Democracy – SS1 Government Lesson Note (First Term)

Democracy is a system of government based on popular consent. The electorate freely chooses its government, so the government rules with the approval of the people. The word comes from two Greek words, Demos (people) and Kratia (rule or government). Its origin is traced to ancient Greek city-states, which permitted freedom of speech and ideas.

Behavioural objectives

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

• define democracy and give the meaning of its Greek roots;
• state the two types of democracy;
• list the features of democracy;
• state the demerits of democracy.

What is democracy?

According to Abraham Lincoln, democracy is the government of the people, by the people and for the people. Democracy allows the people to choose or reject their leaders. It is regarded as the best form of government that can be adopted in a country.

What are the types of democracy?

1. Direct/Classical democracy: this is a form of democracy where all political decisions are made directly by all the citizens. The procedure of majority rule is adopted. This type of democracy was practised in ancient Greek states and pre-colonial Igbo village republics.
2. Modern/Representative/Indirect democracy: in this form of democracy, citizens exercise their political rights by electing representatives who periodically represent them in political office.

What are the features of democracy?

1. Democracy implies periodic free and fair elections to elect political officeholders.
2. Fundamental human rights are recognised and protected.
3. Majority rule: the will of the people through the ballot prevails.
4. There is equality before the law; nobody is above the law.
5. Opposition parties are allowed to exist and there is a party system.
6. Public opinions on government policies and programmes are allowed.
7. The judiciary must be independent, without any form of influence.
8. The principle of separation of powers must be maintained.
9. There should be freedom of the press from intimidation.
10. There should be an effective process of changing government to prevent dictatorship.
11. The rule of law must be applied. Government rule is based on the laid down laws.
12. Political equality is an important attribute of democracy: one man, one vote.

What are the demerits of democracy?

1. Democracy in an illiterate society could be very dangerous.
2. Decision-making is slow because of the laid down procedures to be followed.
3. Votes are counted by quantity and not by quality.
4. Elections bring about thuggery, violence, arson, bribery and corruption.
5. The poor can sell their votes for paltry sums, and this promotes corrupt leadership.
6. It is expensive to run because of the large political parties involved.

Evaluation

1. Define democracy.
2. Name the two Greek words from which democracy comes and give their meanings.
3. State the two types of democracy and say where direct democracy was practised.
4. List four features of democracy.
5. State three demerits of democracy.

Assignment

1. The concept of democracy originated in ________
   a) Britain
   b) France
   c) Greece
2. Which of these is not a characteristic of sovereignty?
   a) Permanence
   b) Indivisibility
   c) Incapability
3. Legitimacy can be determined by which of the following?
   a) Common symbols
   b) Equal rights
   c) Common heritage
4. A government is considered to be legitimate if it ______
   a) wins an election
   b) becomes autocratic
   c) has no good plans
5. A form of sovereignty derived through force is called ____ sovereignty.
   a) de-facto
   b) de-jure
   c) legal