Discuss the rule of law as a democratic principal which supports a democracy under the following headings
Its importance
Its benefits
Answers
Explanation:
The decisions on who is considered part of the people and how authority is shared among or delegated by the people have changed over time and at different speeds in different countries, but they have included more and more of the inhabitants of all countries
Protecting the interests of citizens. People get the chance to vote on the key issues affecting their country or can elect representatives to make these decisions. In the USA, the federal government allows members of each state to elect an official representative for their state to protect their interests at a higher government level.
Promoting equality. One principle of democracy is that all people are equal in the eyes of the law, and every person gets a vote. For example, Canada has a universal franchise decree in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which explicitly allows every citizen of Canada the right to vote in any Canadian election.
Preventing abuse of power. In democracies, people in authority are usually elected by people who vote them in. They are therefore responsible for carrying out the will of those who elected them. If they misuse their position, they won’t be re-elected.
Creating stability. Democracies have rules and laws that provide stability and protect human rights (see our guide on Understanding human rights to find out more). Democratic governments have time to make changes that are in the interests of everyone.