Democracy – SS3 Civic Education Lesson Note (First Term)

Democracy is a system of government in which the people hold political power and exercise it through periodic elections, either directly or through their representatives.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain the meaning of democracy and state its origin;
2. list the characteristics of democracy;
3. distinguish between direct and indirect democracy;
4. state the problems of democracy;
5. explain constitutional democracy, its types and features;
6. state the functions, advantages and disadvantages of constitutional democracy.

What is democracy?

Democracy is government in which the people choose their leaders through periodic elections, either by themselves or through representatives.

• Lincoln’s description: Abraham Lincoln described democracy as government of the people, by the people and for the people.
• Origin: the word comes from ancient Greece.
• Root words: demos means people and kratia means rule, so democracy means “rule by the people”.

What are the characteristics of democracy?

The main characteristics of democracy are periodic elections, human rights, a party system, a free press, an independent judiciary and the rule of law.

1. Regular and periodic elections: elections are held at fixed intervals so that new leaders can be chosen.
2. Fundamental human rights: the constitution guarantees human rights and the government respects them.
3. Party system: different political parties compete for power during elections.
4. Freedom of the press: media houses are free to express their opinions in writing or by other means.
5. Independent judiciary: the courts are free from control by the other arms of government.
6. Rule of law: everyone is equal before the law and no one is above it.

What are the types of democracy?

There are two types of democracy: direct democracy and indirect democracy.

Direct democracy

Direct democracy is a system in which all citizens take part personally in governing the country.

• All citizens meet together periodically to make decisions.
• It works best in small communities, such as the city-states of ancient Greece.

Indirect democracy

Indirect democracy is a system in which citizens choose representatives to rule on their behalf.

• It is also called representative democracy.
• It is practised in Nigeria, Ghana, the USA and other countries.

Difference between direct and indirect democracy

What is the importance of democracy?

Democracy gives every citizen a say in how the state or nation is governed.

• Participation: everybody in a place can have a say in government.
• Suggestions: everybody has a right to make suggestions.
• Nomination: everyone has a right to nominate a person for election.
• Freedoms: there is freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom to education.

What are the problems of democracy?

The main problems of democracy are shortsightedness, populism and selfishness.

• Shortsightedness: politicians are elected for a short period, usually 4 to 5 years.
  • They think about what is best for the next 4 to 5 years so that they can be re-elected.
  • Unpopular solutions to long-term problems are postponed because voters would reject them.
• Populism: this is linked to shortsightedness.
  • A politician must be popular to win an election.
  • The most popular candidate is not always the wisest or most intelligent.
  • Politicians may give people gifts to stay popular.
• Selfishness: this is linked to the first two problems.
  • In a dictatorship, rulers can tell people to live modestly for the good of the state.
  • In a democracy, many people think only about themselves and their rights.
  • They may remove a politician who asks for sacrifice and elect one who says all is well.

What is constitutional democracy?

Constitutional democracy is a type of democracy in which the powers of the majority are exercised within the limits of a constitution.

• Sovereignty: the people are sovereign, so they are the ultimate source of authority.
• Participation: all citizens, not favoured individuals or groups, have the right and opportunity to take part.
• Limits on the majority: legal and institutional means limit the authority of the majority so that the rights of individuals and minorities are respected.
• Source of rules: the constitution states how the people are to be ruled and governed.
• Examples: Germany, Israel, Japan and the United States.

What are the types of constitutional democracy?

There are three types of constitutional democracy: pluralism, republican constitutional democracy and constitutional direct democracy.

1. Pluralism: the people are allowed to express their views, opinions and ideas, which gives room for wide participation.
2. Republican constitutional democracy: it includes all the people of a state, but only on issues that concern the state alone. India, France and Ireland are examples.
3. Constitutional direct democracy: all processes follow the constitution and citizens take part directly in political affairs.

What are the features of constitutional democracy?

Constitutional democracy is the opposite of arbitrary rule, and it has five main features.

