Introduction to Democracy

Study Notes

Definition and Characteristics

Democracy is a system of government where power is held by the people, either directly or through elected representatives.
Key characteristics:
- Free and fair elections
- Active participation of citizens in the political process
- Protection of individual rights and freedoms
- Rule of law
- Accountability of government to the people

Types of Democracy

Direct Democracy: Citizens make decisions directly through votes on laws and policies.
Representative Democracy: Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
Participatory Democracy: Combines elements of direct and representative democracy, with citizens participating in decision-making processes.

Principles of Democracy

Equality: All citizens have equal rights and opportunities.
Justice: The system ensures fair treatment and protection of rights.
Liberty: Citizens have freedom to make choices and express themselves.
Accountability: Government officials are responsible to the people.

Challenges to Democracy

Voter Apathy: Low voter turnout and lack of engagement in the political process.
Inequality: Economic and social disparities can undermine equal participation.
Corruption: Abuse of power and corruption can erode trust in government.
External Interference: Foreign interference or influence can undermine democratic processes.

Historical Development of Democracy

Ancient Greece: Democracy originated in Athens, Greece around 500 BCE.
Enlightenment: Ideas of liberty, equality, and democracy influenced the development of modern democracy.
American and French Revolutions: Established democracy as a modern form of government.
20th Century: Expansion of democracy to more countries, particularly after World War II.

Democracy and Economic Development

Correlation: Democracy is often associated with economic growth and development.
Causal Link: Democracy can promote economic development by:
- Encouraging investment and innovation
- Protecting property rights and the rule of law
- Reducing corruption and inequality

Definition and Characteristics of Democracy

Power is held by the people, either directly or through elected representatives.
Key characteristics of democracy include:
- Free and fair elections to ensure citizens' voices are heard.
- Active participation of citizens in the political process to hold leaders accountable.
- Protection of individual rights and freedoms to promote social harmony.
- Rule of law to ensure consistency and fairness in governance.
- Accountability of government to the people to prevent abuse of power.

Types of Democracy

Direct Democracy: Citizens make decisions directly through votes on laws and policies, promoting direct participation.
Representative Democracy: Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, allowing for efficient governance.
Participatory Democracy: Combines elements of direct and representative democracy, ensuring citizens are involved in decision-making processes.

Principles of Democracy

Equality: All citizens have equal rights and opportunities to promote social justice.
Justice: The system ensures fair treatment and protection of rights to maintain social order.
Liberty: Citizens have freedom to make choices and express themselves to promote individual autonomy.
Accountability: Government officials are responsible to the people, ensuring transparency and trust.

Challenges to Democracy

Voter Apathy: Low voter turnout and lack of engagement in the political process can undermine democratic legitimacy.
Inequality: Economic and social disparities can undermine equal participation and create social unrest.
Corruption: Abuse of power and corruption can erode trust in government and undermine democratic institutions.
External Interference: Foreign interference or influence can undermine democratic processes and sovereignty.

Historical Development of Democracy

Ancient Greece: Democracy originated in Athens, Greece around 500 BCE, with the concept of citizen participation and governance.
Enlightenment: Ideas of liberty, equality, and democracy influenced the development of modern democracy, promoting individual rights and freedoms.
American and French Revolutions: Established democracy as a modern form of government, promoting self-governance and national sovereignty.
20th Century: Expansion of democracy to more countries, particularly after World War II, with the establishment of the United Nations and international human rights law.

Democracy and Economic Development

Correlation: Democracy is often associated with economic growth and development, as it promotes a stable and conducive business environment.
Causal Link: Democracy can promote economic development by:
- Encouraging investment and innovation through a stable and predictable business environment.
- Protecting property rights and the rule of law to ensure business confidence and security.
- Reducing corruption and inequality to promote social cohesion and economic mobility.

Description

Learn about the definition, characteristics, and types of democracy, including direct democracy. Understand the importance of free elections, citizen participation, and protection of individual rights.