WEEK 3: DEMOCRACY

                                      WEEk 3

TOPIC:                       DEMOCRACY

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

1. Define democracy
2. State five features of democracy
3. Explain three pillars of democracy
4. Mention three importance of democracy

MEANING OF DEMOCRACY

Democracy could be defined as a system of government in which the people exercise their governing power either directly or through representatives who are elected by the majority of the people. The key point in any democratic setting is that the people (eligible voters) have the right to choose whoever is to rule or represent them, through electoral process and can equally remove or recall him/her if he/she is found wanting.

Another definition of democracy is the one given by the late American president, Abraham Lincoln. He defines democracy as the government of the people, by the people and for the people.

FEATURES OF DEMOCRACY:

1. Periodic free and fair elections: Democracy allows for periodic free and fair elections through which people elect their choice leaders and can equally remove those who are not performing.
2. Fundamental human rights: Democracy provides for basic human rights of the citizens. The citizens should enjoy the rights of movement, speech, religion, life and property etc.
3. Supremacy of the constitution: One major feature of democracy is the existence of a constitution which guides the actions of the government and governed. Thus, it is supreme
4. Multi-party system: Democracy allows for existence of many political parties in a country. The political parties aim to present their best candidates to compete for political positions in election.
5. Independent judiciary: The judiciary should be free from the control and influence of the executive and legislative arms of government.
6. Rule of law: The law of the land should be respected and obeyed by both government and the governed. All citizens are equal before the law.
7. Separation of powers: Democracy allows for separation of powers of the three organs of government both in function and personnel, which allows for checks and balances.
8. Freedom of the press: The press should be allowed to investigate and criticise the government policies and programmes. The press is like the watch dog of the society and so should be free to point out loopholes and flaws in government policies and also praise the government where they have done well.
9. Tolerance of opposition: Democracy allows for organised opposition to criticise government actions, policies and programmes.
10. The will of the people: In democracy, the will of the people prevails over and above the will of individuals or groups. This is because the government is there to serve the interest of the people.
11. Accountability of the government to the people: Government should be transparent in money spending and other issues of public interest. The government should be open, responsible, accountable and responsive to the people that voted her into power.

PILLARS OF DEMOCRACY:                                                                    

1. People: The People are the main backbone of democracy. The popular definition of democracy centres on the people: it is the government of the people by the people and for the people. The people give the mandate or governing power through their votes in electoral process to their representatives to rule them. The government is expected to meet the needs and aspirations of the people that voted it into power.

2. Democratic institutions: They are institutions or body whose operation and functions sustain the existence of democracy. Some of them are INEC, political parties, pressure groups, and arms of government, mass media and organized opposition.

3. Rule of law: This means that the law of the land is supreme and above everyone and all citizens are equal before the law. It becomes the pillar of democracy because it safeguards the rights of the citizenry, promotes the independence of the judiciary and ensures compliance to the law governing the land.

4. Transparent electoral process: When electoral process is conducted in a free and fair manner, no rigging of elections and falsification of election figures and every stage of the electoral process is transparently handled, democracy is bound to stand and grow

5. Majority rule and minority right: Democracy by its definition is the government by majority. It is a form of government where the majority of the people rule by having their will and wish carried out by the government in power. Democracy thrives well where the majority rules and those in the minority are recognised, their rights and views respected and expressed.

IMPORTANCE OF DEMOCRACY:Democracy gives power to the people to decide their leaders in the periodic election.

1. Democracy helps to uphold the principle of the rule of law.
2. It establishes smooth and peaceful change of-government
3. It gives the people a sense of identity and belonging by giving them the opportunity to elect their leaders.
4. Democracy does not allow dictatorship.
5. Democracy guarantees leadership by the majority, while the rights of the minority are protected by the constitution.
6. Democracy guarantees fundamental human rights
7. It provides the people the opportunity to participate in the government of their country.

Evaluation Questions:  Answer the following questions:

1. Define democracy
2. State five features of democracy
3. Explain three pillars of democracy.
4. Mention three importance of democracy

Assignment: Mention five benefits of democracy to citizens