The Mechanics of Representation: How Democracy Works
Voting Right and Political Participation
In this presentation, we will explore what democracy is, the difference between direct and representative democracy, and how representative democracy is implemented through voting and elections.
what is democracy?
Democracy is government by the people
Direct vs. Representative Democracy
Representative Democracy: Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf
Direct Democracy: Citizens vote directly on laws and decisions.
'To the most perfect dictatorship, I will always prefer an imperfect democracy.'
- Sandro Pertini, ex President of Italian Republic
Representative democracy is realized through voting and elections.
Voting Right
Voting is a political right and a civic duty
Although voting is not compulsory, it is a fundamental act for democracy to function.
It allows citizens to take part in the decisions that shape the life of the State.
The right to vote in Italy
It has been gradually extended over time
1946
1861
1919
The Electorate
is the group of citizens entitled to vote in elections.
Requirements to vote include:
- Turkish citizenship - Minimum age: 18 years - registration in the electoral lists.
• Italian citizenship • Minimum age: 18 years • Registration in the electoral lists .
Characteristics of Voting (Article 48 of the Constitution)
• Personal: each voter votes individually.• Equal: each vote has the same value.• Free: no one can be forced or pressured to vote in a certain way.• Secret: the vote must remain confidential to ensure full freedom of choice.
Types of Elections in Italy
• Regional Elections – to elect the Regional President and Council every 5 years.
• Political Elections – to elect the Parliament (Chamber of Deputies and Senate) every 5 years..
• European Elections – to elect Italian representatives to the European Parliament every 5 years.
• Municipal Elections – to elect the Mayor and City Council every 5 years.
Electoral Systems
Proportional
mixed system
Majoritarian
A video about electoral system
What is the best one?
The Turkish Electoral System
Italy – Turkey Comparison
ITALY Parliamentary Republic Mixed system Voting age: 18 President elected by Parliament
TURKEY Presidential Republic Proportional system Voting age: 18 President elected by people
NOW SOME QUESTIONS FOR YOU!!!
Pay close attention to the questions
question n. 1
question n. 2
question n. 3
question n. 4
question n. 5
question n. 6
question n. 7
00:30
THE END
THANK YOU!!!
Proportional representation using D’Hondt method
1946
universal suffrage — both men and women gained the right to vote.
1919
male suffrage was introduced
1861
voting was based on wealth and taxes (census vote).
Proportional System
The proportional representation system aims to reflect as accurately as possible the percentage of votes each party receives.
Majoritarian System.
The majoritarian system (also called first-past-the-post) is based on the principle that the candidate or party receiving the most votes wins.
The word ‘democracy’ comes from the ancient Greek: demos means ‘people’ and kratos means ‘rule’ or ‘power’—so democracy literally means ‘rule by the people
National threshold: 7%
President elected by popular vote in a two-round system (since 2017)
Mixed System
The mixed electoral system combines elements of both the majoritarian and proportional systems.
The Mechanics of Representation: How Democracy Works
Maria Antonietta Cam
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Transcript
The Mechanics of Representation: How Democracy Works
Voting Right and Political Participation
In this presentation, we will explore what democracy is, the difference between direct and representative democracy, and how representative democracy is implemented through voting and elections.
what is democracy?
Democracy is government by the people
Direct vs. Representative Democracy
Representative Democracy: Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf
Direct Democracy: Citizens vote directly on laws and decisions.
'To the most perfect dictatorship, I will always prefer an imperfect democracy.'
- Sandro Pertini, ex President of Italian Republic
Representative democracy is realized through voting and elections.
Voting Right
Voting is a political right and a civic duty
Although voting is not compulsory, it is a fundamental act for democracy to function.
It allows citizens to take part in the decisions that shape the life of the State.
The right to vote in Italy
It has been gradually extended over time
1946
1861
1919
The Electorate
is the group of citizens entitled to vote in elections.
Requirements to vote include:
- Turkish citizenship - Minimum age: 18 years - registration in the electoral lists.
• Italian citizenship • Minimum age: 18 years • Registration in the electoral lists .
Characteristics of Voting (Article 48 of the Constitution)
• Personal: each voter votes individually.• Equal: each vote has the same value.• Free: no one can be forced or pressured to vote in a certain way.• Secret: the vote must remain confidential to ensure full freedom of choice.
Types of Elections in Italy
• Regional Elections – to elect the Regional President and Council every 5 years.
• Political Elections – to elect the Parliament (Chamber of Deputies and Senate) every 5 years..
• European Elections – to elect Italian representatives to the European Parliament every 5 years.
• Municipal Elections – to elect the Mayor and City Council every 5 years.
Electoral Systems
Proportional
mixed system
Majoritarian
A video about electoral system
What is the best one?
The Turkish Electoral System
Italy – Turkey Comparison
ITALY Parliamentary Republic Mixed system Voting age: 18 President elected by Parliament
TURKEY Presidential Republic Proportional system Voting age: 18 President elected by people
NOW SOME QUESTIONS FOR YOU!!!
Pay close attention to the questions
question n. 1
question n. 2
question n. 3
question n. 4
question n. 5
question n. 6
question n. 7
00:30
THE END
THANK YOU!!!
Proportional representation using D’Hondt method
1946
universal suffrage — both men and women gained the right to vote.
1919
male suffrage was introduced
1861
voting was based on wealth and taxes (census vote).
Proportional System
The proportional representation system aims to reflect as accurately as possible the percentage of votes each party receives.
Majoritarian System.
The majoritarian system (also called first-past-the-post) is based on the principle that the candidate or party receiving the most votes wins.
The word ‘democracy’ comes from the ancient Greek: demos means ‘people’ and kratos means ‘rule’ or ‘power’—so democracy literally means ‘rule by the people
National threshold: 7%
President elected by popular vote in a two-round system (since 2017)
Mixed System
The mixed electoral system combines elements of both the majoritarian and proportional systems.