Help!
What is the appropriate relationship between people and their government? Does true democracy exist in Europe? Should it?
do you feel that these are merely opinion based questions up for debate?
or do you feel that my teacher is asking for specific predestined answers? because honestly he's rude and scary so i'm super nervous about these questions
This is what I think the relation between people and their government is:
"government of the people, by the people, and for the people"
That was from the Gettysburg address.
For the second part of that question, I'm pretty sure there are more than one type of government in Europe. After all, it is a big continent.
Those are just my opinion.
You need to read what John Locke thought and wrote:
John Locke - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia John Locke (pronounced /lɒk/; 29 August 1632 – 28 October 1704) was an English philosopher. Locke is considered the first of the British empiricists, ...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Locke
John Locke (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy) John Locke (b. 1632, d. 1704) was a British philosopher, Oxford academic and medical researcher, whose association with Anthony Ashley Cooper (later the ...
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/locke/
John Locke John Locke was an Oxford scholar, medical researcher and physician, political operative, economist and idealogue for a revolutionary movement, ...
http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/phl302/philosophers/locke.html
And Rousseau:
Social contract - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia While Rousseau's social contract is based on popular sovereignty and not on individual sovereignty, there are other theories espoused by individualists, ...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_contract
Rousseau: Social Contract THE SOCIAL CONTRACT. OR PRINCIPLES OF POLITICAL RIGHT. by Jean Jacques Rousseau. 1762. Translated by G. D. H. Cole, public domain ...
http://www.constitution.org/jjr/socon.htm
Be sure to look up the term "democracy" -- http://www.answers.com
And yes, "Should it?" is definitely an opinion question. Whether a country should or shouldn't be a democracy, a republic, or whatever is usually determined by the people who live in that country. Whether people in other countries should decide FOR them ... hmmm.
I understand that you might feel nervous about subjective questions like these, especially if you're unsure of your teacher's expectations. However, let me assure you that these questions are open-ended and can have various perspectives. Your teacher most likely wants you to think critically, analyze different viewpoints, and present a well-reasoned argument.
To approach these questions, it's important to gather relevant information and form your own opinion based on credible sources. Here's a step-by-step process you can follow:
1. Research: Start by gathering information on the appropriate relationship between people and their government. Look into different political systems, such as democracy, monarchy, dictatorship, etc. Understand the concepts of citizen participation, individual rights, and government accountability.
2. Critical Analysis: Consider different philosophical and political theories that discuss the relationship between people and their government, such as liberalism, authoritarianism, and socialism. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each system and their impact on citizens' rights, freedoms, and overall well-being.
3. Historical Perspective: Examine case studies, both within Europe and globally, to assess the existence and effectiveness of democracy. Look at countries like Sweden, Germany, and the UK, which have established democratic systems. Explore the challenges they face and the measures taken to ensure transparency, citizen engagement, and accountability.
4. Comparative Analysis: Compare the features and outcomes of democratic systems in Europe with other regions of the world, such as North America, Asia, or Africa. Consider factors like voter turnout, representation, political parties, and the demographics of elected officials.
5. Your Opinion: Once you've gathered information and analyzed different perspectives, form your own opinion on the appropriate relationship between people and their government. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of democracy, as well as its potential in Europe.
Remember, it's important to back up your arguments with evidence and reasoning. It's unlikely that your teacher is asking for specific predestined answers; rather, they likely want to see your ability to think critically and construct a well-supported argument.
If you're still unsure about your teacher's expectations, I would encourage you to reach out to them for clarification. It's always better to seek clarification and have a clear understanding of the assignment. Good luck!