when the different categorizations listed above can use democracy to rule and suit themselves best, but other factors, such as globalization and neoliberalism, has caused the need for …show more content…

Swift 's model of strong and weak democracy is necessary when studying modern day democracy. His suggestions for democratizing democracy and democratizing the economy have their flaws but are efficient in pointing out where democracy is failing. Additionally, they are suggestions of innovation, imagination and design that truly does allow one to question politicians and the political ideas these politicians are enforcing through democracy. Like Swift says, dissolving power would change the shape of political life; more thoughtful decisions will be made, better policy decisions geared towards collective interest of the public. 'Direct democracy can also be a useful counterbalance to the egoism and self-enrichment of political leaders. ' He continues by showing how more control from below will definitely fix the dissatisfaction that people have with democracy. This also relates to each society finding its strengths in its own traditions to shape a sense of representation based on its own needs rather than simply importing the Western model of a weak democracy. (Swift 115) Likewise, a rich variety of representation in our housing co-ops, workplaces, neighborhoods, schools and universities, regional planning boards or environmental advisory committees will allow democracy to no longer feel like something remote and monopolized by a few representatives, but part of everyday life. Swift 's argument is very compelling, and his model of strong and weak democracy is accurate. Like Swift says, a perfect democracy is impossible but his suggestions can be key in striving to reach the 'constant horizon ' that democracy should

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