Democratic Mechanisms Research Articles

Trust the People? Populism, Trust, and Support for Direct Democracy

Populism is commonly understood as a response to frustrations with the functioning of modern democracy, while the use of direct democratic mechanisms has been hailed as a remedy for the ailing of representative democracies. Indeed, populism’s emphasis on direct citizen participation in decision-making is tightly linked to its distrust of representative institutions and the political elite as the cornerstone of mediated representation. Trust, however, matters for any functioning democratic institutional arrangement, and we contend that its role warrants more attention when considering the viability of alternative modes of decision-making such as referendums, particularly in the nexus of populism–democracy. Using original public opinion surveys implemented in Argentina, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Spain, we distinguish among different objects of trust—elites, institutions, “the people,” or the society at large. We also explore citizens’ levels of trust in these objects and their association with institutional designs of direct democracy. Our results offer preliminary insights into the importance of horizontal and vertical trust relationships in shaping procedural preferences for different configurations of direct democracy.

Abusive constitutionalism in Poland - on the self-delegitimisation of the judiciary

The concept of abusive constitutionalism became widespread in legal scholarship after David Landau's famous publication. The author defines abusive constitutionalism as "the use of constitutional amendment mechanisms to make a state significantly less democratic than it was before" . He refers to actions that make a particular regime "significantly less democratic" . The result, he points out, is to move away from democracy . He pointed to 2013 as examples of this trend - Honduras, Venezuela or Hungary. "De-democratisation" of constitutional mechanisms is also, in my view, relevant from the perspective of the Polish experience, though viewed differently than usually presented in the political debates. It turns out that democratic mechanisms and their implementation are undermined by those judiciary representatives who, simultaneuosly, accuse the authorities introducing solutions in line with democratic principles of violating the rule of law.

Political Preferences Of Young Generation (Gen Y And Gen Z) Ahead Of The Contestation Of The 2024 West Java Governor And Vice Governor Elections

Gen Y (millennials) and Z are predicted to have a vital role in the conduct of General Elections, this cannot be separated from quantitative data-based considerations, specifically their very large proportion of the total number of Voters. Within the context of the 2024 West Java Governor and Vice Governor Elections, such figure is realized to reach 54 percent. Given such background, it is not surprising that all components of interest, in this case the electoral committees, electoral candidates, and including academics are competing in making a more detailed map of the political preferences and voting behavior of gen Y and Z. This study uses a qualitative method and critical discourse analysis approach. This study seeks to show a number of factors in relation to the political preferences of gen Y and Z in the implementation of democratic mechanisms, specifically General Elections. These political preferences of gen Y and Z are mapped out through survey data, those survey data are analyzed in depth through the theory of voting behavior. This study is expected to be a reference for electoral committees and electoral candidates in the formulation of strategic policies to improve gen Y and Z's participation and involvement in electoral politics.

The Role of Political Parties in Making Japanese Public Policy (Liberal Democratic Party as a Model)

Political parties are considered one of the most important political organizations and have a role in making and drawing up public policy. In Japan, they play a role, but there are not enough opportunities to assume governance. The Liberal Democratic Party is the most prominent party in Japan and plays a role in shaping and directing public policies in the country, and seeks to achieve a balance between the economy and the economy.And securityIn social affairs, the party played a vital role in promoting democracy and achieving political stability in the country. The party also seeks to manage the economy effectively and strengthen international relations through diplomacy and international cooperation, relying on its political orientations. The Liberal Democratic Party represents a model for political parties in Japan, which contributes to Effectively in making public policy and shaping the future course of the country, through its effective participation in governments, parliament and other democratic mechanisms, the Liberal Democratic Party remains a fundamental pillar in the Japanese political system, and a major partner in formulating and implementing policies that directly affect the lives of citizens and the future of the country. In its entirety.

Strengthening Democracy and Law Post The 2024 Elections in Indonesia

A strong democracy will create broader public participation in the development process through transparent and accountable democratic mechanisms. Thus, democracy is a political system that ensures inclusive and sustainable economic growth and creates solid social stability. As individuals and communities, we are responsible for strengthening democracy to realize equitable and sustainable national development through active involvement in democratization and support for policies that favor social justice and shared prosperity. After the 2024 elections, polarization in society due to the power struggle is still felt, so the role of political parties and the government is crucial in maintaining political stability and the country's future development. This research will analyze the factors that can be used to strengthen democracy. The results show that the rule of law determines the process of strengthening democracy, the role of political parties, community involvement, and the professionalism of election organizers to achieve common goals and national progress.

