Topics to be covered:

5.10.1Definition of democracy5.10.2 Types of democracy5.10.2.1 Direct democracy

5.10.2.2 Indirect/representative democracy5.10.3 Characteristics of democracy

5.10.4 Advantages and disadvantages

CHAPTER 10DEMOCRACY

The word ‘democracy’ is derived from 2 Greek roots, demos = people & kratia = rule

Thus, democracy means rule by the people. This is the form of government where the people rule themselves directly or indirectly through their representatives

Abraham Lincoln: a government of the people, by the people and for the people

Seeley: a government in which everyone has a share

1) The ultimate power to make political decisions is vested in all the people

2) Each adult citizen has the same opportunity as every other adult citizen to participate in the decision making process. This means “1 person, 1 vote” – the freedom to choose from alternatives

3) Public policies are made only after ascertaining the wishes of the people

4) All political decisions must be made according to the wishes of the majority

Have a number things in common which includes:

1)Citizens are at least 1 place removed from actual decision making

2)Elected representatives stand in place of or act in behalf of voters

3)Free competitive elections at all/ most levels of govt as a symbol of the sovereignty of the people & way of holding leaders accountable

4)Elections as an efficient & effective way of organizing political succession

1) Democracy ensures both liberty & equality

No 1 possessed special privileges All are equal

2) Implies recognition of the duties of the govt & the rights of the people

Thus, popular election, popular control & popular responsibility are more likely to ensure a greater degree of efficiency & welfare than any other system of govt

3) Ensure self-government A govt by the people for their welfare

& thus, it stimulates them to self-education

4) Believed in methods of peaceful persuasion & rational argument

A democratic society is not liable to revolution

1) Men may be ‘lazy’ in politics He might not be intelligent/ is not sufficiently

educated Thus, the problem is to find among them the best

men to lead them

2) Democracy is inefficient as a form of govt It is based on assumption that all men are equal &

than 1 man is as good as another. However, men are not equal as they might be different in term of physical & mental ability. The representative chosen may not be suitable but they still rule because of majority

3) Party system Election propaganda misguides &

miseducate the people. People vote for the party & not for the

candidate, so representative follows what the party wants, instead of what people wants

4) Expensive form of govt Governmental machinery is complex & its

functions involve much waste of time & money