Characteristics of a democracy PDF

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The following are understood to be core principle or characteristics of a democracy. They are excerpted from the readings noted below (note that although the wording differs, there is consonance across the two resources reflecting a widely agreed upon set of core principles): Citizen Rule A democratic government grants adult citizens the right to elect their representatives. It also establishes clear guidelines for election cycles and term limits so that key positions are contested at regular intervals. Through this process of voting, citizens are regularly given the ability to hire or fire their representatives. Majority Rule and Minority Rights The principle of majority rule is an important part of the democratic system. The majority rules in the election process, but individual rights are protected by the maintenance of decentralized, local government bodies. In a democracy, all levels of government should be accessible to, and representative of, the people. Individual Rights Democracies value the protection of individual rights. The word freedom is used synonymously with democracy to describe individual liberties afforded in this type of government. In the U.S., the Bill of Rights serves as a summary of individual liberties. Freedom of speech and religion, protection from unlawful search and seizure and the right to bear arms are examples of individual liberties, afforded in a democracy. Equal treatment, under the law, is assured for everyone in a democratic society. Free and Fair Elections The key to the exercise of democracy is the election process. Free and fair elections are held at regular intervals for the election of representatives at all levels of government. In a free, democratic election, all adult citizens are given the right to cast votes which, in theory, ensures that the will of the people will be expressed. Citizen Participation Citizens of a democracy not only have the right to vote, but also the responsibility to participate. Informed participation is key in a democracy. When the people elect their representatives, they are ensuring the preservation of the democratic process Engaged citizenship is essential in a healthy democracy.

Cooperation and Compromise Democracies also value cooperation and compromise to protect individual rights. To adequately safeguard diversity, and accurately represent all communities, a democracy must protect the right to be different. Anti-discrimination is at the heart of a true democracy. The freedom to assemble and voice opinion drives government accountability to ensure that underrepresented people have the same rights as the majority. References: Tomyn, R. (2018). What are the six characteristics of a democracy? Retrieved February 23, 2019 from https://classroom.synonym.com/what-are-the-sixcharacteristics-of-a-democracy-12083877.html "Democracy in Brief" (n.d.). Charcateristics of a Democracy. P. 3 in "Demoracy in Brief". Retrieved February 23, 2019 from https://kr.usembassy.gov/wpcontent/uploads/sites/75/2017/04/Democracy-in-Brief_kor-1.pdf...