Pillars of demoracy

Pillar means a tall upright object used as support. It could also mean a very important part of a system. The pillars on which democracy is standing are as follows:

The fundamental human rights enjoyed by everybody in the nation as a whole include

– Freedom of movement/association

– Freedom of religion

– Freedom to be educated

– Right to vote and be voted for

Democracy is based on the rule of law

Equality of everybody before the law

The principle of separation of powers where checks and balances are implemented

The Pillars of Democracy

People – The first and sole pillar of democracy are the people who operate democracy. Without the people, there cannot be any democracy. Democracy is the government of the people by the people and for the people.

Democratic Institutions – These are also other pillars of democracy. Getting good and God fearing leaders depend on how effective INEC is in doing their work

The Pressure Groups – Are other pillars of democracy. The pressure they put on government to influence decision go a long way to make democracy to stand firm

The arms of Government – The legislative, judiciary and executive are other pillars of democracy. The separation of power among them make things to work out well.

Rule of Law – This is a process that is bound up with the law and that the law is supreme. This makes everybody to be equal before the law. And there will be no impartiality

Transparency – True democracy does not permit any secrecy. All that is done is done in the open. This transparency is a strong pillar that makes democracy one of the best systems of government

Majority rule and minority rights is maintained in a democracy: The majority elected to rule must not neglect the rights of the minority in the society.

Assessment

List three pillars of democracy and discuss the function of each pillar