Characteristics of Democracy

Various segments of a group should be fairly represented, to lessen the danger of partiality

Joshua 18:4

Definition• authority to rule comes from the

people

• there is free and open competition amongst various individuals and groups (pluralism)

• accountability to the people by those who hold formal positions of power

Democratic values

• political freedom, government accountability, peaceful change, individual creativity and achievement are all encouraged

Prerequisites of democracy

• citizens must be able to remove their leaders through elections at frequent, guaranteed intervals

• there must be a real choice between different candidates and political parties

• elections must be free of fraud, bribery and intimidation as assured through the use of a secret ballot

• universal suffrage, the right of every adult citizen to vote, must be guaranteed

• citizens must have the freedom to associate with any political group they choose

• every citizen must have equal political and legal rights

• judges are to be free from political control - an independent judiciary

• freedom of speech, freedom of the press (media), protection of minority rights, freedom from arbitrary arrest and prosecution must be guaranteed

Natural rights in a democracy

• natural has a different meaning to different people

• for some it means the protection of property, the right not to be destroyed or enslaved (Locke, Rousseau)

• to other it is the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness (US constitution)

• equal pay for work of equal value, right to an education, right to medicare (democratic socialists)

Human and minority rights

• basic world document - UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights - states that all humans should be treated equally, with dignity and respect, includes values noted above

• minority rights refers to everyone being equal before the law regardless of their race, ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, mental or physical ability

• if the majority has a right (e.g. freedom of religion) then that same right must be extended to whatever minority exists in that society

Model of pure or direct democracy

• all the people rule in all respects; all decisions - major or minor - are made by the entire body of citizens

• one vote per person, all votes of equal value

• requires avenue for all to become informed about issues and inform others of your position, ergo freedom of assembly, free debate, free speech, complete political and legal equality, and tolerance and understanding are necessary

• problems: – impractical unless population is

small, problems are too complicated or numerous

– simple majority rules when people do not agree by consensus

– but majority rule is limited - denial of the rights of the minority not allowed

Representative democracy

• definition: primarily citizens choosing others to make choices for them

• solves problems of impracticality found in pure democracy: – difficult for every citizen to vote on

every decision

– some people do not have time for politics due to pressures of work and family life

– some not interested in politics (apathy)

– some do not understand the issues

• the solution is to vote on a only a few issues e.g. major ones in a referendum or plebiscite (DIRECT), and elect representatives to vote on your behalf (REPRESENTATIVE)

Advantages of a democracy

• government of the people is more likely government for the people

• this type of government is best able to safeguard liberties - freer competition for power provides a check against undemocratic rule

• a democratic environment will lead to better citizens - self-governing, confident, inquiring, intelligent - possible because force is replace by reasoned debate

• pluralism (allowing all citizens, interest groups, the media and political parties to educate and exert influence in a competitive fashion over each other and elected representatives) strengthens democracy

Disadvantages of democracy

• rule by majority can end in abuse of minority rights e.g. white majority in the US approved of slavery - known as tyranny of the majority

• representatives are now dealing with problems that are beyond their understanding; democracy is too slow and inefficient even in a representative form

• not all people have the time, money nor interest (apathy) in becoming involved in an interest group or politics

• pluralism may weaken democracy, turning power over to lobby or special interest groups and powerful media forces, the citizens are removed one step further from making the laws directly