Which statement best describes the relationship between economic democracy and political democracy as discussed in Filene's motivation?

Which statement best describes the relationship between economic democracy and political democracy as discussed in Filene's motivation?

• A. Economic democracy supports political democracy.
• B. They are incompatible.
• C. Political democracy drives economic inequality.
• D. Economic aims should be separate from political processes.

Answer: (A)

Filene’s motivation treats economic democracy as a force that strengthens political democracy. When people collectively own and govern economic institutions—think member‑owned credit unions with one person, one vote—members gain real experience in democratic decision‑making. They participate in setting policies, elect leaders, and share the benefits of the enterprise. That hands‑on governance builds civic capacity, accountability, and trust in democratic processes, while spreading economic influence more broadly so it doesn’t concentrate in the hands of a few. In this view, economic democracy and political democracy reinforce each other: empowering people economically enhances their political voice, and a healthy political system protects and broadens opportunities for democratic economic control. The other ideas misread the relationship by suggesting incompatibility, blaming political democracy for inequality, or insisting economic goals stay separate from governance.

Filene’s motivation treats economic democracy as a force that strengthens political democracy. When people collectively own and govern economic institutions—think member‑owned credit unions with one person, one vote—members gain real experience in democratic decision‑making. They participate in setting policies, elect leaders, and share the benefits of the enterprise. That hands‑on governance builds civic capacity, accountability, and trust in democratic processes, while spreading economic influence more broadly so it doesn’t concentrate in the hands of a few. In this view, economic democracy and political democracy reinforce each other: empowering people economically enhances their political voice, and a healthy political system protects and broadens opportunities for democratic economic control. The other ideas misread the relationship by suggesting incompatibility, blaming political democracy for inequality, or insisting economic goals stay separate from governance.