8 Questions
What is the core principle of democracy that ensures citizens have equal rights and opportunities?
Equality of citizens
What type of democracy involves citizens making decisions directly through votes on laws and policies?
Direct Democracy
What is the primary purpose of separating powers in a democratic government?
To prevent abuse of power
What is a major challenge facing democratic systems, characterized by low voter turnout and disengagement from the political process?
Voter Apathy
What is the term used to describe the erosion of democratic institutions and norms, often leading to authoritarianism?
Democratic Backsliding
Which of the following is a key feature of democratic systems, ensuring the protection of citizens' rights to express opinions and beliefs?
Freedom of Expression
What is the term used to describe the use of misinformation and manipulation to influence public opinion and undermine democratic processes?
Manipulation and Propaganda
Which type of democracy combines elements of direct and representative democracy, with active citizen participation in decision-making processes?
Participatory Democracy
Study Notes
Definition and Core Principles
- Democracy: 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
Types of Democracy
- Direct Democracy: citizens make decisions directly through votes on laws and policies
- Representative Democracy (also known as Indirect Democracy): citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf
- Participatory Democracy: combines elements of direct and representative democracy, with active citizen participation in decision-making processes
Key Features
- Separation of Powers: division of government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent abuse of power
- Free and Fair Elections: regular elections with universal suffrage, secret ballots, and freedom from coercion
- Freedom of Expression: protection of citizens' rights to express opinions, beliefs, and ideas
- Protection of Minority Rights: safeguarding the rights of minority groups from discrimination and oppression
Challenges and Criticisms
- Voter Apathy: low voter turnout and disengagement from the political process
- Inequality and Discrimination: persisting social and economic inequalities that undermine democratic principles
- Manipulation and Propaganda: use of misinformation and manipulation to influence public opinion and undermine democratic processes
- Democratic Backsliding: erosion of democratic institutions and norms, often leading to authoritarianism
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 of democracy include sovereignty of the people, equality of citizens, protection of individual rights and freedoms, free and fair elections, and accountability of leaders.
Types of Democracy
- Direct Democracy involves citizens making decisions directly through votes on laws and policies.
- Representative Democracy (also known as Indirect Democracy) involves citizens electing representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
- Participatory Democracy combines elements of direct and representative democracy, with active citizen participation in decision-making processes.
Key Features of Democracy
- Separation of Powers divides government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent abuse of power.
- Free and Fair Elections involve regular elections with universal suffrage, secret ballots, and freedom from coercion.
- Freedom of Expression protects citizens' rights to express opinions, beliefs, and ideas.
- Protection of Minority Rights safeguards the rights of minority groups from discrimination and oppression.
Challenges Facing Democracy
- Voter Apathy involves low voter turnout and disengagement from the political process.
- Inequality and Discrimination persist in the form of social and economic inequalities that undermine democratic principles.
- Manipulation and Propaganda involve the use of misinformation and manipulation to influence public opinion and undermine democratic processes.
- Democratic Backsliding involves the erosion of democratic institutions and norms, often leading to authoritarianism.
This quiz covers the core principles and types of democracy, including direct and representative democracy. Test your knowledge of democratic systems of government.
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