Democracy and Its Types

Study Notes

A system of government where power is held by the people, either directly or through elected representatives
Citizens have the right to participate in the decision-making process

Direct Democracy: Citizens make decisions directly through votes on laws and policies
- Examples: Ancient Athens, some Swiss cantons
Representative Democracy (also known as Indirect Democracy): Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf
- Examples: United States, United Kingdom, most modern democracies

Free and Fair Elections: Regular, competitive elections with universal suffrage
Protection of Individual Rights: Guaranteed rights and freedoms, such as freedom of speech and assembly
Separation of Powers: Division of power among legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent abuse
Rule of Law: Government and citizens are subject to the law, with equal application and enforcement
Accountability: Leaders are accountable to the people, with mechanisms for removal or recall

Participatory: Citizens have a say in the decision-making process
Representative: Elected representatives reflect the diversity of the population
Stable: Democracies tend to be more stable and less prone to violent conflicts
Protects Minority Rights: Ensures protection of individual and group rights, even for minority groups

Majority Tyranny: The majority may oppress or neglect the rights of minority groups
Inefficient: Decision-making process can be slow and cumbersome
Vulnerable to Manipulation: Powerful interests or individuals may influence public opinion or the political process

Democracy is a system of government where power is held by the people, either directly or through elected representatives
Citizens have the right to participate in the decision-making process, exercising their sovereignty

Direct Democracy: Citizens make decisions directly through votes on laws and policies, like in Ancient Athens and some Swiss cantons
Representative Democracy (also known as Indirect Democracy): Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, like in the United States, United Kingdom, and most modern democracies

Free and Fair Elections: Regular, competitive elections with universal suffrage, ensuring equal voting rights for all citizens
Separation of Powers: Division of power among legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent abuse of power and ensure checks and balances

Protection of Individual Rights: Guaranteed rights and freedoms, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and religion
Rule of Law: Government and citizens are subject to the law, with equal application and enforcement, ensuring justice and fairness

Accountability: Leaders are accountable to the people, with mechanisms for removal or recall, such as impeachment or elections

Participatory: Citizens have a say in the decision-making process, enhancing civic engagement and political legitimacy
Representative: Elected representatives reflect the diversity of the population, ensuring diverse perspectives and representation

Stable: Democracies tend to be more stable and less prone to violent conflicts, ensuring peace and security
Protects Minority Rights: Ensures protection of individual and group rights, even for minority groups, promoting inclusivity and diversity

Majority Tyranny: The majority may oppress or neglect the rights of minority groups, threatening their well-being and liberties
Inefficient: Decision-making process can be slow and cumbersome, hindering effective governance and policy implementation

Vulnerable to Manipulation: Powerful interests or individuals may influence public opinion or the political process, undermining democratic principles and institutions