Democracy means that everyone has a say about how the country is run. In a democracy, the government is put into power by its citizens. The adult citizens of a democracy elect their government. One way they do this is by choosing people to represent them in a parliament. In a multi-party system, the party that gets the majority votes governs the country.

Characteristics That Identify a Democracy

Citizens can participate in government

It is everyone’s right and duty to participate in government.

All people are equal before the law

There is no legal discrimination based on race, religion, gender or other reason. Groups and individuals have a right to their own cultures, languages, beliefs and so on.

Political tolerance

Various opinions, beliefs, cultures, religions and so on need to be tolerated. So, while the majority of the people rule in a democracy, the rights of the minority must still be protected.

Accountability

Officials that are elected and appointed in government are accountable to the people for actions and decisions.

Transparency

In a democracy, people and the media (newspapers, tv, radio) can get information about what government decisions are being made, by whom and for what reason.

Regular, free and fair elections

Citizens choose their own representatives for government. They elect these officials in a free and fair way, without cor- ruption and votes are secret. Elections are held regularly.

Economic freedom

People can own property and businesses and they can choose

their own work and join labour unions.

Controlling abuse of power

There must be ways to prevent government officials from abusing their power. The courts are independent from the government, and there are other bodies that have the power to act against corrupt government officials.

Human rights

Democracies aim to respect and protect the human rights of all and often use a Bill of Rights to do so. .

Multi-party system

A multi-party system means that more than one political party can participate in elections, so that people can choose who they want to represent them in government.

The rule of law

No one is above the law, including the president. This means that the law must treat everyone in an equal and fair way.

The separation of powers between different arms of government

The Legislature (parliament) made up of people’s representa- tives, make the laws and policies. The Executive (cabinet) implement and oversee the public service. The Judiciary act as independent referees to interpret the law when there are disputes or conflicts or someone breaks the law.

(See: Public Participation)