WHAT IS DEMOCRACY

It is a means of governance. According to Abraham Lincoln, democracy is defined as “government of the people, by the people and for the people.”

A form of government by the people through which elected representatives rule by the majority through the elected few i.e although just a handful of the populace is ruling, the ruling class is subject to substantive limitations e.g. separation of powers, constitutionally prescribed procedures for the exercise of power, laws regulating actions and practices.

In a democracy, the elected leaders are answerable to the people. 

PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRACY

The principles of democracy include:

  1. Respect for the rule of law
  2. Respect for human rights
  3. Separation of powers
  4. Equality of all citizens
  5. Regular, free and fair elections
  6. Freedom of speech, the press, association, assembly
  7. Citizen participation

CHALLENGES OF DEMOCRACY

  1. Greed and corruption
  2. Abuse of powers by past and incumbent leaders
  3. Religious intolerance
  4. Rigging of elections
  5.  Monetization of the electoral process
  6. Weak and dependent electoral commission
  7. Ethnic rivalry
  8. Compromised mass media
  9. Lack of basic freedoms e.g. Freedom of the press, assembly, association, information, etc.
  10. Illiteracy, ignorance and political apathy on the part of the citizenry
  11. Inadequate involvement of women/omission of women in the political process
  12. Sit tight syndrome of our leaders
  13. Indecent party tactics

 WHAT IS GOVERNMENT

Government is the collection of institutions which coordinate andregulate social life.

FORMS OF GOVERNMENT

  1. Autocracy
  2. Capitalism
  3. Democracy

DIVDENDS OF DEMOCRACY

The dividends of democracy include:

  1. Affordable and adequate education services
  2. Security
  3. Regular and adequate salaries for workers
  4. Good roads
  5. Constant electricity supply
  6. Good health care systems  
  7. Accountability and transparency in public affairs
  8. Active Civil Society Organizations
  9. Economic freedom
  10. Political tolerance
  11. Ethnic and religious tolerance  

FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT IN THE SOCIETY

  1. Maintaining internal order and external security
  2. Ensuring justice
  3. Safeguarding individual freedom
  4. Performing regulatory functions
  5. Promotes respect for the Rule of Law
  6. Transparency
  7. Responsiveness
  8. Equity and inclusiveness
  9. Effectiveness and efficiency
  10. Accountability
  11. Mainstreams gender equality principles into its and programmes

CHARASTERISTICS OF GOOD GOVERNANCE

  1. It encourages popular participation
  2. Promotes respect for the rule of law
  3. Transparency
  4. Responsiveness
  5. Consensus oriented
  6. Equity and inclusiveness
  7. Effectiveness and efficiency
  8. Accountability
  9. Mainstreams gender equality principles into its plans and programmes

RESPONSIBILITY OF CITIZENS IN DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT

  1. Abide by the rules and regulations of the land
  2. Give mandatory military (where necessary) or civilian national service for a period of time
  3. Pay fair share of taxes promptly and regularly
  4. Accept the authority of the elected government
  5. Respect the rights of those with differing points of view
  6. Be active, not passive
  7. Be free to run for office or serve as appointed public officials for a time
  8. Utilize free press to speak out on local and national issues