1. Popular sovereignty: the people are the source of the government’s authority, and the government gets its right to govern from their consent.
2. Minority rights: although the majority rules, the constitution protects the rights of the minority and the voiceless.
3. Limited government: law and the constitution, written or unwritten, limit the powers of government, and those in power obey them.
4. Basic freedom: the constitution lets people know their rights and protects them from unlawful interference.
5. Majority rule: the majority can express their views in government affairs, which gives leaders the support of the masses.

What are the institutional and procedural limits on the powers of government?

Institutional and procedural limits are the devices that stop government from using power without control.

1. Separated and shared powers: powers are divided among the branches of government.
   • The legislature makes laws.
   • The executive carries out laws.
   • The judiciary interprets laws and settles disputes.
   • Each branch also shares some functions with the others.
2. Checks and balances: each branch has enough power to check the others.
   • Judicial review is one check.
   • It is the power of courts to declare actions of other branches contrary to the constitution, and so null and void.
3. Due process of law: the rights to life, liberty and property are protected by this guarantee.
4. Leadership succession through elections: key positions are contested at periodic intervals, so power passes in a peaceful and orderly way.

What are the functions of government in a constitutional democracy?

Governments in a constitutional democracy perform six main functions.

1. Social amenities: they provide amenities such as water and electricity.
2. Defence: they protect citizens against internal and external attack.
3. Law-making: they make laws and carry them out.
4. National unity: they promote unity among the people.
5. Dignity: they respect the dignity of the individual.
6. Rights: they protect the rights of individuals in the country.

What are the key concepts of constitutional democracy?

The key concepts of constitutional democracy are history of the people, a free press, convention, periodic elections, citizens’ rights and constitutional supremacy.

1. History of the people: the constitution must reflect the history of the people.
2. Freedom of the press: press, radio, television, newspapers and social media let citizens write and report on government issues.
3. Convention: these are unwritten practices that the government follows over time.
4. Periodic elections: free and fair elections allow a change of government.
5. Rights of citizens: these rights must be respected and protected.
6. Supremacy of the constitution: the constitution is supreme and overrides every other consideration.

What are the advantages of constitutional democracy?

The advantages of constitutional democracy include the rule of law, constitutionalism, legitimacy, periodic change of government and choice of political party.

1. Rule of law: it promotes equality of persons and helps to protect human rights.
2. Constitutionalism: government rules according to the laid down rules and principles of the state.
3. Legitimacy: it is regarded as legitimate because it has the full support of the people.
4. Periodic elections: they bring in a new government for a change.
5. Choice of party: every citizen can join the political party of their choice and help select leaders.

What are the disadvantages of constitutional democracy?

The disadvantages of constitutional democracy include election manipulation, political ignorance, slow decisions and high cost.

1. Separation of powers: dividing power among organs of government can cause delays and disputes between them.
2. Corruption and election manipulation: electoral bodies and party members may rig elections, which can bring wrong leaders into power.
3. Ignorance and poor political education: many voters lack political education and vote without understanding.
4. Slow decision-making: many people must give their views, so decisions take long.
5. Neglect of duties: some individuals insist on their rights but neglect their obligations, and may disrespect those in power.
6. High cost: involving so many people makes it too expensive to run.
7. Manipulation by a few: citizens with strong speaking skills can dominate the discussion.

What are organisational constituted authorities?

Organisational constituted authorities are the leaders of business organisations, clubs, political parties or social gatherings.

What are the functions of organisational constituted authorities?

1. Members’ interests: they cater for the interests of their members.
2. Decisions and policies: they make decisions and policies for their members.
3. Protection of rights: they protect the rights of their members.
4. Representation: they represent their organisations at relevant events in the society.

Evaluation

1. Define democracy and state where the word comes from.
2. State four characteristics of democracy.
3. Differentiate between direct and indirect democracy.
4. What is constitutional democracy?
5. State three functions of organisational constituted authorities.

Assignment

Explain the three problems of democracy, then explain any three advantages and any three disadvantages of constitutional democracy.