Democracy: Meaning, Origin, Features And Types Of Democracy

Government
Topic: Meaning And Origin Of Democracy
Table of Contents

  • Origin Of Democracy
  • Meaning Of Democracy
  • Characteristics Of Democracy
  • Types Of Democracy

Origin Of Democracy
Democracy is gotten from the city states of ancient Greece. Democracy is the Greeks word “Demos” and “Kratia” (Rule Of Government).
However, It is a system of government in which the people exercise their governing power either directly or through elected representatives.
It is a government established by the majority that protect the interest of the minority. Examples of long lasting democratic state are Great Britain, France, USA and Canada.
Characteristics Or Features Of Democracy
1. Existence Of Two Or More Parties: There must be at least two political parties that will contests election.
2. Periodic Election: Election are held from time to time especially at interest of four or five years.
3. The Rule Of Law: The law is made supreme over any person or body and every citizens is equal before the law.
4. Fundamental Human Right: The citizens enjoy certain entitlement e.g Freedom of expression, Press, Movement etc.
5. Political Literacy: Majority of citizen are expected to understand the function and work of government and it can also lead to the formation of political parties.
6. Opposition Is Allowed: Any party or person is allowed to oppose or criticise the government without being victimize. This is done through freedom of press, television, radio, newspaper.
7. Independence Of Judiciary: Judges are not influenced by the governors and president of the state. They do their work without fear or favour.
Types Of Democracy
There are two main types of democracy which are:
1. Direct Democracy
2. Indirect Democracy Or Representative Democracy
1. Direct Democracy: This is where all the citizens attend the assembly and take part in decision making in order to govern a state or the society. This type of democracy was practised in ancient greek city state during the second century.
2. Indirect Or Representative Democracy: In this type of democracy, the citizens through elections elect those who will represent and govern the state on their behalf. This type of democracy replace the direct democracy in modern state as it is no more possible for every body to gather in one place in order to take decisions to govern the state as a result of the large size and population of the modern state.