The Essence and Legal Nature of Political Rights and Freedoms in the System of Other Human Rights

Examines the essence and problems of determining the legal nature of political rights and freedoms in the system of other human and civil rights from the point of view of the theory of natural and positive human rights; The doctrines of scientists regarding the classification of political rights, their criteria, correlation with personal, socio-economic rights are revealed within the framework of constitutional legal personality. The author concludes that, unlike other fundamental rights, political rights and freedoms, while not being absolute rights, are mainly associated with the institution of citizenship; implemented in an individual and collective format, and the essence of these rights depends on the level of development of the democratic mechanisms of the state, in creating the necessary conditions for the active participation of citizens in the management of affairs of state and public importance.

LIBERTY AS NON-DOMINATION: THE CONTRIBUTION OF PHILIP PETTIT AND THE DEBATE WITH HIS CRITICS

This paper explores Philip Pettit's concept of liberty as non-domination, a significant contribution to contemporary political theory emphasizing freedom from arbitrary power rather than merely the absence of interference. In an increasingly plural and complex world, there is a pressing need for a broader understanding of liberty that addresses the political adversities faced by diverse societies. Pettit’s theory provides a robust framework for assessing political freedom by proposing that true liberty entails the absence of domination, supported by democratic mechanisms that disperse and make power accountable. The primary objective of this text is to analyze Pettit’s complete works alongside contributions from ten prominent commentators and debaters, examining the strengths and potential shortcomings of his theory. The analysis aims to demonstrate how Pettit’s concept of non-domination can be superior to other notions of liberty or how integrating different perspectives might reinforce his ideas. Methodologically, the paper conducts a thorough examination of Pettit's seminal works. It includes critical analysis from scholars like Quentin Skinner, Richard Dagger, and Cécile Laborde. Each author's agreement or disagreement with Pettit is analyzed in detail, providing a comprehensive view of the ongoing discourse. In conclusion, Pettit's concept of liberty as non-domination proves to be a compelling framework for understanding and advancing political freedom. This approach necessitates transparency, accountability, and participation within democratic institutions, ensuring liberty is safeguarded against both existing and potential forms of arbitrary power. Through this detailed examination, the paper underscores the relevance and applicability of Pettit's ideas in addressing contemporary political challenges.

Losing consent – the evolution of the danwei management policies from a Maoist perspective

ABSTRACT The danwei (work unit) system is a unique political and economic institution in China; inside a danwei, all aspects of workers’ activities are taken care of. The transformations of the danwei system’s management have long been a hot topic in academia. Many scholars have shared their views on understanding the transformations of the danwei’s management. However, very few of them have understood danwei’s management transformations from the perspective of Mao Zedong. Mao, as one of the most important founders of the danwei system, had conducted numerous studies on Marxist theories and Soviet practices of socialist enterprise management and had formed a unique understanding of how a genuine socialist enterprise operates. By setting up a triangular comparison model, this article compares Maoist thoughts on management with danwei’s management policies before and after 1978. This article concludes that, from a Maoist perspective, the pre-1978 danwei system had set up a management system in which workers drew their ‘self-generated consent’ through democratic mechanisms. In contrast, the post-1978 danwei management has abnegated most of the democratic mechanisms and replaced workers’ ‘self-generated consent’ with cadre-controlled ‘manufactured consent.’ The entire danwei system is gradually ‘losing its consent’ from the working class unless multiple reform initiatives take place in the future.

The More Democracy, the Better? On Whether Democracy Makes Societies Open

It is a common view that Popper’s defense of the open society has been a defense of Western, liberal democracies. This seems to imply that by fostering democratic institutions we are ipso facto fostering open societies. I criticize this view by arguing that in-built incentives in democratic mechanisms move us away from (or hamper) the open society. Democracy promotes voters’ ignorance, indulges voters’ irrationality, and allows voters to externalize costs. This is contrary to well-informed, rational decisions and personal responsibility that lie at the fundamentals of the open society. I suggest that it has been free-market capitalism, or free-market societies, which has moved us closer to the ideal of the open society and which best realizes open society’s values.

Menggali Makna Pemilihan Umum : Peran, Sejarah, dan Tantangan Demokrasi

General elections in Indonesia are a democratic mechanism that aims to maintain the principle of people's sovereignty. In its history, Indonesia has experienced an evolution in holding general elections since 1955, with various systems and regulatory changes. The role of elections includes the legitimacy of the ruler, the formation of political representatives, the turnover of the governing elite, and political education. The research method used in this study is normative juridical, focusing on the application of applicable legal principles. Elections also involve scrutiny that is essential to ensure integrity and fairness in the democratic process. However, there are still challenges such as the practice of money politics that harm and affect the democratic process.

