Direct Democracy — Glossary

A political theory that emphasizes the positive role of ongoing conflict and disagreement in democratic societies to foster vibrant political engagement.

Voters can select as many candidates as they approve of, and the candidate with the most approvals wins.

The gradual erosion of democratic institutions and norms, leading to increased autocratic control without an outright coup. It often involves weakening checks and balances and restricting civil liberties.

A form of nationalism based on shared citizenship, values, and political rights rather than ethnicity or culture.

A series of non-violent protests and movements in the early 21st century in post-Soviet states promoting democratic reforms and political change.

A system where citizens are legally required to vote in elections or face penalties.

A democratic system designed to maximize agreement through power-sharing and broad coalition governments, often including proportional representation.

A democratic model emphasizing informed discussion and reasoning among citizens before making collective decisions.

A method combining public opinion polling with informed discussion among a representative sample to gauge considered public preferences. It aims to improve democratic decision-making.

The process through which a new democracy matures, becoming stable and unlikely to revert to authoritarianism.

A situation where international organizations or institutions lack sufficient democratic legitimacy or accountability to the populations they affect.

A foreign policy goal promoting the expansion of democratic governance worldwide through support for elections, institutions, and reforms. It links democracy promotion with international stability.

The theory that democracies are less likely to engage in armed conflict with one another.

The hypothesis that democracies are less likely to engage in armed conflict with one another due to shared norms and institutional constraints.

The idea that elected officials should physically resemble the demographic characteristics of their constituents.

The transfer of political power from a central government to regional or local governments within a state.

A theory by Jürgen Habermas emphasizing the role of rational dialogue and consensus in establishing moral norms and legitimacy in democratic societies.

Monitoring elections to ensure they are free, fair, and transparent.

An independent body responsible for overseeing the conduct, fairness, and logistics of elections to ensure integrity and public trust.

Deliberate design or reform of electoral systems to influence political outcomes or party systems.

Illegal interference with the election process to alter results.

The adherence to democratic principles and fairness in the conduct of elections, including transparency, accuracy, and freedom from fraud or coercion.

Illegal or unethical actions that compromise the fairness or integrity of an election.

Fukuyama's argument that liberal democracy may represent the final form of human government after ideological evolution.

A constitutional provision that protects certain laws or principles from being easily amended or repealed.

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s articulation of fundamental freedoms—speech, worship, want, and fear—as goals for global security and democracy.

A parliamentary procedure where a minority delays or blocks legislation by extending debate, often used in legislatures with strong minority rights. It can affect democratic decision-making.

When individuals benefit from resources, goods, or services without paying for them or contributing to their provision, common in collective action problems.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau's idea of the collective interest of the people as the basis of legitimate political authority.

Jürgen Habermas argued that rational communication and dialogue are foundational for democratic legitimacy and social coordination.

A system where citizens elect representatives to make policy decisions on their behalf rather than voting on laws directly.

The power of courts to assess the constitutionality of laws and government actions, including election laws. It acts as a check on democratic processes.

Ernesto Laclau and Chantal Mouffe advanced radical democracy emphasizing agonistic pluralism and contestation within democratic politics.

A situation where political parties or branches of government cannot agree, preventing lawmaking or policy implementation.

Levitsky and Ziblatt identified regimes combining authoritarian practices with nominal democratic institutions, undermining genuine competition.

Walter Lippmann argued that public opinion is shaped by media and elite narratives, limiting true democratic participation.

Majoritarian democracy prioritizes the will of the majority in decision-making, often at the expense of minority protections.

An election system where the candidate or party with the majority of votes wins, often leading to single-party governments. It contrasts with proportional systems.

A voting method where voters publicly declare their choice instead of voting secretly.

The stability and strength of political parties and their relationships within a political system over time. High institutionalization promotes predictable politics.

The distribution of resources or favors by politicians to supporters in exchange for political support. It can undermine democratic fairness and accountability.

A political ideology that pits 'the people' against elites and emphasizes direct popular control.

Habermas's concept of a space where citizens engage in rational-critical debate to influence political action.

The collective will of the citizens aimed at the common good, which legitimizes political authority when it reflects the general will.

The agreement among individuals to form a collective sovereign that represents the general will and ensures freedom through law.

A political ideology advocating for interventions to promote social justice within a capitalist economy, combining democratic governance with welfare policies.

The difference in voter turnout rates between demographic groups, such as age, race, or socioeconomic status.

The ability of citizens and civil society to hold government officials accountable through elections and public participation.

The illegal practice of offering money or goods to voters in exchange for their votes. It undermines free and fair elections.

Regulations requiring voters to present specific identification to cast a ballot. Supporters say they prevent fraud; critics argue they can suppress turnout.

Actions or policies that prevent or discourage certain groups from voting.

Methods used to discourage or prevent specific groups from voting, such as strict ID laws or limited polling places.

The percentage of eligible voters who participate in an election by casting a ballot.