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I'm not sure b) is generally included in the definition of democracy. Could you reference something that implies that?

• bildung 11y ago
  > I'm not sure b) is generally included in the definition of democracy. Could you reference something that implies that? Its in most political science textbooks, and even on wikipedia, hidden in point 2 of the 4 point definition at the top. Have a look at most socialist eastern european countries in the 1980s. You had multiple parties, and you could vote. But surly we both wouldn't describe that as democracy. What was missing? Formally, there wasn't much of a difference. Sure, you often had compulsory voting, but Australia has that too. The missing part was the lack of an independent civic sector. You had no politically relevant NGOs, no independent unions etc. You couldn't simply create a new political party at will. The government was the only actor able to meaningfully influence the political landscape.