Democracy

What is Democracy?

The word democracy originates from the ancient Greeks

Demos (meaning people) Krates (meaning to rule)

The two are combined to form Democracy or “rule by the people”.

In your own words, explain what you think “rule by the people” means.

View Source A on your handout and consider the questions.

The Origins of Democracy

Aristotle, a famous Greek philosopher, said, “Democracy arose from men's thinking that if they are equal in any respect, they are equal absolutely.”

Explain it in your own words what you think Aristotle meant by this.

Pericles said, “We are called a democracy, for the government is in the hands of the many not the few… when a citizen is in any way distinguished, he is promoted to the public service, not as a matter of privilege, but as a reward of merit.”

Based on Pericles’ last comment, how did people come into power in a democratic system? How you do you think people came into power before democracy?

The Ideal Democracy

Everyone plays his or her part in every decision about the laws and policies of the country.

People attend regular meetings where issues are debated and then they vote according to their opinions.

Is this realistic in our society? Explain.

Representative Democracy

In modern times people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Every few years an election is held, and the people vote for representatives.

What are some examples of representatives at school? (hint: they are often leaders)

Read Source B on your handout and consider the questions.

How Democracy WorksThere are three different branches of government:

• Executive• Legislature• Judiciary

These three branches usually work independently of each other, so that too much power does not rest in one place.

(Remember “Separation of Powers & Checks & Balances”)

Let us look at the role of each branch!

Executive

This branch initiates and carries out policy.

The Executive is led by the chief executive, usually the country’s leader (e.g. Prime Minister, President).

The chief executive heads a cabinet or group of ministers (sometimes called secretaries), each responsible for a different area.

What do you think the following leaders do?a) Treasurer

b) Minister/ Secretary of Defense

c) Minister/ Secretary of Education

Legislature

This branch debates and approves laws arising from the executive policies.

It usually consists of one or two assemblies of elected representatives.

These assemblies have names such as Parliament, Congress and National Assembly.

Do you know what the assembly is called in your country?

JudiciaryThis branch is responsible for deciding legal arguments, such as disputes about interpretations of the law.

If there is confusion about an item in the country’s constitution, the judiciary will resolve this.

The judiciary has names such as the Supreme Court or High Court.

Other Important Parts of Governments

Electorate - this is comprised of the ordinary citizens, the people who vote in elections.

Civil Service – these are the people who work for the government and carry out the policies. They might work for the ministers or in other government offices.

Read Source C on your handout and consider the questions.

Why is it important to keep the electorate happy? Can you think of ways a government might do this? (hint: think of what the electorate wants from their government)

Head of State

In addition to the three branches, often democratic countries will have a Head of State.

This is usually just a ceremonial role, where the head of state represents the country on official occasions and unifies the country in times of national crisis or division.

Why do you think some countries believe it’s important to have a Head of State if they have no real power?

Forms of GovernmentRepresentative Democracies

There are three types of Representative Democracies

Presidential System

Parliamentary System

Semi- Presidential System

Let us look at each one!

Presidential System

The electorate vote directly or indirectly (electoral college) for the president.

The president is both the head of state & head of the government.

Other than the United States of America, name a republic that uses a Presidential System.

Parliamentary SystemThe electorate does not vote for the head of the government.

Instead, the electorate votes for representatives for the country’s assembly.

The representatives then vote one of their own as chief executive of the country

This official is usually called a prime minister.

In a Parliamentary System, the executive and the legislative branches are not separated.

Name a republic that uses a Parliamentary System?

Semi- Presidential System

The electorate votes for an executive officer, usually called a president to be head of state.

The country’s legislature chooses a prime minister to serve as head of the government

The powers of the president vary from country to country from making important decisions (usually in foreign affairs) to strictly a ceremonial role.

Name a republic that uses a Semi- Presidential System?

The Democratic Process

Executive

*The electorate chooses representatives to make decisions.*The executive initiates policy.*The legislature debates and approves laws.*The judiciary decides whether laws have been broken.*Government employees, civil servants, carry out policy.*The constitution sets out how a country should be governed.*The arrows show lines of responsibility.

Copy this diagram into your books.

Constitution

Democratic Countries

The lighter the country, the more completely democratic its political system.

Are there any surprises here?

Source Analysis

The final three sources (D,E,F) all express different problems with democracy.

Consider them and answer the questions.