Understanding Democracy

Democracy

• Definition: A system of government where people exercise political power through periodic elections of leaders by themselves or their representatives.
• Origin: Ancient Greece
• Quote: "Government of the people, by the people, for the people" - Abraham Lincoln

Types of Democracy

• Direct Democracy: All citizens meet to govern the country.
• Indirect Democracy (Representative Democracy): Citizens elect representatives to govern on their behalf. Examples: Nigeria, Ghana, America, South Africa.

Characteristics of Democracy

• Respect for the rule of law: No one is above the law.
• Constitutional Government: Power adapted to the interests of the people, maintaining individual liberty.
• Effective popular participation: Citizens actively involved in socio-political activities.
• Periodic, regular, free and fair elections:
• Respect for fundamental human rights: Individual rights are promoted and guaranteed.
• Tolerance of opposition: Opposition is tolerated for efficient governance.

Representative Democracy

• Features:
  • Free and fair elections.
  • Independent body to conduct elections (e.g. INEC in Nigeria).
  • Periodic elections.
  • Respect for fundamental human rights.
  • Respect for the rule of law.

Democracy and National Development

• Contributions:
  • Promotes rule of law.
  • Engenders peace and security.
  • Generates employment.
  • Strengthens freedom of expression and human rights.
  • Promotes poverty alleviation.
  • Promotes political stability.

Why Nigeria Adopted Representative Democracy

• Reasons:
  • Large electoral size due to high population.
  • Complex state structure of the Nigerian government.
  • Large territorial size of the country.
  • Greater political participation.
  • Promotes accountability.
  • To maintain international relations with other democratic countries.

Factors Hindering Democracy in Nigeria

• Challenges:
  • Electoral malpractice.
  • Lack of proper political education.
  • High level of illiteracy.
  • Bribery and corruption.
  • High cost of running democracy.
  • Political apathy.

The Rule of Law

• Definition: Supremacy of law over every citizen in a political system.
• Concept popularized by: Professor Dicey.

Principles of the Rule of Law

• Equality before the law: No discrimination based on race, sex, ethnicity, religion, color, birth, or other status.
• Principle of impartiality: No favoritism, punishment only after proven guilty in court.
• Principle of supremacy of the law: No one is above the law.
• Principle of fair hearing: Fair trial process for anyone arrested.
• Right to appeal: Individuals can appeal unsatisfactory court judgments.
• Legal limitations of the actions of government: Government actions are subject to legal restrictions.

Factors Necessary for the Rule of Law

• Essentials:
  • Independence of the judiciary.
  • Freedom of the press.
  • Transparency of the law.
  • Mass literacy.
  • Access to appeal.

Rule of Law and Human Liberty

• Liberty defined: The ability or willingness to act without affecting others' freedom.
• Rule of law role: Guarantees individual liberty through:
  • Equality before the law.
  • Protection against arbitrary power.
  • Enforcement of fundamental rights.

This quiz explores the definition, origin, and types of democracy, including direct and representative forms. It also highlights the key characteristics that define a democratic system of governance, emphasizing the role of citizens in the political process.