Democracy Chapter 1: What is Democracy?

Elected rulers must take all the major decisions.

A democratic government respects certain guarantees for minorities.

Elections must offer a choice and fair opportunity for people to change the current rulers.

<p>A democratic government operates within limits set by constitutional law and citizens' rights.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Equal access ensures that every citizen has the same chance to exercise their right to vote.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The crown of leaves symbolizes victory, peace, and the achievements of democratic governance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Elected representatives are chosen by the people and are accountable to them, while military officials are usually unelected and hold power without direct public consent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Power often rests with individuals who are not democratically elected, leading to a lack of true representative governance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>General Musharraf's power signifies how military leaders can exert control over a government that appears to be democratic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It means that while elections may occur, the decisions are made by those who are not elected, undermining the democracy's fundamental principles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Democracy can coexist with military influence when political authorities are constrained or controlled by military leaders, creating a façade of democratic authority.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The historical context suggests a pattern of military rule and the undermining of democratic processes in various Latin American countries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It indicates that governance may be superficial if the elected officials lack genuine power, indicating a potential democratic deficit.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Public consent is critical in a democracy because it legitimizes the authority of elected officials and ensures accountability to the electorate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Computers were originally used for computing, specifically for calculating difficult mathematical sums.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Merry believes that the meaning should be approached before examples, suggesting we should clarify definitions first.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Definitions are needed when we encounter difficulties in using a word or distinguishing it from similar terms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Using a word helps us to understand its meaning through context and experience rather than relying solely on definitions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She uses the example of 'rain' to explain the necessity of a clear definition to distinguish it from drizzle or cloudburst.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Merry questions whether we need clear definitions for commonly used words and suggests that their meanings can be fluid.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She agrees because the meanings of words evolve through usage, and we sometimes need definitions to clarify those meanings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Citizens should have the right to think, express opinions, form associations, protest, and take political actions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>There was a law that limited the right to criticise the President.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Television and radio were controlled by the government, and they only presented the ruling party's version.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>An independent judiciary ensures that rights are protected and that government orders are obeyed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Independent newspapers provide alternative viewpoints and challenge government narratives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It means that everyone should be equal in the eyes of the law, with the same rights and protections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Citizens can express their rights through protests, public opinions, and forming associations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The government declared demonstrations against it illegal, limiting citizens' ability to express dissent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Society should discuss and advocate for the protection of basic rights in the face of government actions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Zimbabwe was ruled by ZANU-PF, led by Robert Mugabe, who maintained power through regular elections that were often won through unfair practices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mugabe's government altered the constitution multiple times to increase presidential powers and reduce accountability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It shows that popular approval of rulers is necessary, but insufficient for a true democracy, which also requires accountability and fair practices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Political opposition faced harassment, meetings were disrupted, and public protests were often suppressed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Popular leaders can still be autocratic, demonstrating that popularity does not inherently equate to democratic governance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Robert Mugabe was forced out of office in 2017.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>There must be sufficient room for normal political activity, including the ability for opposition parties to operate freely.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Judges faced pressure that compromised their independence, impacting the fairness of governance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Despite Mugabe's popularity, he employed unfair practices in elections to maintain his grip on power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It's important to look at the political environment and the treatment of opposition parties both before and after elections.</p> Signup and view all the answers