Substantive democracy
Encyclopedia
Substantive democracy is a form of democracy in which the outcome of elections is representative of the people. In other words, substantive democracy is a form of democracy that functions in the interest of the governed. Although a country may allow all citizens of age to vote, this characteristic does not necessarily qualify it as a substantive democracy.
In a substantive democracy, the general population plays a real role in carrying out its political affairs, i.e., the state is not merely set up as a democracy but it functions as one as well. This type of democracy can also be referred to as a functional democracy. There is no good example of an objectively substantive democracy.
The opposite of a substantive democracy is a formal democracy
, which is where the relevant forms of democracy exist but are not actually managed democratically. The former Soviet Union
can be characterized in as such, since its constitution was essentially democratic but in actuality the state was managed by a bureaucratic
élite
.
In a substantive democracy, the general population plays a real role in carrying out its political affairs, i.e., the state is not merely set up as a democracy but it functions as one as well. This type of democracy can also be referred to as a functional democracy. There is no good example of an objectively substantive democracy.
The opposite of a substantive democracy is a formal democracy
Formal democracy
Formal democracy is a state system that has in place superficial forms of democracy but is not actually managed democratically. The former Soviet Union has been retroactively characterized in this fashion since its constitution was essentially democratic, while the state was managed by the...
, which is where the relevant forms of democracy exist but are not actually managed democratically. The former Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
can be characterized in as such, since its constitution was essentially democratic but in actuality the state was managed by a bureaucratic
Bureaucracy
A bureaucracy is an organization of non-elected officials of a governmental or organization who implement the rules, laws, and functions of their institution, and are occasionally characterized by officialism and red tape.-Weberian bureaucracy:...
élite
Elite
Elite refers to an exceptional or privileged group that wields considerable power within its sphere of influence...
.