Pengabdian Masyarakat Sosialisasi Implementasi Sistem Pemilu Indonesia di Bawaslu Jakarta Pusat

General elections in Indonesia are a democratic mechanism to determine leaders who are expected to have legitimacy, namely recognition and support from the voting public at large. To achieve this, Indonesia needs an electoral system that is effective and in accordance with the country's conditions. Elections in this country have been regulated through the 1945 Constitution and are conducted through direct and representative election methods. There were variations in the electoral system before and after the 1945 constitutional amendment was made. This electoral system is set up to ensure that the voting process is conducted directly, publicly, freely, confidentially, honestly, and fairly. However, the implementation of the current electoral system shows some shortcomings that require improvement to ensure better elections in the future.

DEMOCRATIZATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AS A STAGE OF DECENTRALIZATION REFORM IN UKRAINE

The relevance of the problem of democratization of local governance is determined by the context and status of the decentralization reform in Ukraine. This goal is contained in the decentralization concept approved in 2014. Its actualization is confirmed by the recent adoption of a number of legal acts. The purpose of the study is to analyze the state and main directions of democratization of local governance in the context of the decentralization reform, and attempt to typify the tasks of democratization in the context of the proximate or post-war perspective. The specifics of the first stage of decentralization were focusing on community amalgamation, transferring of powers and financial resources to local governments, and administrative and territorial reform at the district level. Thus, democratization was not a priority at this stage. It becomes a priority in the context of post-war reconstruction, but not only. The democratization of local governance means, in particular, the involvement of citizens in the management of territorial communities. The forms of such involvement of citizens are prescribed in the Law "On Local Municipalities in Ukraine" and other laws. At the same time, according to researchers, in reality the list of possible forms is wider than specified in the laws. On the other hand, there are gaps in the legislation that don’t contribute to the acceleration of the processes of democratization of local governance. These gaps need to be filled. Martial law limits using democratization mechanisms, primarily in the context of the election of public authorities, holding mass meetings. At the same time, according to researchers, a number of other mechanisms (public discussions, consultative and advisory authorities, public expertise, etc.) can be used already today, and in the context of interaction not only with local government, but also where military administrations operate. In recent years, system of public organizations has been formed, the purpose of which is to promote the mechanisms of democratization of local governance. They carry out not only informational and analytic and lobbying, but also active educational practice, which thus become a feature of the current stage of decentralization, in particular, the democratization of governance.

Introduction: Re-presenting COVID-19: Biopolitics, digitalisation, citizenship

This introduction briefly traces the development of historical and philosophical responses to COVID-19 in its longue durée and considers the pandemic’s lasting biopolitical effects in contemporary digital culture and its implications for democratic mechanisms and citizenship in Europe. It is argued that the present juncture constitutes a crucial and propitious moment in European thought and culture to take general stock of COVID-19 and to re-present it within the evolution of both European society and the European imaginary. Furthermore, the collective experience of COVID-19 has engendered important new confluences between humanities and the social sciences. Cinema is offered as a case study of biopolitical practice, or ‘bioart’, produced during the pandemic, revealing how ideas of community and citizenship are being re-thought and re-conceptualised ethically and politically in terms of relationality that surpasses standard disciplinary and ideological borders. Finally, the introduction outlines the six chapters comprising the volume.

Демократия как форма реализации права населения на участие в управлении делами государства

This article focuses on the concept and types of democracy, as well as ways of public participation in the management of state affairs through the use of democratic mechanisms. The content of the main definitions in this field is analyzed.

Optimal Democratic Mechanisms: Should Minorities Propose First?

Optimal Democratic Mechanisms: Should Minorities Propose First?

Formation of identity and protection of the rights of a digital citizen in a digital society

In the modern era, driven by the information revolution, an individual or individual citizen increasingly presents himself as a “digital person” or a “digital citizen”. The connotation and extension of the rights of an individual (citizen) are also undergoing a deep digital reconstruction. This is how “digital rights” appeared, and “puts on the agenda” the confirmation of identity and the protection of the rights of a digital citizen. It should be noted that digital survival has become the main attribute and the main mechanism of human life, and the problem of identity of a digital citizen arises in accordance with the requirements of the time. A digital citizen is a digital embodiment and digital expression of a natural citizen, carrying within himself the identity, logic of action, as well as the rights and responsibilities of a citizen in digital public life. The imbalance between digital capabilities and technological capabilities has led to the digital citizen facing the dilemma of mechanical isolation, which is especially manifested in the marginalization of the digital citizen in platform architecture, the isolation of the digital citizen from algorithmic decision — making, the objectification of the digital citizen in digital control, the disconnection of the digital citizen in technological capabilities and depersonalization of the digital citizen in technological rationality, etc. The mechanical isolation of the digital citizen poses a serious challenge to the values of equality, freedom, fundamental rights of citizens, as well as democracy and the rule of law. In order to eliminate the mechanical isolation of the digital citizen, strengthen the legal protection of the rights of the digital citizen and preserve the fairness of the digital society, it is necessary to adhere to the principle of the “human — centered” digital rule of law, carry out the legalization and confirmation of the identity of the digital citizen, as well as build a digital democratic mechanism of inclusivity and shared governance, increasing literacy and digital citizen qualifications.

