Summary Of James Madison's Theory Of Representative Democracy

Another theory which must be discussed in James Madison’s theory of representative democracy. In a speech discussing in Mandela, Nelson Mandela makes the points ‘It is not the kings and generals that make history but the masses of the people’ (Open University, 2013).It could be argued Mandela shared the same vision for South Africa as Abraham Lincoln did for the United States. Mandela was wanting what Lincoln had called ‘for the people, by the people’ (…). However, Mandela’s vision got be connected to Madison’s fear of the ‘tyranny of the majority’. It is clear Madison was worried about a majority, or as Madison calls them factions, becoming too power in the democratic possess. Madison tell us a faction with their common interest and passions
Despite representative democracy sometimes regarding unpopular decisions being made, strong leadership can also be connected to unifying all ages and faith. Take Nelson Mandela’s reconciliation policy, for example. This policy was conceived to unify South Africa. As the South Africa had a white minority, Mandela felt the need to make sure citizens of ages and ethnicities felt part of the new South Africa. Madison did believe in the citizenry electing leaders which are well informed and ‘have legitimacy among the citizenry as a whole’ (….). The strong leadership, it could be argued, is required a diverse society to their represent the interests of the citizens. Like Mandela, the policies which help to unify a populous, despite possible unpopularity with a small number of citizens, can create a bridge for communication between different communities with a country. Rather than undermining representative democracy, this allows the led to express their opinions in a free and open society. Therefore, in order to prevent the ‘tyranny of the majority’ in a representative democracy strong leadership is
The biggest influence appears to be regarding a leader’s support. ‘A social group can, and indeed must, already exercise ‘leadership’ before winning governmental power’ (…). It is important, though, to acknowledge the rule of industrialisation in Gramsci theory. However, whilst a leader had the support of the led should keep control of civil service. A good example of this in action is the early leadership years of Nacolae Ceasusecu. Following the death of Gheorghiu-Dej, Ceasusecu most have felt the need to acquire what Gramsci would have called the ‘a collective will’ of the people. As pointed in Ceausescu, this is evident by the fact that Ceasusecu in his early years ‘Ceausescu appeared to be a reformist’ (Open University, 2013). Although Ceausescu later became a dictator, there is certain parallels between Ceausescu’s early years and that of a leader in a representative democracy. Both have to achieve the support of the people before being considered legitimate leaders. As industrialisation increased the size of the electorate, politicians have to show strong leadership in their attempts to maintain the support of the people. However, the role of civil service is also important in this theory. Reflecting on the failure of communism in Europe, Gramsci points out, in Russia ‘civil society was primordial and gelatinous’ (…).Gramsci