Democratization and Reform:Institutions and Behavior in

Democratization

Gregory MahlerEarlham College

Richmond, Indiana U.S.A.

December 9-11, 2007

Pluralism and Corporatism

• Pluralism: Multiple, Competing Groups• “Advantage Groups,” or “Interest Groups”• Corporatism: “Close Interaction of Groups

and Government”

Interest Groups

• Differ from political parties in goals• Share common beliefs, attitudes values,

concerns• Interest groups vs. pressure groups

Political Parties

• Goal: capturing political power• Different sources:– Factions in legislature (Gaullists in France)– Labor movements (Labour Party in Britain)– National-liberation movements (Congress Party in

India)– Ideological movements

Political Parties

• Important to theory of pluralism• Many functions in political regime• Mobilize the electorate• Important role in political development– Encourage participation– Stimulate sense of government legitimacy– Contribute to sense of national integration– Transmit attitudes and values between

generations

Electoral Systems

• District-based vs. proportional• Open vs. closed electoral systems• Dominant-party vs. competitive• Role of Electoral Law– Who can be a candidate (age, gender, race, residence)– How election campaigns are to be run (fund raising,

media)– Which parties can compete– Who can vote

Why Have Elections?

• Choosing representatives• Choice among parties• Creating Governments• Influencing Policy• Providing legitimacy for Government• Education of public• Influencing political parties

Political Participation and Voting

• Voting is a kind of participation, but not the only kind

• Demonstrations• Paying taxes• Participating in discussions

The Role of the Political Elite

• What does “elite” mean?• “Open” vs. “Closed” elite• Theory of Democratic Elitism

The Role of the Military

• In many systems the military is non-political• Sometimes military leaders are the political

elite• Political culture of military coups, especially in

some nations (Latin America, Asia)• Military coups are often undertaken in the

name of protecting democracy

Participation and Political Violence

• Violence. How do we define “violent” acts?– “symbolic” violence

• Even “stable” systems have political violence• Revolutions• Coup d’etat (military, reform)• Terrorism• Guerrilla warfare

Concluding Comments: Institutionsand Behavior in Democratization

• Democracy isn’t “tidy” or “quiet”• Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965): “No one

pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government, except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” [Speech, House of Commons, November 11, 1947]

Democratization and Reform:Institutions and Behavior in

Democratization

Gregory MahlerEarlham College

Richmond, Indiana U.S.A.

December 9-11, 2007