Democratic Institution & Pillar Of Democracy JSS2 Civic Education Lesson Note

 DEMOCRACY

Definitions of Democracy

Democracy can be defined as a government of the people, by the people, and for the people in ordinary terms.

Democracy has been defined by various philosophers and writers in different ways e.g.

Aristotle’s definition of democracy is the rule of the mob and condemns it.

See Lay defined it as a government in which everyone has a share.

In short, democracy is that form of government in which sovereignty remains in the hands of the entire nation, which can make and unmake the government.

Types of Democracy

The following are two types of democracy

1. Direct Democracy

Under this system, the people take direct in the affairs of the state. The people themselves are the rulers and they are the ruled at the same time. They make the laws, enforce them, and decide cases according to these laws. Such a democracy existed in the states of ancient Greece and Rome. Some practices of direct democracy are still observed in Switzerland and some states of the USA.

2. Indirect or Representative Democracy

After the creation of large nation-states, it became impossible for all the people directly to participate in the affairs of the state. Under this form of government, the people elect a small number of representatives or delegations and give them the authority to run the government. Since the people rule through these representatives, we give the system the name of indirect or representative democracy. Today in almost all the countries of the world there is indirect or representative democracy.

Features Of Democracy

1. Periodic election.
2. Franchise
3. Political parties
4. Free association and groups
5. Secret ballot.

Democratic Institutions

1. Independent National Electoral Commission.
2. Pressure groups
3. Political parties
4. Arms of government

Pillars Of Democracy

1. The People
2. Democratic Institutions
3. Rule of Law
4. Transparent Electoral Processes
5. Majority Rule and Minority Rights