Democracy

• Democracy


  Public officials are chosen through an election, the government comes from the people, exercised by the people, and for people's interests
• Democracy


  • Free election - running for position and voting is free of charge
  • Citizens' participation - engagement between the people and the government
  • Majority rule / minority rule - although the will of the majority is followed, the minority is not always in the wrong
  • Constitutional government - the government's powers are limited by the constitution
• Four Philosophies of the Historical Model of Democracy

  • Leadership by authority over a certain area
  • Popular law or dominance, or sovereign means not limited to exercising such as powers
  • People are native-born and must have a numerical greater than the total population belonging to the upper class
  • People may govern through: decision-making and appointing representatives to decide on their behalf, fairly holding the political seat, appointing representatives accountable to the voters, and seeking replacement when unsatisfied
• Four Elements in Democracy

  • Free and fair elections for the political structure
  • Dynamic engagement between civics and politics
  • Safeguarding of human rights
  • Citizens are equal in law
• Importance of Democracy


  • Provides equality and admission to opportunities for citizens to be in the government
  • Checks and balances the government for possible abuse of power
  • Allows citizens to influence and suggest policies and laws through plebiscite in selecting delegates
  • Allows the popular majority to oust a representative
  • Promotes freedom and allows people to engage in business and innovations
  • Stops monopoly of power through political terms
• Disadvantages of Democracy


  • May result to wasted resources and time in law formation and elections
  • May lead to corruption where political leaders use public funds for personal gain
  • Citizens are likely to vote because of popularity, illiteracy, and advanced favors
  • May emphasize quantity over quality service
  • May illustrate immoral practices during election (vote buying, spreading false news, killing the rival)
• Three Models of Democracy

  • Participatory Democracy - collective discussion and agreement without needing a vote
  • Direct Democracy - decision through an assembly or forum without a need to vote in a particular venue
  • Representative Democracy - election of national and local leaders who decides for the people
• Democratic Participation


  Empowerment of people to involve themselves in forming structures, policies, and programs, that will equitably benefit them
• Participatory Democracy


  Allows for greater civic involvement and larger representation compared to Representative Democracy where decision is made by a few
• Participatory Democracy


  Involves citizens in policy-making itself so they can vote both who they want to represent and the referendums put to them
• Direct Democracy


  Provides a higher chance for citizens to participate in decision making, the plebiscite and voter's ballot are important in political education and fighting back the doubts of political development
• Benefits of Participatory Democracy

  • Promotes transparency
  • Provides direct responsibility
  • Promotes a well-cooperative community