2007-02-23 05:54:41 · 7 answers · asked by melissa b 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
So we can all argue and call each other idiots on Yahoo Answers.
2007-02-23 05:58:54 · answer #1 · answered by Abu 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The difference between a democracy and a dictatorship is that in the latter, there is no distinction between the state, the nation and the government and all opposition is outlawed.
In a democracy these institutions are separate. The government are the mere caretakers of power, there for a limited time at the behest of the people, who will soon tire of them, vote them out and replace them with someone else.
Political parties evolved around 200 years ago when modern parliamentary democracy was beginning to take shape and started as clubs which the various members joined to protect their interests (i.e. class interests) which is still broadly the case today.
There is another reason for differing parties and that is so that the governing party always has to face an opposition. Not only does this act as a check and balance on the government but also as a permanent reminder that it is not wrong to criticise or oppose the government, in fact it is essential to keep democracy alive.
That is why I would get put in prison for saying in North Korea, for example, that Kim Il Jong is an idiot, whereas I would not go to prison in the UK if I said that Tony Blair was, in fact in the current climate most people would probably agree with me, LOL :-)
2007-02-23 14:15:01 · answer #2 · answered by squeaky guinea pig 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The theory is that you will have more than one viewpoint represented if you have more than one political party. If you look at the political contributions lists, however, you will quickly see that it makes absolutely NO difference. The very same corporations and people are contributing to both parties and will get their agenda pushed thru regardless of who is in office.
The Right vs. Left paradigm is false. It's an illusion to make people think that they have a choice when they vote Republican or Democrat.
Get some guts, people. Break away from the party line that your momma or daddy voted their whole lives. Vote for what is right vs. wrong not right vs. left.
2007-02-23 14:02:30 · answer #3 · answered by Torin 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm torn on the issue. I don't feel either party now is representing a majority of Americans. However, I would hate to end up like some other countries with Unity gov't that end up being deadlocked. What we need is one party to come along that actually follows the constituion.
2007-02-23 14:00:16 · answer #4 · answered by Robert and Tanya 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In a democracy, having different parties insures that the minority polices the actions of the majority.
2007-02-23 13:59:46 · answer #5 · answered by Princess of Egypt 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
So that parties in opposition can check the ruling party and object when they do wrong
2007-02-23 14:09:57 · answer #6 · answered by annonimus 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To have a variety of opinions. Democracy.
2007-02-23 13:58:43 · answer #7 · answered by ZEBUCORE 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