Overview of the democracy
Democracy is a
form of Government in which all citizens have an equal voice in the decisions
that affect their lives. It can also include social, economic and cultural
conditions that allows the free practice and equal political
self-determination. The term comes from the Greek: δημοκρατία-(dēmokratia)
"power of people", those from δῆμος (demo) "people" and κράτος
(Kratos) "power", in the middle of the v-4th century BC to denote the
political systems then in force was coined in some Greek city States,
especially in Athens, after an uprising in 508 British Colombia.
Although there is
no specific, universally accepted definition, the ' democracy ' are equality
and freedom identified as important features of democracy since ancient times. These
principles are reflected in all citizens are equal before the law and have
equal access to the legislative process. For example, in a representative
democracy, every vote has equal weight, no unreasonable restrictions cannot be
applied to all those who want to be a representative, and the freedom of its
citizens is protected by the legitimate rights and freedoms that are generally
protected by a Constitution.
There are different varieties of democracy
Which some have
better representation and more freedom for their citizens than others. However, if any democracy is not to ban the
Government's structured to exclude persons of the legislative process, or a
branch of the Government to amend the separation of powers in his own benefit,
then a branch of the system can accumulate too much power and destroy democracy.
The representative democracy, Consensus democracy and deliberative democracy
are important examples of attempts of a form of Government that is practical
and adapted to the needs and desires of the citizens.
Many people use
the term "democracy" as shorthand for liberal democracy, which may
include elements such as pluralism policy; equality before the law; the right
to petition elected officials for the repair of their grievances; judicial
process; Civil Liberties; of human rights; and elements of civil society
outside the Government. In other cases, "democracy" is used to mean
direct democracy. Although the word "democracy" is typically used
within a State, the principles are applicable to private organizations and
other groups as well.
Majority rule is
often mentioned as a feature of democracy. An essential part of democracy
representative ' ideal ' is competitive elections, that are fair both
substantively and procedurally. In
addition, its political freedom of speech, freedom of expression and freedom of
the press meant to be essential so that citizens are well informed and able to
vote according to their own interest, because they see them. It is also
suggested that the basic function of democracy is the ability of individuals to
participate freely and in the life of their society.