Democracies breed legitimacy. Viewed as being proper, lawful, and entitled to obedience. I'll give you the stick if you do what I say. I am with the government, an organization that you recognize as an authority, therefore I have power. Affiliation with an organization with power gives an individual power.
Government is democratic if part or all of citizens take part in and hold office.
Direct doesn't work because 1. People can't be well-educated enough, and 2. Nongovernmental elite makes most of the decisions but is not necessarily corporate leaders. Resources and legitimate power outlets are so widly scattered that one group cannot gain power. Political change Formative event Normal activities showing a parttern Tech change Eric Jonas's 1998-1999 AP American Government Notes This material copyright Eric Jonas , 1999.