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• Democracy


  A system of government in which state power is vested in the people or the general population of a state
• According to the United Nations, democracy "provides an environment that respects human rights and fundamental freedoms, and in which the freely expressed will of people is exercised."
• Greek: demos


  the people
• Greek: demoskratia


  power, rule
• Democracy does not always look the same (e.g. South Africa, United States, Switzerland, China)
• Types of democracy


  • Other (perhaps more fitting!) types of government
• Three basic elements of a democracy

  • Representatives are elected - free and fair, all votes equal, will of majority is achieved
  • Separation of powers
  • Rule of law - Constitution (organisation of state and government + Bill of Rights)
• Common law


  Body of law based on historical law (Roman-Dutch) and court decisions
• Constitution


  The supreme law of the land
• Parts of the Constitution

  • How government works - explains how government operates, gives certain powers to certain positions
  • The Bill of Rights - your rights!
• The Bill of Rights is the mission statement of our government

  
• Rights in the Bill of Rights

  • Equality - everyone is equal under the law, no discrimination
  • Human dignity - everyone has the right to be respected
  • Freedom and security - no arrest without trial, no inhumane treatment by government
  • Basic human rights - right to life, housing, education, healthcare, privacy, adequate standard of living, no slavery
  • Freedom of speech and expression
  • Political rights - participate in politics, free and fair elections, vote, stand for public office
• Organisations that protect your rights

  • Equality Courts - protect from unfair discrimination, harassment, hate speech
  • South African Human Rights Commission - promotes, protects and monitors human rights
  • Treatment Action Campaign - human rights advocacy organisation, focuses on rights of people with HIV and AIDS
  • Commission on Gender Equality - promotes and protects gender equality, aims to create a society free of discrimination