 |
 |
|
Home
Please note that all pages are written in the Modern Language Association Format. For more information, see MLA Format Defined. |
Another model, the Developmental
Democracy, views persons as capable of civic virtue. Supporters say that through
involvement in government and community affairs, persons can gain an understanding of the
public good and what it requires. The "good citizens" of this society are aware
of and participate in government and civic affairs through voting, the expression of their
opinions to representatives, and sometimes even public service. Involvement in democracy
is both a way of educating people and increasing their ability to better themselves.
Through the exercise of judgement on political issues, citizens can better exercise
judgement in other areas of their lives. The Developmental model utilizes indirect
representation simply because of the impracticality of direct involvement such as that of
the participatory democracy. Regarding involvement, John Stuart Mill noted this:
The only government which can fully satisfy all the exigencies of the social state is one in which the whole people participate: that any participation, even in the smallest public function is useful. … But since all cannot, in a community exceeding a single small town, participate personally in any but some very minor portion of the public business, it follows that the ideal type of a perfect government must be representative. (Hudson 14)
As in a Protective Democracy, emphasis is placed on active control of representatives through elections. Political and social equality exist in a Developmental Democracy. Overall, the Developmental model assumes people can achieve civic virtue and become good people through active participation in democracy (Lewis; Hudson 13-15).