Introduction to Democracy

Study Notes

Definition and Core Principles

Democracy is a system of government where power is held by the people, either directly or through elected representatives.
Core principles:
- Sovereignty of the people
- Equality of citizens
- Protection of individual rights and freedoms
- Free and fair elections
- Accountability of leaders to the people

Types of Democracy

Direct Democracy: Citizens make decisions directly, often through referendums or town hall meetings. Examples: Ancient Athens, some Swiss cantons.
Representative Democracy: Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. Examples: United States, United Kingdom, most modern democracies.
Participatory Democracy: Combines elements of direct and representative democracy, with active citizen participation in decision-making processes. Examples: Some city governments, citizen juries.

Key Institutions

Legislative Branch: Makes laws, often composed of elected representatives.
Executive Branch: Enforces laws, headed by a president, prime minister, or other leader.
Judicial Branch: Interprets laws, composed of independent courts and judges.
Free Press: Ensures access to information and holds those in power accountable.

Characteristics of a Healthy Democracy

Political Pluralism: Multiple parties and perspectives are represented.
Free and Fair Elections: Regular, transparent, and competitive elections.
Civil Liberties: Protection of individual rights and freedoms, such as freedom of speech and assembly.
Accountability: Leaders are held accountable for their actions, through mechanisms like checks and balances.
Active Citizen Participation: Citizens engage in the political process through voting, protesting, and other forms of participation.

Definition and Core Principles of Democracy

Democracy is a system of government where power is held by the people, either directly or through elected representatives.
Core principles of democracy include:
- Sovereignty of the people, meaning the people are the highest authority.
- Equality of citizens, ensuring equal rights and opportunities.
- Protection of individual rights and freedoms, such as freedom of speech and assembly.
- Free and fair elections, ensuring a transparent and competitive process.
- Accountability of leaders to the people, through mechanisms like checks and balances.

Types of Democracy

Direct Democracy: citizens make decisions directly, often through:
- Referendums, where citizens vote on specific policies.
- Town hall meetings, where citizens gather to discuss and decide on issues.
Representative Democracy: citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, as seen in:
- The United States, where Congress represents the people.
- The United Kingdom, where Parliament represents the people.
Participatory Democracy: combines elements of direct and representative democracy, with:
- Active citizen participation in decision-making processes.
- Examples include some city governments and citizen juries.

Key Institutions in a Democracy

Legislative Branch: makes laws, often composed of elected representatives.
Executive Branch: enforces laws, headed by a:
- President, as in the United States.
- Prime Minister, as in the United Kingdom.
Judicial Branch: interprets laws, composed of independent:
- Courts, which hear cases and make rulings.
- Judges, who interpret laws and make decisions.
Free Press: ensures access to information and holds those in power accountable through:
- Investigative reporting, which holds leaders accountable.
- Freedom of information, which allows citizens to access government information.

Characteristics of a Healthy Democracy

Political Pluralism: multiple parties and perspectives are represented, ensuring a diverse range of views.
Free and Fair Elections: regular, transparent, and competitive elections, which:
- Ensure citizens have a voice in government.
- Hold leaders accountable for their actions.
Civil Liberties: protection of individual rights and freedoms, including:
- Freedom of speech, which allows citizens to express their opinions.
- Freedom of assembly, which allows citizens to gather and protest.
Accountability: leaders are held accountable for their actions, through mechanisms like:
- Checks and balances, which prevent abuse of power.
- Transparency, which allows citizens to access government information.
Active Citizen Participation: citizens engage in the political process through:
- Voting, which allows citizens to choose their leaders.
- Protesting, which allows citizens to express their opinions and bring about change.

Description

Learn about the core principles and types of democracy, including direct democracy and its examples. Understand the significance of sovereignty, equality, and protection of individual rights in a democratic system.