PSCI 105 (Spring 2019) Blog Discussion

Blog post due at 11:55pm on February 19 and comment due at 11:55pm on February 22. Democracy and Democratization Discuss evidence for and against the proposition that “democracy promotes peace.” Would you favor national referendums to settle such issues as abortion, gun ownership, tax rates, or other controversies, or should we leave it to our elected representatives and the courts to make authoritative decisions on these issues? Would you define democracy  primarily  in political or economical terms, or both about equally?

Blog post due at 11:55pm on Feb. 12 and comment due at 11:55pm on Feb. 15. Political Parties and Party Systems Is the  United States  dominated by a “power elite”? If so, who constitutes it? If not, are there any groups or individuals who have exceptional influence? Do the masses matter at all? Are perhaps all democracies dominated by some power elite? Are political parties an adequate or inadequate vehicle for channeling political opinions and actions? Is it better to be an independent voter rather than one who identifies with a party? Are political parties important to the functioning of a democracy? Interest Groups Discuss evidence for and against the proposition: “All political conflicts—including ethnic, religions, gender, and generational conflicts—ultimately boil down to class conflicts. Rich people tend to be politically favored and poor people are not, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, or age.” Are interest groups good or bad for politics? Should...

Blog post due at 11:55pm on Feb. 5 and comment due at 11:55pm on Feb. 8. Nondemocratic Rule 1.  What are some of the essential differences between democracies and authoritarian regimes? 2. What are authoritarian leaders mainly concerned in their political rule? Political Culture 3.  Do you agree with Huntington that today’s world is increasingly characterized by a “clash of civilizations”? 4. How does political culture differ from political ideology?