Consensus

Definition

Consensus refers to a general agreement or collective decision-making process where a group or community comes to a shared understanding or position on an issue. It involves finding common ground and reaching a broad agreement, rather than a simple majority vote.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Consensus-building is an important aspect of the political process, as it allows for the integration of diverse interests and perspectives.
2. Reaching consensus often requires patience, active listening, and a willingness to compromise among stakeholders.
3. Consensus-based decision-making can lead to more sustainable and widely supported outcomes, as opposed to decisions made through simple majority rule.
4. Consensus is particularly important in situations where a decision will have a significant impact on a community or group, and where buy-in from multiple parties is crucial.
5. Achieving consensus can be challenging, as it requires navigating different values, priorities, and power dynamics within a group.

Review Questions

• Explain how the concept of consensus relates to the definition of politics as 'who gets what, when, and how'.
  • Consensus is a crucial aspect of the political process, as it determines how resources, power, and decision-making authority are distributed within a group or community. By reaching a shared understanding and agreement on issues, the process of 'who gets what, when, and how' can be negotiated and settled in a way that is more inclusive and representative of the diverse interests at play. Consensus-building allows for the integration of different perspectives and the balancing of competing demands, rather than a winner-take-all approach.
• Analyze how the use of consensus-based decision-making can influence the 'when' and 'how' of the political process.
  • Consensus-based decision-making can significantly impact the timing and the manner in which political decisions are made. By requiring a broader agreement among stakeholders, the 'when' of a decision may be delayed as the group works to find common ground. However, the 'how' of the decision-making process can be more inclusive, transparent, and collaborative, as opposed to a top-down or adversarial approach. This can lead to decisions that are more widely accepted and sustainable, even if the process takes longer to reach. Consensus-building requires patience, active listening, and a willingness to compromise, which can ultimately shape the pace and nature of political outcomes.
• Evaluate the role of consensus in ensuring the fair and equitable distribution of 'what' in the political process.
  • Consensus-based decision-making is essential for ensuring the fair and equitable distribution of resources, power, and benefits in the political process. By requiring a shared understanding and agreement among diverse stakeholders, the 'what' of political outcomes is more likely to reflect the needs and interests of the broader community, rather than the demands of a narrow majority or the whims of those in power. Consensus building encourages the integration of different perspectives and the balancing of competing claims, leading to decisions that are more inclusive and representative of the 'who' that is impacted by the 'what' of political outcomes. This can help to mitigate the risks of winner-take-all approaches and promote a more just and equitable distribution of the political spoils.

Related terms

Compromise: A settlement of differences in which each side makes concessions, allowing for a mutually acceptable agreement to be reached.

Deliberation: The act of carefully considering an issue or course of action, often through discussion and debate.

Pluralism: The recognition and acceptance of multiple perspectives, beliefs, or approaches within a group or society.