What makes democracy unique

Democratic society A democracy relies on the participation of citizens. A democratic society is one that works towards the ideals of democracy: Respect for individuals, and their right to make their own choices. Tolerance of differences and opposing ideas. Equity—valuing all people, and supporting them to reach their full potential.

Each person has freedom of speech, association, movement and freedom of belief. Justice—treating everyone fairly, in society and in court. Democracy key ideas Parliamentary Education Office peo.

An inclusive and equitable society—We work towards a society where everyone is respected and free. Free and franchised elections—We get to stand for election and choose who makes decision on our behalf. The rule of law for both citizens and the government—Everyone is equal before the law and must follow the law. You are free to share — to copy, distribute and transmit the work. Non-commercial — you may not use this work for commercial purposes.

No derivative works — you may not alter, transform, or build upon this work. Want to know more? Government Parliamentary Education Office. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

Democracy exists to provide a way for people to live and be together in a way that is beneficial to all. Although many of today's democracies may not have existed before the Second World War, there are for a form of governance in most traditional societies where the ideals in which most people believed guide rulers and communities in the way decisions and rules were made, and in the way members of the society were treated and lived together.

Democracy is reportedly, a concept alien to Africa, a claim that rests on the confusion between the principles of democracy and their institutional manifestations. The principles of democracy include widespread participation, consent of the governed and public accountability of those in power--principles that permeated traditional African political systems. The political transition to a democratic state as well as the restructuring needed such as voting and elections, the constitution, and an independent judiciary may be overwhelming for new citizens.

For this reason, focusing on people's own experience will be a useful means to getting people to have a practical and common understanding of democracy. Educators who teach citizens about democracy should encourage people to express their views on the values that already exist in the way people interact with each other in communities in their everyday lives.

From this collection of values the educator will be able to come up with a "custom-made" set of aspirations for and values underpinning democracy.

This will form a usable basis from which to explore the form of governance that exists in their country and the extent to which it can be defined as democratic. Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives. The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections.