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Questions and Answers
What is the definition of democracy?
What is the definition of democracy?
Democracy is a system of government where people exercise political power through periodic elections of leaders.
What are the two main types of democracy?
What are the two main types of democracy?
The two main types of democracy are Direct Democracy and Indirect (Representative) Democracy.
Explain the concept of Representative Democracy.
Explain the concept of Representative Democracy.
Representative Democracy is a system where citizens elect leaders to represent them for a fixed term through periodic elections.
Identify two characteristics of democracy.
Identify two characteristics of democracy.
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What role does opposition play in a democratic state?
What role does opposition play in a democratic state?
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List one feature of Representative Democracy.
List one feature of Representative Democracy.
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How does democracy promote national development?
How does democracy promote national development?
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What is the importance of effective popular participation in democracy?
What is the importance of effective popular participation in democracy?
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What are two key reasons why Nigeria adopted representative democracy?
What are two key reasons why Nigeria adopted representative democracy?
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Name one factor that has retarded the growth of democracy in Nigeria.
Name one factor that has retarded the growth of democracy in Nigeria.
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Define the rule of law in your own words.
Define the rule of law in your own words.
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What does the principle of equality before the law entail?
What does the principle of equality before the law entail?
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List two factors necessary for ensuring the rule of law.
List two factors necessary for ensuring the rule of law.
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Explain the principle of fair hearing within the context of the rule of law.
Explain the principle of fair hearing within the context of the rule of law.
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How does the rule of law contribute to human liberty?
How does the rule of law contribute to human liberty?
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Why is mass literacy considered a factor for the rule of law?
Why is mass literacy considered a factor for the rule of law?
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Study Notes
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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Rule of law role: Guarantees individual liberty through:
- Equality before the law.
- Protection against arbitrary power.
- Enforcement of fundamental rights.
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Description
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.
