Democracy

Ordinarily, democracy is defined as the government of the people for the people and by the people.

It is a system of government whereby people are allowed to exercise their political power by voting in of their leaders at a particular time.

It is a system of government where the people of the country determines their leaders and have the right to contribute to the development of their country.

Forms of Democracy

Direct democracy: This is an individual freedom; this is where people participate in the governing of the state at intervals. People have liberation without any representation.

Representative democracy: This is also known as indirect democracy; in this form of democracy, some people are elected to represent the masses. Whatever they say would be accepted as the voice of the people.

Constitutional democracy: This form of democracy is based on the laid down principles, the principle serve as the yardstick for the system of government.

Characteristics of Democracy

There is free and fair election

The law is supreme

The fundamental human right is respected

There must be majority rule and minority rights

There must be independence of judiciary

There must be periodic election

There must be equality before the law

Features of Democracy

Sovereignty – This means that the decision of the government must be based on what the people who elected the government want. The representatives that form the government cannot be doing whatever they like without first consulting the people who elected them.

Equality – Everybody in the community is equal particularly on issues concerning the law. Everybody has a right to vote and be voted for.

Majority rule – Even though it is democracy, the decision is always based on the majority decision. True democracy does not tolerate manipulations, it is based on majority rule.

Importance of Democracy

It creates opportunity for everybody in a place to have a say in the government of a state or a nation

Everybody has a right to make suggestions

Everyone has a right to nominate a person for election

There is freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom to education

Assessment

Enumerate two features of democracy

Outline three benefits of democracy to the Nigerian Nation