Democratic Interventions Module

Democratic Interventions Module

• This module defines and explains democracy, identifies preferred democratic practices, and analyzes their reasons
• It illustrates the benefits of democratic participation and importance of participation for democracy
• It distinguishes participatory and representative democracy and generates criteria to assess prevailing political and social institutions
• It explains the ill effects of undemocratic practices, including gender bias, poverty, marginalization, racial inequality, and cultural domination
• It conceptualizes viable alternatives to undemocratic practices and identifies ways to safeguard democracy and prevent abuse

Understanding Democracy

• Democracy is the "power of the people" derived from Greek words "demos" (people) and "kratos" (strength or power)
• In a democracy, there are no hereditary class distinctions or arbitrary class privileges
• The people hold the supreme power in a democracy and have the sovereign will
• Former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln defined democracy as "government of the people, by the people, for the people" in his Gettysburg Address of 1863

Types of Democracy

• Parliamentary democracy: A leading party or coalition forms a government with its leader becoming prime minister or chancellor
• Jeffersonian democracy: All male citizens are entitled to equal political opportunities; leaders are chosen by the people
• Jacksonian democracy: focuses on the needs of ordinary people, extends suffrage to those without property
• Liberal or constitutional democracy: based on free and fair elections, universal right to vote, and a competitive political process, can be monarchial or republican
• Social democracy: 19th century concept that promotes universal access to health, education, and wages; reforms capitalism through state policies

Explore the principles of democracy through this module that defines its essence, identifies preferred practices, and analyzes their impacts. Delve into the significance of citizen participation and the ill effects of undemocratic systems. Learn to assess political institutions and discover strategies for safeguarding democratic values.