Politics

Politics

1. Ways to measure democracy

   • Democracy ranking from Aplen-Adria University in Austria.
   • Democracy ranking index from The Economist Intelligence from the UK
   • Democracy ranking Barometer from the Swiss National Science foundation
   • Measured depending on:
     • personal freedom
     • tolerance and respect for diversity
     • equal opportunity
     • the rule of law
     • Weighting of democracy
       • Quality of society
         • Political rights 12.5%
         • Civil liberties 12.5%
         • Gender equality 12.5%
         • Press freedom 5%
         • Lack of corruption 5%
         • Peaceful changes of the government 2.5%
       • Quality of politics
         • Economy 10%
         • Environment 10%
         • Gender equality 10%
         • Health 10%
         • Knowledge 10%

2. Switzerland

   • Direct Democracy
     • A type of democracy where citizens are dominant and play a key part in decision making.
   • Federation
     • A union of self governing states or regions under a central federal government
   • Citizens elect their government and assemblies. They have the right to vote in all referendums and other issues.
   • Federation of Cantons (Regions), most Swiss speak a range of languages including English.
   • They do not fight in wars, They have no defence agreements. No war has been fought for 200 years.
   • It is also a Republic (No monarchy system) instead has 7 members of the Swiss federal council that share the head of state role.
   • National Council
     • 200 members elected every four years from representives of each canton
   • Council of states
     • 46 members representing 26 cantons elected every 4 years.
   • Federal council, including a president
     • 7 National Council members representing the largest politcal parties elected by the Federal assembly.
   • All citizens over 18 can vote unless they lack the mental capacity to make decisions.
   • Only one canton has allowed 16's to vote.
   • Around 8 Million of the Swiss work force are foriegn working with permission. They cannot vote at a Federal level.
   • Anyone can demand a referendum and can also demand amendment to the federal constitution. 100,000 signatures are required.
     • For it to be passed. Majority must be in favour as well as the cantons.
   • Criticism, "Tyranny of the majority", minority voters will be acted against, in which it may be a way to threaten them.

3. China

   • The only communist state in the G20 grouping
   • Founded in 1949
   • It has a Politburo - Decision making commitee
   • National Peoples Congress.
     • is a unicameral legislature, the National People's Congress.
       • Third of seats are taken up by parties allied to the communist party
       • Could be unfair as it is unicameral (No opposition for legislature)
       • Greater diversity of views.
       • Meets once a year for a period of 2 weeks.
       • Leaders present annual reports to the NPC
       • Indirect Election System
         • Citizens elect members who will then elect higher members of the parliament.
       • Leaders elected for 5 year terms through indirect election system.
       • Communist party elect top party officials.
   • All citizens over 18 are allowed to vote in general elections for their local peoples congress.
   • Citizens have their voting rights removed if they are in custody, or charged with any serious crimal offense.
   • Communist party members can elect individuals for office or stand for it themselves.
   • It is very hard to join the Chinese Communist Party
   • All CCP members must swear to an oath to loyalty of their party
   • All CCP members have the right to discuss policy but once a decision is made they are expected to enforce that decision.
   • Criticism
     • It is an authoritarian regime
       • A government that enforces strict obedience to its policies and practices. As a result personal freedom is restricted.
     • Those who campaign for democracy are not tollerated.
     • News and media are controlled by the Chinese state
     • Minority groups are repressed if they are seen as a threat to China's stability
     • People have limited political influence especially if they are not CCP members.