What is democracy?
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Answers
Answer:
Explanation:
Democracy these days is more commonly defined in negative terms, as freedom from arbitrary actions, the personality cult or the rule of a nomenklatura, than by reference to what it can achieve or the social forces behind it. What are we celebrating today? The downfall of authoritarian regimes or the triumph of democracy? And we think back and remember that popular movements which over threw anciens régimes have given rise to totalitarian regimes practising state terrorism.
So we are initially attracted to a modest, purely liberal concept of democracy, defined negatively as a regime in which power cannot be taken or held against the will of the majority. Is it not enough of an achievement to rid the planet of all regimes not based on the free choice of government by the governed? Is this cautious concept not also the most valid, since it runs counter both to absolute power based on tradition and divine right, and also to the voluntarism that appeals to the people's interests and rights and then, in the name of its liberation and independence, imposes on it military or ideological mobilization leading to the repression of all forms of opposition?
This negative concept of democracy and freedom, expounded notably by Isaiah Berlin and Karl Popper, is convincing because the main thing today is to free individuals and groups from the stifling control of a governing élite speaking on behalf of the people and the nation. It is now impossible to defend an antiliberal concept of democracy, and there is no longer any doubt that the so-called "people's democracies" were dictatorships imposed on peoples by political leaders relying on foreign armies. Democracy is a matter of the free choice of government, not the pursuit of "popular" policies.
In the light of these truths, which recent events have made self-evident, the following question must be asked. Freedom of political choice is a prerequisite of democracy, but is it the only one? Is democracy merely a matter of procedure? In other words, can it be defined without reference to its ends, that is to the relationships it creates between individuals and groups? At a time when so many authoritarian regimes are collapsing, we also need to examine the content of democracy although the most urgent task is to bear in mind that democracy cannot exist without freedom of political choice.
Answer:
a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.
Explanation:
Democracy is an exciting concept,. The increase in the number of states ascribing to democratic practice has signalled a different life for many who now live free from political oppression or authoritarian rule. It is a complex term for many, especially those in newer democracies. It takes a long time coming to grips with its practical meaning. There is a lot of information about democracy.The duty of educators is to clarify this information at the appropriate level to the learners. Democracy provides a very special challenge because it incorporates aspects of behaviour, skills, knowledge and attitudes as well as questions of politics and power.
The manner in which educators act and teach will influence people’s understanding of democracy. As a result there is considerable discussion in the literature of a democratic educational methodology - valuing interaction, participation and individual contributions to debate and discovery of meaning.
There is some basic information that provides a good foundation for developing an understanding and appreciation of democracy.
Defining Democracy
Democracy is a complex and contested concept, As a result there will always be differences of opinion, despite some considerable convergence on a core definition. Most definitions of democracy focus on qualities, procedures and institutions. Because, there are many expressions of democracy in the real world, and educators will want to guard against assuming that particular practices and procedures must be promoted and adopted universally. The learner's own understanding, experience and beliefs, and the history country of their countries, should be incorporated to create a definition that is meaningful and practical for their everyday life.
Democracy does not consist of a single, unique set of institutions that are universally applicable. The specific form that democracy takes in a country is largely determined by prevailing political, social, and economic circumstances. More over it is greatly influenced by historical, traditional, and cultural factors.
Most readings on democracy begin with identifying where the word comes from and where the first, recorded and formalised practice of democracy started. They also provide definitions of democracy that have been used over time. Following are a number of definitions, from very simple to more complex. These definitions could be used to inform the definitions that learners have themselves formulated in discussion.
"Democracy comes from the Greek words demos meaning people and kratos meaning authority or power." [1]
"...government which is conducted with the freely given consent of the people."[2]
"...a system of government in which supreme authority lies with the people."[3]
"Rule by the people in a country directly or by representation."[4]
"The form of government in which political control is exercised by all the people, either directly or through their elected representatives."[5]
"The word democracy itself means rule by the people. A democracy is a system where people can change their rulers in a peaceful manner and the government is given the right to rule because the people say it may."[6]
Origins of Democracy
The word democracy was coined by the ancient Greeks who established a direct form of government in Athens. All adult males would gather to discuss issues and they would vote by a show of hands. Slaves and women did not have the right to vote. This mode of government is time-consuming and it is impossible for large populations to meet every time a decision has to be made.
Therefore, the step from direct democracy (in which people vote directly on issues) to representative democracy (in which the people vote for representatives or politicians who make decisions on their behalf) was inevitable as larger and more diverse societies established democracies.[7] Today there are forms of direct democracy such as referenda, petitions, plebiscites, and propositions, But these are most often practiced in the older and more technologically resourced democracies.