TRENDS, NETWORKS and CRITICAL THINKING IN THE 21ST CENTURY
“Democratic Interventions”
What is Democracy
Democracy originated from the Greek word demoskratos or demokratia which means the rule of the
people. Democracy is a system of government where citizens choose their representatives to form a
governing body. It is therefore, a government of the people, for the people, and by the people. This
is why it is also stated that democracy is “Vox Populi, Vox Dei” meaning the Voice of the People is
the Voice of God. As the people are superior over the government.
Democracy is distinct from other forms of government as the power rests among the citizenry
unlike other forms which is either handled by one or a few individuals. A democratic government
focuses on freedom and opportunities for people to improve on their abilities as well as express
themselves for greater self- determination.
Elements of Democracy
The United Nations General Assembly adopted in 2004 a resolution laying out the essential
elements of democracy which includes the following:
1. Separation and Balance of Power
This means that the democratic government is a political authority which is divided into three,
namely the legislative, executive and judicial powers. These branches act independently of each
other to prevent the concentration of power as well as to maintain check and balance.
A. Legislative Branch
It enacts the laws of the state according to the desires of the constituents. It is mainly comprised of
the House of Representatives and the Senate.
B. Executive Branch
Implements the policy. The President of the land with the Cabinet Members carry out these
functions, making sure that the approves laws are executed in every aspect of the citizenry’s lives.
C. Judicial Branch
Is responsible for giving meaning to the established laws and brings to justice those who violate the
fundamental laws of the land. This branch makes sure that the fundamental rights and privileges of
the citizenry are met by the government.
2. A pluralistic System of Political Parties and Organizations.
It is expected that a democratic system allows the rule of the majority. Representation is very
necessary in every sector of the society. Hence groups, organizations and collective efforts are
recognized. It is expected that differences
in opinion, needs and expectations may arise and so a consensus has to be reached through the
initiatives of the Social organizations. As their views are processed, there arise the similar
convictions and thus, they convene within political parties to promote similar interests.
Political Parties are supported in a democracy as they peacefully mediate
conflicts, and the formation of political views. Such is based on the principle that each citizen has
the right to represent his opinion through a civil and healthy competition of ideas. This assumption
that there are always conflicting interests within every society is the essence of “pluralism”. And
hence the formation and acceptance of political parties in a pluralistic society with varied ways of
processing realities.
3. Respect for the Rule of Law
The Rule of Law is the principle that reiterates no one is above the law. It safeguards citizens
against governance by a totalitarian leader. The rule of law is against the rule of a dictator or an
absolute ruler. This fundamental principle also reiterates that every citizen is subject to the law,
even the highest leader and the lawmakers as all the procedures equally to all.
4. Accountability and Transparency
Democracy adheres to the principle that the citizen should be provided with all their basic rights
and freedom. This is an expression of democracy. However, it is a common knowledge that “with
great powers come great responsibilities”. Hence, for every freedom granted is the need to
perform certain roles that will be beneficial to the society itself. In this light it is expected that the
participation
increases the role of citizens to take part in political, economic, and social activities such as in
choosing their local leaders and in providing input into local governance.
Accountability on the other hand is the degree to which the government needs to explain or justify
what they have accomplished in relation to what was expected of them. Accountability is
exemplified during elections where every entity in public service is assessed in relations to their
output and performance. Accountability is also gauged during the government official transparency,
which connotes absence of corruption through honed behavior.
5. Free and Independent Media
Freedom of expression is a necessary element in a democratic society. It is through the media that
the citizenry is informed about the events that transpire
in the society. A crucial role is being played by this agency as it allows transparency in the society
and government. It also convenes the people into certain realities, issues and concerns that affects
their lives. Decision making in the government is learned through these agencies. The media also
plays a crucial role in the education of the people. Traditional radio and television programs,
broadcasters like the BBC and CNN and the PTV4 provide information to every sector of the society.
6. Respect for Human Rights
Democracy requires respect and the promotion of human rights. The right to vote, to form political
parties, to own property or to marry are necessary for democracy. The sheer fact that the
government provides the freedom to its constituents, then is a fact that there is really democracy. It
is the people who has
to be served and no abuse can be perpetrated by the government. Taking of lives, homes are not
manifestations of democracy. Such is a reflection of despotic rule. Democracy means respect for the
dignity of man by providing social services and resources, to promote the well-being of the citizenry
Characteristics of Democracy
History proves that democracy did not exist in a perfect state. Democracy evolved out of the
refinement of its component to respond to the needs and demands of the citizenry.
1. Equality before the Law
Equality under the law is equality in the eyes of the law. Sometimes termed
as legal equality is the principle that reiterates that the citizens must be equally treated by the law
and proven innocent until there is due process. The law must guarantee that no person should be
prejudiced in the eyes of the law. Democracy means equality, fairness, and justice. Indeed, “All are
equal before the law”. Everyone must be treated equally regardless of race, gender, national
origin, color, ethnicity, religion, disability. The constitution as the supreme of the land should
safeguard every freedom of every member of the society.
2. Political Freedom
Political freedom is one of the most important features of democratic societies. It is freedom from
oppression and compulsion. It may also be considered as the positive exercise of rights and
possibilities for actions as well as the exercise of social rights, freedom from internal constraints,
freedom of speech. The concepts of political freedom connote civil liberties and human rights,
which should be protected by the state.
3. Rule of Law
Every law is a product of people represented by their congressman. The law is the supreme factor
that runs the government, and nobody is above the law. The law protects and promotes the
citizenry and so nobody can be over the law. The
rule of law state that every citizen should participate in the elections as the basic features of
democracy. This is also known as the right to suffrage where all voters can participate freely and
fully in the life of their society. Everybody has a say in the fate of their society which happens
during the time of elections whether on a local or national level.
The Political Meaning of the Democratic Practices
There is a selected set of terms that it uses to describe what is going on politically when people ask
these everyday questions. Each term identifies one of the democratic practices just mentioned.
When people talk about what bothers them, one would say that they are naming problems. Naming
is a political practice because the name that is given to a problem affects what is done to solve it.
When people talk about what can be done, they often propose options, and when all the options are
put on the table, they create a framework for tackling a problem. The framing structures everything
that happens thereafter. Framing issues with only one or two options sets in motion a political
debate that is very different from what happens if there are multiple options on the table.
When people move on to assess the possible consequences that might result from one course of
action or another, Kettering would say they are making decisions deliberatively. They are weighing
possible consequences against what is deeply important to them. They are mulling over or sorting
out what they hear, perhaps changing their minds as they learn about someone else’s experience.
Eventually, they may settle on some work that they need to do with other citizens, something they
want a government to do, or both.
Once a decision is made about how to proceed, people test to see if anyone or any group is willing to
act on the decision and identify resources that they can draw on. Kettering calls this political
practice identifying and committing civic resources.
Commitments produce collective political will. When citizens, then join forces to do something, we
refer to that as organizing civic actions, a practice that brings the many and various resources a
citizenry has to bear on a problem. Action is normally followed by evaluating what was
accomplished, which the foundation has labeled learning together in order to distinguish collective
from individual learning. This practice provides the political momentum needed to follow through
on difficult problems.
All six of these practices are part of the larger politics of self-rule, not stand- alone techniques. They
fit together the way the wooden matrëshka dolls from Russia do. People will continue to name,
frame, and deliberate even as they assess what they have done, and people will learn together
throughout.
The Importance of Participation in Democracy
Democracy, as you may have known, is a form of people’s governance. Here people decide to have
the right to decide on who should rule and how to be ruled. Their dislike for any rule or law can be
shown in the form of a protest. And the government in power must be sensitive to such protest.
