Democratic Institution & Pillar of Democracy – JSS2 Civic Education Lesson Note (Second Term)

Democracy is a form of government in which power rests with the people, who can make and unmake the government.

Behavioural objectives

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

1. define democracy;
2. state the two types of democracy and explain each;
3. list and explain the features of democracy;
4. name the democratic institutions and state the work of each;
5. list and explain the pillars of democracy.

What is democracy?

Democracy is a form of government in which sovereignty remains in the hands of the entire nation, which can make and unmake the government.

• Simple meaning: government of the people, by the people and for the people.
• Sovereignty: the supreme power to rule a country, which belongs to the citizens in a democracy.
• Aristotle: described democracy as the rule of the mob and condemned it.
• Seeley: defined democracy as a government in which everyone has a share.
• Nigerian example: citizens vote for the President, Governors and lawmakers during elections.

What are the types of democracy?

There are two types of democracy: direct democracy and indirect (representative) democracy.

1. What is direct democracy?

Direct democracy is a system in which the people take part directly in the affairs of the state.

• Rulers: the people are the rulers and the ruled at the same time.
• Functions: the people make the laws, enforce them and decide cases according to these laws.
• Where it existed: the states of ancient Greece and Rome.
• Where it is still practised: some practices remain in Switzerland and some states of the USA.
• Best suited to: small communities where everyone can meet in one place.

2. What is indirect or representative democracy?

Indirect democracy is a system in which the people elect a small number of representatives to run the government for them.

• Why it arose: after large nation-states were created, it became impossible for all the people to take part directly.
• Representatives or delegates: persons elected and given authority to act for the people.
• Name: it is called indirect because the people rule through their representatives.
• Where it is practised: almost all countries of the world today, including Nigeria.
• Nigerian example: Senators and House of Representatives members are elected to make laws for citizens.

What is the difference between direct and indirect democracy?

What are the features of democracy?

The features of democracy are the signs that show a country is ruled democratically.

• Periodic election: elections held at regular, fixed intervals so that citizens can renew or change their leaders.
• Franchise: the right of qualified citizens to vote and be voted for.
• Political parties: organised groups that present candidates and programmes to win power through elections.
• Free association and groups: citizens are free to form or join clubs, unions and associations.
• Secret ballot: voters mark their choice in private, so no one can force or punish them.

What are the democratic institutions?

Democratic institutions are the bodies and organisations that make democracy work in a country.

• Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC): the body that organises and conducts elections in Nigeria.
• Pressure groups: groups that try to influence government decisions without seeking power, such as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
• Political parties: bodies that select candidates, contest elections and form or oppose the government.
• Arms of government: the legislature makes laws, the executive carries out laws and the judiciary interprets laws.

What are the pillars of democracy?

The pillars of democracy are the main supports that keep democracy standing.

• The people: citizens hold power, vote and take part in public affairs.
• Democratic institutions: strong bodies such as INEC, parties and the arms of government.
• Rule of law: everyone, including leaders, is equal before the law and must obey it.
• Transparent electoral processes: elections that are open, free and fair, with honest counting of votes.
• Majority rule and minority rights: the larger number decides, while the rights of smaller groups are still protected.

Evaluation

1. Define democracy.
2. State the two types of democracy.
3. List the five features of democracy.
4. Name the four democratic institutions.
5. List the five pillars of democracy.

Assignment

Write two differences between direct democracy and indirect democracy. Say why most countries today practise indirect democracy.