What is Democracy?
The word democracy comes from two Latin words Demo(people) and Kratos (power) which signifies
that it is a type of government which is by the people, of the people and for the people.
It is a form of government in which people themselves elect their rulers.. The basic definition of
democracy in its purest form comes from the Greek language: The term means “rule by the people.” But
democracy is defined in many ways — a fact that has caused much disagreement among those leading
various democracies as to how best to run one.
Democracy is the best form of government as the rulers are accountable to the people and have
to fulfill their need.
Kinds of Democracy
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1.Direct Democracy
2.Indirect Democracy
Direct democracy
classically termed pure democracy is a form of democracy and a theory of civics in which
sovereignty is lodged in the assembly of all citizens Direct democracy stands in contrast to
representative democracy, where sovereignty is exercised by a subset of the people, usually
on the basis of election.
Deliberative democracy incorporates elements of both direct democracy and representative
democracy.
Many countries that are representative democracies allow for three forms of political
action .
Representative democracy
Representative democracy is a form of government founded on the principle of elected
individuals representing the people, as opposed to autocracy and direct democracy.
A representative democracy that emphasizes individual liberty is a liberal democracy. One
that does not is an illiberal democracy. There is no necessity that individual liberties be
respected in a representative democracy.
Why Democracy?
Collective Decision-Making
Interests of All should be taken into Consideration
Equal and Exact justice
A Responsible Governmen
Economic Inequalities
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Social Inequalities
Money and Muscle power in Elections
Lake of interest in Public Affairs
Leadership and Political Parties
Terms for Success of Democracy
A democratic society
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Sound leadership
Sound party Structure
Citizen must be Intelligent ,Alert and Awake
Fight against Corruption
Questions asked to students
FEATURES OF A DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT:
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1.Periodic Elections
2.Right to Contest an Election
3.Right to form Associations or Unions
4.Free and Fair Elections
5.Freedom of Speech and Expression
6.Right to Information
7.Rule of law and an Independent
8.Freedom of Movement
9.Religious,Cultural and Educational Rights
Kinds of Democracy
1.Direct Democracy
2.Indirect Democracy
Direct democracy
classically termed pure democracy is a form of democracy and a theory of civics in which
sovereignty is lodged in the assembly of all citizens who choose to participate. Depending on
the particular system, this assembly might pass executive motions, make laws, elect or dismiss
officials, and conduct trials. Direct democracy stands in contrast to representative democracy,
where sovereignty is exercised by a subset of the people, usually on the basis of election.
Deliberative democracy incorporates elements of both direct democracy and representative
democracy.
Many countries that are representative democracies allow for three forms of political
action that provide limited direct democracy: initiative, referendum (plebiscite), and recall.
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Representative democracy
Representative democracy is a form of government founded on the principle of elected
individuals representing the people, as opposed to autocracy and direct democracy.
The representatives form an independent ruling body (for an election period) charged with
the responsibility of acting in the people's interest, but not as their proxy representatives not
necessarily always according to their wishes, but with enough authority to exercise swift and
resolute initiative in the face of changing circumstances. It is often contrasted with direct
democracy, where representatives are absent or are limited in power as proxy
representatives.
A representative democracy that emphasizes individual liberty is a liberal democracy. One
that does not is an illiberal democracy. There is no necessity that individual liberties be
respected in a representative democracy.
Why Democracy?
Collective Decision-Making
Interests of All should be taken into Consideration
Equal and Exact justice
A Responsible Government
Democracy Encourages Discussion and Debate
Democracy means Majority Rule
Challenges to Democracy
Economic Inequalities
Social Inequalities
Money and Muscle power in Elections
Lake of interest in Public Affairs
Leadership and Political Parties
Terms for Success of Democracy
A democratic society
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







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Sound leadership
Sound party Structure
Citizen must be Intelligent ,Alert and Awake
Fight against Corruption
Questions asked to students
Give a simple definition of democracy ?
What is a representative democracy ?
Give one argument against democracy ?
Give two features of democracy ?
What are the merits of a democracy ?
What is the difference between democracy and non democracy ?
How is a democratic government a better government ?