Political Thinking

Tinder 14

Who should rule?

Aristotle’s Classification of Government

Public Interest Selfish Interest

The One Monarchy Tyranny

The Few Aristocracy Oligarchy

The ManyConstitutional

DemocracyDemocracy

Tinder 15

If the people should rule, should should

they do so themselves or

through representatives?

Direct Democracy•All citizens share in government--no

rulers and ruled

•Active citizenship promoted

•People develop a sense of community (small communities)

•People direct their own lives

•People develop moral and intellectual capabilities

Representative Democracy

•Representative democracy or republic

•1. Best people selected to govern

•2. Representatives devote full time to governing

•3. Reasoned, unemotional debate

•4. Works in large and small polities

Debate•Of the two, what is the best form of

government: a direct or participatory democracy or a republican form of government?

•Should Newberry College be reorganized and governed as a direct democracy?

•Should all students, faculty, coaches, maintenance and housekeeping staff, and administrators meet to debate and decide on:

•Tuition, Hiring and Firing Teachers, Core Curriculum Requirements, Facilities, Computers, and Dining Hall Facilities

The End