Which of the following forms of democracy provides more focus on group participation and voice for minorities?

The correct answer is 'Consociational democracy'

Key Points

• Consociational democracy:
  • A consociational democracy is a form of government that seeks to regulate the sharing of power in a state that comprises diverse societies (distinct ethnic, religious, political, or linguistic groups) by allocating these groups collective rights.
  • This type of democracy emphasizes the role of group participation and ensures that minority groups have a voice in the political process. It aims to prevent domination by any one group by promoting power-sharing and coalition governments.
  • Key features of consociational democracy include grand coalitions, mutual vetoes, proportionality, and segmental autonomy, which all contribute to a more inclusive and participatory political environment for minority groups.

Additional Information

• Other Forms of Democracy:
  • Absolute democracy:
    • This concept is not widely recognized in political science. It might suggest a form of direct democracy where the majority rules without any constraints, but it lacks the institutional guarantees for minority rights and participatory mechanisms specific to consociational democracy.
  • Guided democracy:
    • Guided democracy refers to a system where the government is nominally democratic but effectively controlled by a central authority that guides the political process. This form often limits genuine group participation and minority voices, focusing more on maintaining control and stability.
  • Polyarchy:
    • Polyarchy is a term coined by political scientist Robert Dahl to describe a form of government with high levels of both participation and competition. While it includes mechanisms for broad participation, it does not specifically focus on the inclusion of minority groups to the same extent as consociational democracy.