What is Democracy? Why Democracy?

Flashcards about democracy, its features, and its comparison with other forms of government.

Democracy

A form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people.

Greek

The word democracy comes from this language.

People

In Greek, 'demos' means this.

Rule

In Greek, 'kratia' means this.

Democratic Government

A government chosen by the people.

The army rulers of Myanmar

These regimes were not elected by the people.

Saudi Arabia

A country where the kings rule not because the people have chosen them.

Pakistan

The country where General Pervez Musharraf led a military coup in October 1999.

Legal Framework Order

An order issued by General Musharraf that amended the Constitution of Pakistan, allowing the President to dismiss national and provincial assemblies.

First feature of democracy

In a democracy, the final decision-making power must rest with those elected by the people.

Quanguo Renmin Daibiao Dahui (National People’s Congress)

The name of the China's parliament.

Chinese Communist Party

A political party that always forms the government in China.

PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party)

A party that won every election in Mexico until 2000.

Second feature of democracy

A democracy must be based on a free and fair election where those currently in power have a fair chance of losing.

Universal adult franchise

A principle linked to the struggle for democracy.

Third feature of democracy

In a democracy, each adult citizen must have one vote and each vote must have one value.

Zimbabwe

A country that attained independence from White minority rule in 1980 and was led by Robert Mugabe.

Fourth and final feature of democracy

A democratic government rules within limits set by constitutional law and citizens’ rights.

Summary Definition of Democracy

Rulers elected by the people take all the major decisions; Elections offer a choice and fair opportunity to the people to change the current rulers; This choice and opportunity is available to all the people on an equal basis; and The exercise of this choice leads to a government limited by basic rules of the constitution and citizens’ rights.

Argument for democracy

Democracy is better than any other form of government in responding to the needs of the people.

Another argument for democracy

Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens.

Representative democracy

A form of democracy where a majority is allowed to take decisions on behalf of all the people.

Democratic decision-making

A democratic decision involves consultation with and consent of all those who are affected by that decision.

Active political participation

Democracy depends on active political participation by all the citizens.