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Minimalist democracy vs classical democracy by Schumpeter

Q: In one sentence, what is the key difference between classical and minimalist democracy?

Classical democracy is about the people ruling directly through a common will , while minimalist democracy is about leaders competing for office and the people choosing between them.

Q: What is the main role of citizens in Schumpeter’s minimalist model?

Not to decide every issue, but to choose and evict governments —to authorize leaders and later withdraw that authorization through elections.

Q: How does Schumpeter redefine democracy in his minimalist theory?

Democracy is the method where individuals gain power to decide by competing for the people’s vote in elections.

Q: How does the classical doctrine define democracy?

As an arrangement that realizes the common good by having “the people” decide issues, through electing representatives who carry out the people’s will .

Q: What is Schumpeter’s main criticism of the classical model?

It is unrealistic : people usually do not have clear, rational views on every issue, and it ignores leadership , pretending representatives just execute a pre-existing popular will.

Q: What assumptions does the classical view make about the “people”?

There is a clear common good . The people have a common, rational will that matches that good. Disagreement is mostly ignorance or bad motives. Citizens are informed, active, and collectively control public affairs.

6 important questions on Minimalist democracy vs classical democracy by Schumpeter

In one sentence, what is the key difference between classical and minimalist democracy?

Classical democracy is about the people ruling directly through a common will, while minimalist democracy is about leaders competing for office and the people choosing between them.

What is the main role of citizens in Schumpeter’s minimalist model?

Not to decide every issue, but to choose and evict governments—to authorize leaders and later withdraw that authorization through elections.

How does Schumpeter redefine democracy in his minimalist theory?

Democracy is the method where individuals gain power to decide by competing for the people’s vote in elections.

How does the classical doctrine define democracy?

As an arrangement that realizes the common good by having “the people” decide issues, through electing representatives who carry out the people’s will.

What is Schumpeter’s main criticism of the classical model?

It is unrealistic: people usually do not have clear, rational views on every issue, and it ignores leadership, pretending representatives just execute a pre-existing popular will.