Comparing Modern Democracies: What are the advantages and limitations of the US and other democratic models?

There are over 122 democracies in the modern world. This blog assignment requires that you compare two or more democracies to gain an in-depth understanding of a complex and diverse political trend:

Directions

1. Read pages 20- 29 “Democratization in Six Countries” from the College Boards “Democratization Briefing Paper” at: http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap05_comp_govpol_demo_42252.pdf

And

“Doing Democracy Right: Why are other countries so much better at conducting elections than we are?”

http://www.slate.com/id/2202580/

And ONE of the articles below:

Australia

http://www.dfat.gov.au/aib/country.html

Nigeria

http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/33328/jean-herskovits/democracy-in-nigeria

Mexico

http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/61373/enrique-krauze/furthering-democracy-in-mexico

Iran

http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/in_depth/middle_east/2000/iran_elections/iran_struggle_for_change/changing_face/

2. Summarize the key features of democracy in the US and ONE of the other nations profiled in these sources. Discuss the advantages and limitations of each system. In your opinion, are other countries better at conducting elections than the US? Use your case study as evidence for your response.

Your post should be 300 words or may be completed as a graphic organizer with a 200 word summary in addition to the table.

Due monday 2/22

Is the United States a "dollar democracy"?

A recent supreme court decision ruled that there should be no cap to limiting the financial contributions from independent businesses/corporations, labor unions, and other non-profit organizations. This issue certainly calls into question the influence money and media have on our political system, so I thought it would be an interesting opening discussion for our new semester. 

Directions: 

1. Read The Court Systems' Blow to Democracy from the New York Times - Jan 22, 2010.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/22/opinion/22fri1.html

2. Watch "Supreme Court Eases Restrictions on Corporate Campaign Spending" on CNN's website at:  

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/01/21/campaign.finance.ruling/index.html

The Court Systems' Blow to Democracy from the New York Times - Jan 22, 2010.

Summarize THREE KEY UNDERSTANDINGS from each article in 200 words or less (total( AND answer the following questions:

a) Why is this decision so controversial? 

b) The pundits in the Bill Mears segment on CNN explain that "according to this ruling, money is free speech." Evaluate the notion that money (and political financing) should be protected by the first amendment. (In other words, do you agree or disagree?)

c) Based on the NY Times article, how is corporate campaign financing complicating American Democracy?

Conclude by explaining wether you feel there was any bias in these sources OR pose a question for discussing the issue in class later next week. 

REMINDER: bring in any materials you may need to finish your political system "menu." 

Posts should be roughly 300 words. 

NOTE - IF YOU CANT VIEW THE CNN VIDEO READ THE ARTICLE AND COMMENTS AT THAT LINK INSTEAD.