Populism

Question 1

what is challenge with populism

Answer 1

• used widely/disparately in media

- derogatory connotation

Question 2

define populism

Answer 2

- negative connotation
populism merged with demagogy
- popular emotions used
- enemies/distrust
- irresponsible promises

Question 3

what are the key characteriscs of populism

Answer 3

1) electoral messages
2) location of populist politicians
3) linkages between leaders and supporters

Question 4

what are electoral messages

Answer 4

• pure people vs corrupted elite
• elite doesn’t want to represent ordinary citizens
• politics = expression of general will of people

Question 5

what is the ideology in electoral messages

Answer 5

"thin ideology"
- anti establishment
- citizen discontent
EITHER LEFT/RIGHT WING
"host ideology"

Question 6

what is location

Answer 6

populists = outsiders
eg.
- independents
- new parties
- newly competitive parties
- emerge within established party, radically re-shape it

Question 7

what is perception key in terms of location

Answer 7

success = outsiders

• convince voters oppose elite
• some rise through establishment
• charisma

Question 8

what are linkages

Answer 8

unlike mainstream parties -> no “programmatic” linkages

• party loyalty NOT based on ideology
• –thin ideology

Question 9

what are linkages special electoral linkage

Answer 9

speacial electoral linkage” plebiscitarianism

• referenda
• mass demonstrations
  1) leader’s authority
  2) leader’s responsibility to the people

Question 10

what are linkages with direct democracy and vertical linkage

Answer 10

direct democracy is with vertical linkage

• populists alone represent the people
• criticism is illegitimate because attack on the people
• clash with check/balances
• –parliament: inefficiency
• –media, courts: illegitimate limits

Question 11

what is populism overall

Answer 11

• outsider who seeks power
• anti-establishment appeals
• plebiscitarian linkages (link between leader and followers)