Trends,
Networks, and
Critical Thinking
Democratic
intervention
DEMOCRACY
derived from the two Greek
“demoskratos”
which which means
means “power, or
“people” rule”.
What is Democracy?
It 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.
It is one of the most important principles for a better world. In its truest
sense a democracy, is a community in which all members have an equal
say in the running of the community.
ELEMENTS OF
DEMOCRACY
Separation of Powers
The democratic government is a political authority which is divided into
three. These branches act independently of each other to prevent the
concentration of power as well as to maintain check and balance.
EXECUTIVE LEGISLATIV JUDICIARY
E
Executive Branch – implements the policy.
The President of the land with the Cabinet
Members carry out these functions, making
sure that the approved laws are executed in
Three every aspect of the citizenry’s lives.
Branch of
Legislative Branch – it enacts the laws of the
the state according to the desires of the
Governmen constituents. It is mainly comprised of the
House of Representatives and the Senate.
t
Judicial Branch – it 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.
Pluralistic System of Political Parties and
Organizations
Representation is very necessary in every sector of the society. Hence
groups, organizations and collective efforts are recognized.
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.
Accountability and Transparency
Accountability is the degree to which the government needs to explain or
justify what they have accomplished in relation to what was expected of
them.
Transparency refers to the openness and accessibility of information about
government operations and decision-making processes. It means that
citizens have the right to know how public resources are being used, what
policies are being developed, and how decisions are being made.
Respect for the Rule of
Law
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.
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.
Basic Freedom and
Rights
Democracy requires respect and the promotion of human rights. The right
to vote, to form political parties, to own property, to marry, to life, liberty
and right to work 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.
CHARACTERISTICS OF
DEMOCRACY
Equality before the Political Freedom The Rule of Law
law
– is sometimes termed –– is one of the most –The law is the
as legal equality is the important features of supreme factor that
principle that reiterates democratic societies. It runs the government,
that the citizens must is freedom from and nobody is above
be equally treated by oppression and the law. The law
the law and proven compulsion. The protects and promotes
innocent until there is concepts of political the citizenry and so
due process. The law freedom encompass nobody can be over the
must guarantee that no civil liberties and law. The rule of law
person should be human rights, which state that every citizen
prejudiced in the eyes should be protected by should participate in
of the law. the state. the elections as the
basic features of
Suffrage – It gives the people the
opportunity to exercise sovereignty by
choosing the candidates who will govern
and serve them.
Public assembly and consultation –
DEMOCRATIC Citizens have a set of rights and
PRACTICES responsibilities, including the right to
participate in decisions that affect public
welfare. This act stipulates that rallies,
demonstrations, marches, public
meetings, processions, or parades
(collectively referred to as public
assembly) can be held in public places to
express opinion, to protest against, or to
Majority rule and Minority rights –
majority rule is the idea that the group
with the most members has the most
political power in a country and can make
binding decisions, while minority rights are
DEMOCRATIC protected rights that are enjoyed by
PRACTICES everyone, even those not considered part
of the majority.
Conduct of plebiscite to amend a
constitutional provision – A plebiscite is
an electoral process for approving or
rejecting a change or amendment in the
Constitution. It is in the process of direct
vote-say yes or no; accept or reject.
provides equality and admission to
opportunities for all its citizen in the
government;
checks and balances the government to
IMPORTANCE prevent possible abuse of political power
OF from the officials;
PARTICIPATIO
N IN allows citizens to influence and suggest
DEMOCRACY policies and laws through plebiscite in
selecting delegates or representatives.
allows the popular majority to oust a
representative or a politician who hold
too much power and abuses it;
promotes freedom where citizen enjoy
human rights, allows people to engage
the business and innovations;
becomes competent, firm, and stable
IMPORTANCE when the state is ruled with leaders who
OF have dedication and transparency;
PARTICIPATIO
N IN provides political education to the people
DEMOCRACY telling them of the state affairs; and
upholds change since the citizens have
the opportunity to participate in the
involvement in the government.
