Comparative Politics

Different democracies

Monarchy

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Republic

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Unitary state

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Federal state

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Parliamentary system

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Presidential system

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Political Party

Parties Party system

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Electoral system(voting system)

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Measuring democracy?

Dichotomous concept Continuous concept

Difference in measures

Thin• Freedom House:

– Electoral democracy:• Competitive, multiparty political system• Universal adult suffrage• Regularly contested elections conducted on the

basis of secret ballots, reasonable security and the absence of massive voter fraud

• Significant public access of major political parties to the electorate through the media and through generally open political campaigning

– Political freedom:• Somewhat more demanding criteria• Covers electoral process, political process,

functioning of government, a few aspects of participation

• “Thin” is based on and academic definition of democracy:– Dahl’s concept of polyarchy– 8 components

T h i c k

Source: Economist Intelligence Unit, Democracy Index 2010

Dahl’s concept of polyarchy1. Almost all adult citizens have the right to vote2. Almost all adult citizens are eligible for public office3. Political leaders have the right to compete for votes4. Elections are free and fair5. All citizens are free to form and join political parties and other

organisations6. All citizens are free to express themselves on all political issues7. Diverse sources of information about politics exist and are

protected by law8. Government policies depend on votes and other expressions

of preference

Source: Economist Intelligence Unit, Democracy Index 2010

Difference in measures

Thin• Freedom House:

– Electoral democracy:• Competitive, multiparty political system• Universal adult suffrage• Regularly contested elections conducted on the basis

of secret ballots, reasonable security and the absence of massive voter fraud

• Significant public access of major political parties to the electorate through the media and through generally open political campaigning

– Political freedom:• Somewhat more demanding criteria• Covers electoral process, political process,

functioning of government, a few aspects of participation

• “Thin” is based on and academic definition of democracy:– Dahl’s concept of polyarchy– 8 components

• Electoral democracy

T h i c k• Economist Intelligence Unit

1. electoral process and pluralism2. civil liberties

• Basic human rights: speech, expression, press, religion, assembly, association…

3. the functioning of government4. political participation5. political culture

• Liberal democracy• Does not include:

– Economic and social well being, which many argue are crucial components of democracy

Source: Economist Intelligence Unit, Democracy Index 2010