Democracy Quiz: Key Features and Principles

Introduction to Democracy

• Democracy is a system of governance where supreme power resides with the people.
• It involves direct or indirect representation through periodic free elections.

Key Features of Democracy

• Accountability: Representatives are answerable to the people.
• Transparency: Government actions are open to public review.
• Rule of Law: Everyone, including the government, is subject to the law.
• Participation: Citizens actively engage in decision-making through various means (e.g., voting, protests).
• Tolerance: Different views are respected and accommodated.
• Political Equality: All citizens have equal rights and opportunities to participate politically.

Outcomes of Democracy

• Promotes equality and individual dignity.
• Allows citizens to choose representatives aligned with their interests.
• Fosters peace and stability by reducing large-scale conflicts, contributing to economic growth.
• Enhances decision-making through public debate, feedback, and political competition.
• Improves the quality of life and living standards by reducing inequality through participation.
• Reduces the risk of a "tyranny of the majority," improving social stability.

Challenges of Democracy

• Inequality: Social and economic disparities can persist despite democratic principles.
• Corruption: Elected officials may abuse power or engage in corrupt practices.
• Tyranny of the Majority: Decision-making might favor the majority over minority interests.
• Instability: Elections and shifting alliances can cause policy changes and instability, potentially influenced by external factors like economic crises.
• Lack of Awareness/Education: Effective democratic participation requires informed citizens.
• Slow Decision-Making: Democratic processes can be slower than autocratic ones, due to consensus-building.

Accommodating Diverse Interests in Democracies

• Free and Fair Elections: Multiple parties and candidates represent diverse viewpoints.
• Organized Opposition: Citizens can voice concerns and propose alternatives.
• Political and Media Pluralism: Diverse opinions and viewpoints can freely be expressed.
• Independent Judiciary: Resolves disputes and protects minority rights through courts.
• Representative Mechanisms: Constituencies and regions have representation at legislative levels.

Democracy and Equality

• Equal voting rights are fundamental to democratic equality.
• Democracies provide avenues for various interests to be heard.
• Equality before the law is crucial, regardless of social status or wealth.
• Democracies aim for social justice and reduced inequality by better representing citizen needs.

Democratic vs. Non-Democratic Systems

• Democracies rely on free, fair elections to select representatives. Non-democratic systems concentrate power in a single entity or a small group.
• Democratic governments are accountable to the people; non-democratic ones are not.
• Democracies protect diverse opinions and rights; non-democratic systems often suppress dissent.
• Democracies have independent judiciaries and uphold the rule of law, whereas non-democratic systems often lack these.