UNIQUE FRIENDS SCHOOLSDemocracy is the type of government where people exercise their political power to elect people into political offices through the means of an election. It is considered to be the best form of government because there are “Checks and Balances”. It is often defined as the government of the people, by the people and for the people. This was stated by the 16th president of America (Abraham Lincoln).
ORIGIN OF DEMOCRACY
The word DEMO (people) and KRATIA (government) form DEMOCRACY. It originated from ancient Greece where the adult males form the legislature. There was no separation of power. This means that the legislature, the executive and the judiciary were fused together.
FEATURES OF DEMOCRACY
A. Rule of law.
B. Periodic free and fair elections.
C. Freedom of the press.
D. Tolerance of opposition.
E. Party system.
BENEFITS OF DEMOCRACY
A. Equal opportunity for all citizens.
B. Existence of the rule of law.
C. It encourages tolerance.
D. It encourages political stability.
E. It gives legitimacy to elect people.
CONDITIONS NECESSARY FOR A SUCCESSFUL OPERATION OF DEMOCRACY
A. Supremacy of the constitution.
B. Free and fair elections.
C. Rule of law.
D. Existence of opposition.
E. Independence of the judiciary.