Ultra-democracy

Ultra-democracy is the overemphasis of democratic decision making at the expense of centralism. Ultra-democracy disrupts party functions and can ultimately wreck the organization if left unchecked.

"Since the Fourth Army of the Red Army accepted the directives of the Central Committee, there has been a great decrease in the manifestations of ultra-democracy. For example, Party decisions are now carried out fairly well; and no longer does anyone bring up such erroneous demands as that the Red Army should apply "democratic centralism from the bottom to the top" or should "let the lower levels discuss all problems first, and then let the higher levels decide". Actually, however, this decrease is only temporary and superficial and does not mean that ultra-democratic ideas have already been eliminated. In other words, ultra-democracy is still deep-rooted in the minds of many comrades. Witness the various expressions of reluctance to carry out Party decisions." —Mao Zedong

See also

• Anarchism
• Commandism