HUMSS7

• Democracy - Democracy originated from the Greek word Demoskratos or Demokratia which means the

  ‘rule of people. Democracy is a

  system of government where

  citizens choose their

  representatives to form

  governing body.

  It is therefore a ‘government of

  the people, for the people. This

  is also stated that democracy is

  ‘Vox Populi Vox Dei’ meaning

  the ‘Voice of the people is the

  Voice of God’ as the people are

  superior to the government.
• Parliamentary Democracy


  A democratic form of government that began in Great Britain. It features a leading party or coalition of parties whose leader becomes the prime minister or chancellor. When the leading party weakens or falls out of favor, the party that replaces it installs its leader as prime minister or chancellor.
• Jefferson Democracy

  Formulated by Thomas Jefferson, it presupposed that all male citizens were entitled to equal political opportunities. It underscored the need for leadership by those with great abilities, to be chosen by the people. This was the ideology of the Democratic-Republican Party, one of the two parties that dominated the U.S. political scene from late 18th century to early 19th century. The other party was Alexander Hamilton's Federalist Party.
• Jacksonian Democracy

  Symbolized by Andrew Jackson, it focused on the needs of the ordinary people rather than on the needs of the elite and the educated. In pursuit of equality, it granted more rights to the common people and extended suffrage even to men who did not possess property in contrast to the political norm of the era.
• Liberal or Constitutional Democracy Founded on the principles of free and fair elections, a universal right to vote for office. Forms a. Constitutional Monarchy – where the monarch’s power is limited by the constitution. b. Constitutional Republic – Which can be federal or unitary. - Federal republic, is composed of self-governing states powers with a higher national or federal government. - Unitary republic – run as one entity and has a strong central or national government.
• 5. Social Democracy

  • Conceived in the 19th century, it promotes universal access to health, education, just compensation for workers, and social services. It seeks to reform capitalism through state laws and other regulatory policies.
• Legislative – enacts the laws of the state according to the desire of the constituents. It is mainly comprised of the House of Representative and the Senate
• Executive – implements the policies of the land. The President of the land with the Cabinet members carries out this function making sure that the approved laws are executed in every aspect of the citizenry’s lives.
• Judicial – is responsible for giving the meaning to the established laws and brings to justice those who violate the fundamental laws of the land. This branch makes sure that the fundamental rights and privileges of the citizenry are met by the government.
• A Pluralistic System of Political Parties and Organizations It is expected that a democratic system allows the rule of the majority. Representation is very necessary in every sector of the society. Hence, groups, organizations and collective efforts are recognized.
• Respect of the Rule of Law - The Rule of Law is the principle that reiterates no one is above the law. It safeguards citizens against governance by a totalitarian leader. The rule of law is against the rule of dictator or of an absolute ruler.
• The sovereign people

  – This refers to the “body-politic” of the people who rule.
• The principal democracy – Equality is the underlying principle of democracy
• The structure of democracy – This pertains to the various formulations, mechanisms, and institutions which are crafted to enable the people to actualize their sovereign will in the democratic processes.
• The practice of democracy – This involves the translation of the concept of democracy into reality or making rule of the people concretely manifested.
• Democracy as a political institution – An institution is any established organization with rules governing how things are done within it.
• Democracy as a political culture – A political culture is defined as the shared beliefs, values, norms, attitudes, and behavioral patterns of a particular group of people.
• Democracy as a political institution – An institution is a formal organization or body that exists within a larger social context. In the case of democracy, some examples of institutions might include parliamentary bodies, courts, and electoral commissions.
• Democracy as a system of government – A system is a set of interacting parts forming a complex whole. Democracy is a system of government where power is vested on the people through free elections.
• Democracy as a political ideology – Democracy is not only a set of principles but also a way of life. As such, it has its own philosophy. In this sense, democracy can be seen as a political ideology.