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Why Democracy Matters: Discussion Questions
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Why Democracy Matters: Discussion Questions
Do you agree with Rory Stewart that democracy is important -- not as a tool, but as an
ideal? But how do we make the ideal work in reality?
Yes, I agree with Steward's argument that democracy is important as an ideal and not as a
tool. Democracy is considered a tool or an instrument when other benefits are attached to it. The
drawback of this instrumental perception of democracy is that people tend to get disappointed
when the benefits attached to it (democracy) are not realized (Steward, 2012). This is why Rory
states in the video that we need to shift from the instrumental arguments of democracy. The point
about democracy should not be about its benefits or the things it is expected to deliver.
Democracy should be an intrinsic idea that exists in our minds not because of what we expect it
to deliver but because it reflects the ideals of dignity, liberty, equality of individuals (Steward,
2012). It should be about the idea that we all have a say in how the government is constituted
through the vote.
There is only one way the idea of democracy can be realized: by following the rule of law
and the procedures and guidelines that apply to all citizens. Additionally, a system of replacing
or choosing government through fair and free elections should also be established (Nwogu,
2015). Citizens must also be allowed to actively participate in civic life and politics, and their
democratic rights are protected. Rory also states that true democracy can be realized when
politicians learn to be honest with themselves and the masses. For example, politicians should be
honest about things they cannot deliver to the voters, even when earlier promised to deliver
them. In other words, politicians should be honest about what they can and cannot deliver to the
voters (Steward, 2012); only by doing these things will we be able to achieve true democracy.
Does the US Constitution provide a tool for today or an ideal to strive for?

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1 Why Democracy Matters: Discussion Questions Name Institution Affiliation Course Instructor Date 2 Why Democracy Matters: Discussion Questions Do you agree with Rory Stewart that democracy is important -- not as a tool, but as an ideal? But how do we make the ideal work in reality? Yes, I agree with Steward's argument that democracy is important as an ideal and not as a tool. Democracy is considered a tool or an instrument when other benefits are attached to it. The drawback of this instrumental perception of democracy is that people tend to get disappointed when the benefits attached to it (democracy) are not realized (Steward, 2012). This is why Rory states in the video that we need to shift from the instrumental arguments of democracy. The point about democracy should not be about its benefits or the things it is expected to deliver. Democracy should be an intrinsic idea that exists in our minds not because of what we expect it to deliver but because it reflects the ideals of dignity, liberty, equality of individuals (Steward, 2012). It should be about the idea that we all have a say in how the government is constituted through the vote. There is only one way the idea of de ...
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