Sunday Emmanuel

@sundayemmanuel · 29 Oct 2021

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What is a Democracy

Democracy may be defined as a system of government in which all qualified adult citizens share the supreme power directly or through their elected representative. "Democracy is a system of government based on popular consent. It is a government which is derived from public opinion and is accountable to it". Abraham Lincoln, whose definition of democracy has become axiomatic defined it as "the government of the people, by the people and for the people". The term democracy has on another occasion been described as "government by consent of the governed"i.e government with the approval of the people being governed. The fusion of two Greek words demos(people)and kratia(rule of government)gave birth to the word democracy.


The democratic system of government, therefore, started in ancient Greek city-states. Such government is representative of all peoples and interests within the state and is described as open government because it permits freedom of speech and ideas. Democracy allows the people to choose and reject their leaders and their programs when such is no longer serving the interests of the people. Democracy is regarded as the best form of government that can be adopted in a country.

Types of democracy

Direct/classical Democracy: this is a form of democracy where the right to make political decisions is exercised directly by the whole body of citizens, acting under the procedure of majority rule.
Modern/Representative/indirect Democracy: citizens exercise the right to make political decisions, not in person, but through representatives chosen by and responsible to them.
Liberal/Constitutional Democracy: powers of the majority are exercised within a framework of constitutional restraints designed to guarantee the minority in the enjoyment of certain individual or collective right
Social or Economic Democracy: this type of democracy tends to minimize social and economic differences, especially differences arising out of the unequal distribution of private property.

Advantages or merit of Democracy

It promotes political participation: it encourages citizens to be involved in their government and politics. It promotes a sense of responsibility and belonging.

• Abuse of power: it prevents misuse of power since it checks the concentration of powers of government in the hands of one person.
• Choice of political leadership: the electorate is allowed to elect leaders of their choice.
• Encouragement of constitutionalism: it encourages the government to rule according to the provision of the constitution.
• The rule of law: democracy promotes equality of persons, protection of their possession, and their fundamental human rights.
  

• Expensiveness: it is very expensive to operate because the decision-making process in a democracy involves many people.
• Inadequate political education: during elections, people that are not adequately educated politically may not understand the issue at stake thereby using their political sovereignty or power only wrongly.for example, collection of money for their votes.
• Corruption /manipulation of election: elections are often manipulated to favor self-centered and irresponsible representatives through thuggery and the use of money.
• The Decision-making process is slow: before the final decision is taken on any public issue everybody is allowed to express his or her views.
  
• Inadequate political education: during elections, people that are not adequately educated politically may not understand the issue at stake thereby using their political sovereignty or power only wrongly.for example, collection of money for their votes.
  
• Corruption /manipulation of election: elections are often manipulated to favor self-centered and irresponsible representatives through thuggery and the use of money.
  
• The Decision-making process is slow: before the final decision is taken on any public issue everybody is allowed to express his or her views.