CH 1 WHAT IS DEMOCRACY? WHY DEMOCRACY?

• Definition of Democracy:

  • Democracy is a form of government where rulers are elected by the people
  • Government is chosen by the people
  • Helps students differentiate between democratic and non-democratic governments
• Features of Democracy:

  • Rulers elected by the people take all major decisions
  • Elections offer a choice and fair opportunity to change current rulers
  • Choice and opportunity available to all people on an equal basis
  • Government limited by basic rules of the constitution and citizens' rights
• Major Decisions by Elected Leaders:

  • In Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf led a military coup in 1999
  • Overthrew democratically elected government and became President
  • Final power rested with military officers and General Musharraf, not a democratic country
• Free and Fair Electoral Competition:

  • In China, elections require approval of the Chinese Communist Party
  • Government always formed by the Communist Party
  • Elections in Mexico won by PRI until 2000, not true examples of people electing rulers
  • Democracy must be based on free and fair elections
• One Person, One Vote, One Value:

  • Democracy based on political equality
  • Instances of denial of equal right to vote in Saudi Arabia, Estonia, Fiji
  • In a democracy, each adult citizen must have one vote with one value
• Rule of Law and Respect for Rights:

  • Zimbabwe ruled by ZANU-PF since independence
  • President Mugabe used unfair practices in elections
  • Democratic government rules within limits set by constitutional law and citizens' rights
• Arguments in Favour of Democracy:

  • Democracy is more accountable and responsive to people's needs
  • Democracy improves quality of decision-making through consultation and discussion
  • Democracy provides a peaceful method to deal with differences and conflicts
  • Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens and allows for correction of mistakes
• Broader Meanings of Democracy:

  • Representative democracy is the common form adopted by democracies
  • Modern democracies involve a large number of people, making direct decision-making impractical
  • Democracy can be applied beyond government to any sphere of life
  • Understanding democracy as an ideal helps to evaluate existing democracies and identify weaknesses