Pluralist Democracy: Minimum Conditions (Essay Sample)

Pluralist Democracy: Minimum Conditions Name Institutional affiliation Pluralist Democracy: Minimum Conditions Introduction In Pluralist Democracy, the reader will seek in vain the criticism leveled in politics, economics and social welfare and in a preface. This affirms that the constitutional limitation of the sovereignty of the majority goes much too far and gives an advantage to all kinds of underhanded minority interests. Therefore, it is important to note that democracies become pluralists when "on one of the hand, they view the sociological variety of the political world as a natural-and basically desirable-and, on the other, they regard the independence of the people being a perfect respectable value." Considerably, pluralism is both social and spiritual. The sociological variety and respect for the independency to each person can only be fulfilled if freedom of opinion communication is accounted in the constitution. Therefore, Pluralist Democracy takes into consideration the following aspects; freedom to form and join organizations, freedom of expression, and right to vote (Dahl, 9167, Pg. 57). In addition, eligibility of public office, right of political creams to compete for sustenance and voters, alternative sources of information, free and fair elections, and government policies from votes and other preferences of expression (Stephen, 2009, Pg. 76). Discussion Freedom to form and join organizations The crucial area in Pluralist Democracy is to ensure general agreement between the assistance providers of the aspect of democracy. Administration has content to define democracy as a multiparty elections, it is vital to note that Dahl`s model of democracy provides the most relevant definition. He explains that, "This model has eight defining characteristics that tend to be recognized by the American democracy promoters in general. Democratic institutions should guarantee freedom to form and join organizations. For instance, an individual has the right to move from one organization to another that he or she perceives productive and satisfying. Consequently, joining an organization entails the party or individual following to the point the rules and agreements within the new organization (Rosas & Goodman, 1992, Pg. 132). Pluralist Democracy emphasizes on the people`s right or freedom to form new organizations without limitations. For instance, an individual may decide to resign from the government job and form his or her own organization. The individual has the freedom to form that organization and enact it into full functionality. Pluralism is both social and cultural. Therefore, the social aspect of the society should be respected by administration or the government. Dahl observes through his model of democracy the, the issue of multiparty and polyarchal institutions should be taken into account, while denoting Pluralist Democracy. Freedom of expression Pluralist Democracy is the minimum conditions that are responsible for societal peace and development. Americans tend to think of free expressions and democratic social order as mutually reinforcing. However, we have freedom of expression due to the social order within the society. The free speech guarantee has been considered to reject a heckler`s veto of unpopular speech. In addition, speakers overcome hecklers because freedom of speech has been regarded to require publicly financed police protection, especially for unpopular speakers when giving their ideas that may stir listeners to anger and unrest. In the United States, armed guards have enabled parading in the streets mainly for marchers from civil rights demonstrators to express their written, spoken, or figurative messages eliciting local hostility. Indeed, in the current United States, mainly take for granted that such police protection for marchers will be regarded even if their views are unpopular (Rosenfeld, 2011, Pg. 181). The assumption of providing a stable police protection permits freer rein. Considerably, hateful views gain airing since in turn we are confidence of the government to prevent physical violence against the hate targeted. In short, freedom of speeches is based on material preconditions, and first among the preconditions is the presence of strong police protection. Considerably, if unpopular speakers are protected by a strong police force, then the aspect of freedom of speech is likely to be acquired in the US. Constitutional protection for the aspect of freedom of speech is usually accompanied by statements concerned with other fundamental rights of freedoms. In 1948, there was great drift in democracy and Alexander Meiklejohn wrote: "The principle of the freedom of speech emerges from the necessities of the plan of self-government." It is a deduction from the basic American agreement expressing those public issues should be decided in a universal suffrage. Considerably, free expression is a precondition for democracy. Therefore, for democracy to exist, people must be able to express and argue their political views without fear of punishment by the government (Sniderman 1996, Pg. 86). Right to vote The Bill of Rights guarantees America citizens many liberties, like the right to vote. The right to vote has been denoted in the constitution as a basic activity for each American. This is with consideration that when you chose someone to vote for, you are choosing someone who will represent you in the government. That means that a voter must choose someone whose views and beliefs about certain aspects and ideas couple with yours. The power of a citizen lies in his hands. This is purposely to elect a president who would ensure justice and create job opportunities through his government. Moreover, the government represents citizens or you as an individual and that power is rooted from an individual`s ability to vote (Isler, 2001, Pg. 96). Gender issues in the voting process were experienced in the 19century America; however, due to Pluralist Democracy in the rising governments like the Obama government, issue of discrimination is controlled. Women were greatly abused in terms of voting and discouraged against political affairs. Voting entails requirements like being 18 years and above, being an American citizen, showing proof of where you live, and one must be a registered voter. The constitutional right to vote should be exercised without reference to color or race. Amendment xv of the constitution clearly states "The right of citizens of United States to vote shall not be deprived of or completed by the United States or by any Nation on reasons of race, color, or preceding condition of serfdom." Americans seem to enjoy an administration of the public, by the public, and for the public. These words seem to mean that everyone has the right to vote, and many people assume that this right is guaranteed in the constitution. Free and fair elections The value of an election is strong-minded by the degree to which it has been free and fair. A considerable body of jurisprudence has developed in democratic countries about the meaning of the two concepts ‘free' and ‘fair'. The rules of the elections have incorporated many principles of free and fair elections. This has changed the circumstances and a new electorate improving the electoral processes in the United States. Considerably, free and fair elections denote the kind of elections in which all laid rules and procedures are followed by the electoral management body and its stakeholders. This must with reference to the rules and standards of international law and state practice. Pluralist Democracy in the US has ensured that the significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Covenant on the Civil and Political Rights. These establish that the authority shall be based on the will of the people as denoted in periodic and genuine elections (Gill, 1994, Pg. 178). In addition, acknowledging and implementing the basic principles associated with periodic free and fair elections that are recognized by States in universal and regional human rights instruments, including the right for each citizen to vote in any general election of the US. Pluralist Democracy has ensured the recognition of the establishment and strengthening of democratic processes and institutions in a similar responsibility of the United States government. The electorate and planned political forces the periodic and genuine elections are important and dispensable elem...