The role of a second chamber in a healthy democracy.

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Selected thesis

According to Developmental Democracy...

Pros

Cons

  • Pro claim 1

    By using the House of Lords appointment commission, individuals of the highest distinction and merit are selected, allowing for Mill's desire for individuals of excellence the opportunity to self-actualise and for their ideas to thrive. For Mills, it is the role of the state to facilitate this, and so the House of Lords does.

  • Pro claim 2

    ✔ Encourages citizens to grow morally and intellectually through active participation.

  • Con claim 1

    Could be perceived as another restrictive layer of regulations, that prevents individuals defining their own laws and regulations. As Rousseau believed - people should be allowed to do what is best for themselves, which will in turn be what is best for society.

  • Con claim 2

    ✖ Requires high civic engagement and education — hard to sustain in reality.