Module 1 - Democratic Principles PDF

DEMOCRACY  2 WHAT IS DEMOCRACY? Democracy derives from two Greek words ‘demos’ (people) and kratos ‘power’ – “power of the people”. In other words, the ‘rule of the people’ or ‘the will of the people’. Democracy is a form of government in...

DEMOCRACY  2 WHAT IS DEMOCRACY? Democracy derives from two Greek words ‘demos’ (people) and kratos ‘power’ – “power of the people”. In other words, the ‘rule of the people’ or ‘the will of the people’. Democracy is a form of government in which supreme power is vested by the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodic free elections”.  3 1. ACCEPTING THE RESULTS OF ELECTIONS Democracy depends on a peaceful transfer of power from one set of leaders to the next, so accepting the results of a free and fair election is essential.  4 2. ACCOUNTABILITY In a democracy, elected and appointed officials are responsible for their actions and have to be accountable to the people.  5 3. BILL OF RIGHTS Most democratic countries have a list of citizens’ rights and freedom. Often called a “Bill of Rights,” this document limits the power of government and explains the freedom that are guaranteed to all people in the country.  6 4. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION Citizen participation may take many forms, including running for office, voting in elections, becoming informed, debating issues, attending community meetings, being members of private voluntary organizations etc.  7 5. CONTROL OF THE ABUSE OF POWER One of the most common abuses of power is corruption, which occurs when government officials use public funds for their own benefit or they exercise power in an illegal way.  8 6. ECONOMIC FREEDOM People in a democracy must have some form of economic freedom. This means that the government allows some private ownership of property and businesses.  9 7. EQUALITY In a democracy all individuals are valued equally, have equal opportunities, and may not be discriminated against because of their race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.  10 8. HUMAN RIGHTS 1. All democracies strive to value human life and dignity and to respect and protect the human rights of citizens. 2. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights  11 9. INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY Judges and the judiciary branch must be free to act without influence or control from the executive and legislative branches of government.  12 10. MULTI PARTY SYSTEMS To have a democracy, more than one political party must participate in elections and play a role in government.  13 11. POLITICAL TOLERANCE Democratic societies are politically tolerant. This means that while the majority of the people rule in a democracy, the rights of minorities must be protected.  14 12. REGULAR FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS One way citizens express their will is by electing officials to represent them in government. In a democracy elections are held regularly, usually every few years.  15 13. THE RULE OF LAW Everyone is considered equal infront of the law irrespective of their social status, political ideology, life style, status. Everyone has a right of a fair trial. - One rule for the powerful and powerless.  16 14. TRANSPARENCY For government to be accountable, the people must be aware of the actions their government is taking.