The deepest foundation of our democratic crisis

The deepest foundation of our democratic crisis is our increasing human interdependence. That interdependence creates increasing needs for ‘free-use goods’: goods that, once produced, anyone can use without paying (other names: “public goods,” “non-excludable goods”). Such goods produce the classic “free-rider” problems to which the most efficient solution in societies of strangers is usually government provision through taxes or regulation, both of which depend on a combination of voluntarism (based on duty and solidarity) and legitimate coercion. More interdependence creates more free-rider problems, which require more government intervention/coercion. Our eighteenth-century democratic mechanisms were not designed to legitimate the amount of state coercion we now need. To bolster legitimacy, we need to embrace the logic of free-use goods and replace one-way with recursive representation, the principle of distinction with more descriptive representation, corruption with clean institutions, and legislative-centric democracy with a full representative system approach, all drawing on our collective intelligence.

The Concept of Democracy in Simon Frank’s Philosophy of Liberal Conservatism

The article analyses the concept of democracy by a Russian philosopher Simon Frank. It considers the main features of the liberal-conservatism as they appear in the works of Petr Struve and Simon Frank. The main focus of the paper is on the evolution of Frank’s views on democracy. It is noted that Frank emphasised the need to combine democratic mechanisms of power with legal mechanisms for protecting the freedom of a person, as well as the dependence of democracy on the level of cultural and moral development of society. The paper demonstrates that Frank considered democracy not so much as an external political order, which inevitably turns out to be antinomic, but in the context of the basic principles of social life and, first of all, the principle of service (in a religious, Christian sense). The social life ontologically presupposes that the principle of democratic equality must be combined with the principles of hierarchism and aristocracy.

Efektifitas Sistem Kebebasan dan Pertahanan Bela Negara Dalam Penyelenggaraan Pemilu

Elections have become the mainstream of modern countries. Elections are founded on the principle of equality, namely that every citizen has equal rights and position in the government, therefore every citizen actually has the same power to govern. This people's power is the source of legitimacy and legality of state power. Freedom, Security, Justice and Peace in General Elections must be obtained by all Indonesian people in essence. Of course, this cannot be realized if there is no national stability. Elections do not only rely on the state or military, but involve the strength and role of individual citizens, including non-governmental or private organizations. To hold free, safe, fair and peaceful elections in the General Election, space and mechanisms for full participation must be created, where citizens develop democratic mechanisms and have the power to make decisions in accordance with the wishes of the citizens themselves, without any persuasion or intimidation from other parties. party. interested parties, because the idea of democracy being promoted is actually quite simple, namely to protect the rights of citizens in exercising their freedom to express opinions. For this reason, freedom, security, justice and peace in general elections must be maintained by the government and the government must build stability in the country in implementing elections well.

The Role of Higher Education in the Development of United European Values During the Post-War Reconstruction of Ukraine

The article actualizes the role of university education in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. It is emphasized that in the context of Ukraine’s European integration progress and the need to unite Ukrainian society, it is increasingly important to promote, support and develop European values among young Ukrainians – higher education students who will participate in the restoration and development of Ukraine after the end of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Based on sociological research, the authors trace the dynamics of changing value orientations in Ukrainian society from a moderate and sceptical attitude to European integration and a fragmented and contradictory view of European values to unconditional support for the benefits of a democratic European model of social development. Sociological studies show the leading role of young people in perceiving and supporting the values of the United Europe, democratic transformations in Ukraine, respect for rights and freedoms, and the rule of law. The authors focus on the experience of Ukrainian universities in informing, teaching and promoting European values among higher education students from different regions of Ukraine. The authors propose tools for further development of European values during the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine through the introduction of educational programs, disciplines and modules of the Erasmus+ program: Jean Monnet. An important task of higher education is the introduction of educational programs for training specialists for the de-occupied territories, which will ensure effective governance, restoration of democratic mechanisms, social cohesion of Ukrainian society, and removal of possible contradictions and tensions in the de-occupied communities. The key role of higher education in peacekeeping is emphasized.