1. Rights of citizens
The basic rights of citizens are protected. There is freedom of food, clothing, shelter. Even, the
choices of work, religion, etc. are not controlled. None can compel him or prevent him in these
aspects.
2. Common law for all
Any person found guilty is to be punished by law. Be it a poor man or the rich, strong, or
weak will have to undergo the same punishment and judicial trial. Also, to get into any
position, all the people will have to follow the same procedures.
3. Chances for individual growth
Due to the freedom of life, a person can work without compulsions. This enables him to
perform with passion in any field he desires. With this work of passion, there would be
enhanced performance and growth.
4. Combined decision making
For every issue, the entire representatives of people are responsible. Everyone will be
involved in decision making. This limits the chances of wrong decisions for the country.
Thereby everyone is safe and in agreement with happenings with the nation.
5. Fewer chances of misuse of power
In autocratic rule, there are chances for misuse of power. None can question their actions,
hence, people in power can take personal decisions. This happens sometimes based on their
individual needs and wishes. So, they can take decisions even if it is harmful to the entire
masses. But in a democracy such misuse of power is not possible.
Even a president or prime minister has to take his colleagues into consideration. He must
put his views into practice only after their approval.
6. Equal rights to all
In a democracy, everyone is equal before the law. One can take up studies, build homes, buy
property, anywhere within the nation as per rules.
7. Ability to express themselves
Every individual has his opinion. Democracy provides an opportunity to express his opinion
without fear or censorship.
8. Enhanced economic growth
Most countries with democracy have enormous economic growth. As governance is a
collective effort; the economic growth is never hindered. The nation growth is done
collectively and efficiently.
9. Minimizes conflicts and violence
The chances of violence are minimal in democracy. Since the power transition is smooth byelections; the chances of violence are low.
The only way to get into power is through peoples’ trust. So, the persons will have to behave
responsibly.
10. Provide food and minimizes famines
In the case of calamities, people are deprived of basic amenities like food. The government will have
to arrange for food and essentials from other places. This is done to support the public and win
their support. So, the suffering of people due to famines would be low.
11. Separation of powers
In a democracy, the powers of administration, justice are separate. So, those in power or those in
the judiciary cannot overpower themselves.
12. Transparency of systems
Since all are equal by law, the systems are transparent. Results of elections, competitive exams, job
selections are kept transparent. These lead to better support those with ability and talent.
13. People are chosen by performance
In autocratic rule or kingship, the power transit to children. Despite not being capable enough, they
can have complete power. This leads to insufficient administration and lack of long-term
prosperity. In a democracy, only those with credible performance records would be given a chance.
The right person with ability will be in the position to administer the governance.
14. Finance control
The finances of the state have to be spent as per the constitution. This prevents misuse of funds and
uses them only for the benefit of citizens. So, the chances of corruption can be reduced.
15. Peoples’ Choice
People can choose their leader irrespective of caste, creed, sex and even race. Even economically
backward persons like Abraham Lincoln could become the president of the united states, women
like Margaret Thatcher prime minister of the UK, etc.
16. Change of power
If a person in authority is not fit to rule, he can be replaced by elections. Many politicians who were
felt unfit to govern were changed in the next elections. If they were fit, were given multiple chances
to rule.
17. Equal and fair justice
In a democracy, no one is above the law, and everyone is equal before it. So equal justice is
theoretically possible to all.
18. People’s participation
Since a person is elected by people, people have the right to decide their leader by involvement in
voting.
19. Nationalism
Since every citizen is involved in building the country, there is a sense of patriotism and
contributions to its growth.
20. Better and equal opportunities
All are equal before the law so anyone can contest for any post. And if he is eligible, he can take the
opportunity.
Freedom of life: People are free to live their life as they wish without causing harm to others. This
is a fundamental right provided by law.
But still, there are also disadvantages of democracy which needs to be addressed. However, as per
current levels of education and technological development, democracy seems to be the best form of
government.