Meaning of Democracy PDF

### Meaning of Democracy Democracy is government of, by and for the people. ### Features of Democracy 1. **Franchise:** Eligibility to vote and be voted for. 2. **Periodic Elections:** Citizens can remove unwanted officials through elections. 3. **Separation of Powers:** Distinct functio...

### Meaning of Democracy Democracy is government of, by and for the people. ### Features of Democracy 1. **Franchise:** Eligibility to vote and be voted for. 2. **Periodic Elections:** Citizens can remove unwanted officials through elections. 3. **Separation of Powers:** Distinct functions and personnel for the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches. 4. **Political Parties:** Multiple parties compete for power. 5. **Secret Ballot:** Voter choices remain confidential. 6. **Universal Adult Suffrage:** All adult citizens have the right to vote. 7. **Freedom of the Press:** Media can express views on political issues. 8. **Fundamental Human Rights:** Protection of basic rights for individuals. 9. **Supremacy of the Constitution and Rule of Law:** The constitution is the highest law. ### Democratic Institutions 1. **Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC):** Organizes and conducts elections. - **Functions:** - Provides voting materials. - Registers political parties and voters. - Displays voter lists and divides the country into constituencies. - Conducts elections and announces results. 2. **Political Parties:** Associations aiming to secure political power. - **Functions:** - Train future politicians and serve as a link between the people and government. - Conduct primaries for candidate selection and educate the public on political matters. 3. **Pressure Groups:** Influence government decisions without engaging in partisan politics (e.g., Nigeria Labour Congress, Nigeria Union of Teachers). - **Functions:** - Advise government and promote members\' interests. - Act as watchdogs on public policies and provide welfare services. - Educate members on their rights. 4. **Arms of Government:** Include the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches. ### Importance of Democracy - Ensures equality of individuals and protection of rights. - Operates under the rule of law, where government acts within constitutional provisions. - Allows free choice of leaders through elections and promotes tolerance of opposing views. - Prevents the misuse of power through checks and balances. ### Pillars of Democracy Pillars are essential factors that support the sustenance of democracy: 1. **People:** The electorate holds power through voting. 2. **Democratic Institutions:** Structures like INEC and the arms of government that support democracy. 3. **Rule of Law:** Ensures the supremacy of law, equality, and personal liberty. 4. **Transparent Electoral Process:** Open and fair elections conducted by INEC. 5. **Majority Rule:** Elected officials represent the majority\'s interests. 6. **Minority Rights:** Protects the rights of all citizens and ethnic groups. ### Forms of Democracy 1. **Direct/Pure Democracy:** Citizens collectively take decision. 2. **Representative Democracy: A representative make decisions** 3. **Constitutional Democracy:** Government operates according to constitutional provisions. ### Features of Modern Democratic Systems - Freedom of the press and citizen liberties. - Existence of the rule of law. - Majority rule based on electoral outcomes. - Presence of political parties. - Independence of the judiciary. - Free and fair elections conducted periodically (every 3-4 years). ### Systems of Government 1. **Unitary System:** Operates from the center without division. 2. **Federal System:** Power is shared among component units of government. 3. **Parliamentary System:** Head of state differs from head of government. 4. **Monarchial System:** Ruled by a king or queen. ### Structure of Government in Nigeria - Comprises 1 Federal Government, 36 States, and 774 Local Governments (e.g., 23 local governments in Rivers State). ### Arms of Government - **Executive:** Implements laws. - **Legislative:** Makes laws (unicameral or bicameral structures). - **Unicameralism:** One legislative chamber (e.g., House of Assembly). **Bicameralism** Two legislative chambers (Senate and House of Representatives). - Senate: Upper house, 3 senators per state (total of 109). - House of Representatives: Lower house, 10 representatives per state (total of 360). - - **Judiciary:** Interprets the law and punishes lawbreakers. ### Legislative Lists - **Exclusive List:** Federal jurisdiction only (e.g., changing state boundaries, currency printing). - **Concurrent List:** Powers shared between federal and state governments. **Tiers of Government:** - Federal, State, Local. - Arms and tiers of government form the structure of governance. **Symbols of Authority:** - **Legislative:** Mace, Gavel. - **Executive:** Flag, Anthem, Coat of Arms. - **Judiciary:** Wigs, Lady Justice. ### Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) - Established in 1948 by the United Nations; Nigeria adopted 20 out of 30 outlined human rights. ### Key Historical Constitutions in Nigeria 1. **Clifford Constitution** **1922** 2. **Richard Constitution:** **1946** 3. **Macpherson Constitution** **1951** 4. **Lyttleton Constitution:** **1954** 5. **Independence Constitution** **1960** ### Principles of Democracy - Government of, by, and for the people, with an emphasis on the electorate (voters). - **Rule of Law:** Supremacy of the law, ### Types of Elections - **Direct Elections:** Voters select candidates directly. - **Indirect Elections:** Involves processes like the Electoral College. ### National Security National security refers to the protection of a nation\'s citizens, territory, and interests from external and internal threats. #### Duties of Citizens to Maintain National Security 1. **Obey the Law**. 2. **Report Suspicious Activities** 3. **Participate in National Service** 4. **Promote Peace** 5. **Stay Informed** ### Citizenship Citizenship refers to the status of being a member of a nation or state, with associated rights and responsibilities. #### Types of Citizenship 1. **Birthright Citizenship:** Granted to individuals born within a country\'s territory. 2. **Naturalized Citizenship:** Conferred upon individuals who meet legal requirements after immigration. 3. **Dual Citizenship:** Holding citizenship in two different countries. ### Reasons for Federation 1. **Diverse Interests:** 2. **Distribution of Power** 3. **Economic Efficiency** 4. **Protection of Minorities** ### Security Agencies and Date of Establishment 1. **Nigerian Police Force (NPF):** Established in **1820**; responsible for maintaining law and order. 2. **Nigerian Army:** Established in **1960**; responsible for land-based military operations. 3. **Nigerian Navy:** Established in **1956**; responsible for naval operations. 4. **Nigerian Air Force:** Established in **1964**; responsible for aerial military operations. 5. **Department of State Services (DSS):** Established in **1986**; focuses on internal security and intelligence gathering. ### Constitutions and Types A constitution is a set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state is governed. #### Types of Constitutions 1. **Written** 2. **Unwritten** 3. Rigid 4. Flexible #### Functions of Constitutions 1. **Establish Government Structure** 2. **Protect Rights** 3. **Provide Stability** 4. **Limit Government Power** **Key Historical Figures:** - **First Prime Minister:** Tafawa Balewa. - **First Governor-General:** Nnamdi Azikiwe. - **Head of State:** Governor-General. - **Head of Government:** Prime Minister. - **First Indigenous President:** Nnamdi Azikiwe. - **First Non-Indigenous President:** Lord Lugard.