Political egalitarianism describes an inclusive and fair allocation of political power or influence, fair processes, and fair treatment of all regardless of characteristics like race, religion, wealth or intelligence. [1] [2] Political egalitarianism, and its close cousin political equality, are key founding principles and sources of legitimacy for many democracies. [1] Related principles include one person, one vote and equality before the law. [3]
Egalitarianism believes that all people are of equal fundamental worth and should have equal status. [2] Egalitarians tend to focus more on process and treating people as social equals than on the raw distribution of power. [4]
Political equality is only achieved when the norms, rules and procedures that govern the community afford equal consideration to all. [4] Robert Dahl believes that the ideal of democracy assumes that political equality is desirable. [5] He goes on to argue that political equality and democracy are supported by the inherent intrinsic equal worth of every person (intrinsic equality) and the tendency of concentrated power to corrupt. [6]
Equality before law means that the law applies to all peoples equally and without exceptions. For example, the freedom of speech should apply the same to all members of a society.
Laws can sometimes be designed to help minimize unequal application. [7] Well-designed constitutions, for example, can help protect political rights in functioning democracies. [8] [9]
Political egalitarianism describes an inclusive and fair allocation of political power or influence, fair processes, and fair treatment of all regardless of characteristics like race, religion, wealth or intelligence. [1] [2] Political egalitarianism, and its close cousin political equality, are key founding principles and sources of legitimacy for many democracies. [1] Related principles include one person, one vote and equality before the law. [3]
Egalitarianism believes that all people are of equal fundamental worth and should have equal status. [2] Egalitarians tend to focus more on process and treating people as social equals than on the raw distribution of power. [4]
Political equality is only achieved when the norms, rules and procedures that govern the community afford equal consideration to all. [4] Robert Dahl believes that the ideal of democracy assumes that political equality is desirable. [5] He goes on to argue that political equality and democracy are supported by the inherent intrinsic equal worth of every person (intrinsic equality) and the tendency of concentrated power to corrupt. [6]
Equality before law means that the law applies to all peoples equally and without exceptions. For example, the freedom of speech should apply the same to all members of a society.
Laws can sometimes be designed to help minimize unequal application. [7] Well-designed constitutions, for example, can help protect political rights in functioning democracies. [8] [9]