Final Draft : Informational Argument

The above drawing was created by Brian Crabaugh. It is pro democracy (Bilgrami, 2002). It uses ice-cream flavors to elaborate on vote-splitting. In the drawing, there are two ice-cream flavors which are represented. There is vanilla and strawberry. There are two distinct groups of people supporting each flavor. As it can be seen, each support the flavor they support because of their own reasons. Although the ice-cream is the same, only the flavors differ, the interests of each group are similar. In this case, the drawing can be interpreted as opposing vote splitting. During elections, the interests of the political parties are different while those of the citizens are the same. For instance, people’s interests can be; good infrastructures and good education. Political party leaders tend to divide the votes of the people by luring them to their sides without caring for the interests of the people. In a democratic world, this vote splitting should be opposed because in the end of the day, the interests of the citizens are the same. They should not give puppets to take advantage of them. In this essay, I will discuss the elements which are associated with democracy and importance of democracy.

Democracy is a simple word which consists of a lot of things in it. It represents a quite range of issues in governance in general. There are elements which define democracy. For one to quantify any form of democracy at place or at work, they should at least point out these elements and support them well. There are eight elements associated with democracy (Storm, 2008). They are; personal freedoms, political freedoms, political equality, rule of law, common good, human dignity, being informed and getting involved and respect. These elements stipulate what exactly democracy should depict. Remember that democracy is the government of the people, by the people and for the people. The supreme power is vested in the people. For a country to realize democracy, these elements should be put into place. This is always via the setting up of certain institutions that are in harmony with the goals and values of ideal democracy. I now discuss what each element of the democracy stipulates. Presence of personal freedoms is an element of democracy (Storm, 2008). In the constitutions of a country, there are well listed rights and freedoms given to the individuals. These include freedoms of religion and expression. Freedoms give the general picture of how the citizens of a country are taken. The freedom of religion means that an individual is free to choose the way in which they worship, the places of worship they visit and such. An individual should always be free to choose their denominations. On the freedom of expression, an individual should be given space and freedom and express whatever they feel concerns them without victimization. This encompasses the freedom of speech and media as well (Storm, 2008).

Political freedom is another crucial element of democracy. Under this freedom, individuals are free to form associations, run for an office of their choice and vote without being intimidated or compromised. This freedom also includes freedom to speak in matters politics. If an individual chooses to join or form a political party or association in a democratic country, it should be welcomed with both hands because it is expected if democracy persists.

Political equality is another element of democracy (Carothers, 2004). Under this element, all individuals in a country have the right to vote their representatives and as well run for any public office of their choice. With democracy, all citizens are equal before the law and constitution. Every citizen stands a chance to run for any public office of their choice. In democracy, the rule of law stands. It is another key element of democracy. Every citizen despite their positions should adhere to the law. Nobody is above the law. The laws in this case, are predictable and unbiased (Carothers, 2004).

Common good is also an element of democracy. In a democratic country, all citizens should assume responsibility (Carothers, 2004). They should always work towards a common good of the society. No citizen should take an advantage of a fellow citizen. Human dignity is the sixth element of democracy. In a democratic government, the government should protect and uphold the dignity of all its citizens irrespective of the differences among the citizens (LeCompte, 2006). All citizens need to be informed and involved in all issues involving their country. They need to be informed and participate in all those issues affecting their community, state or nation. They have to be in touch with what is happening in their country. Lastly, respect is an ultimate element of democracy. A democracy without respect is not democracy (LeCompte, 2006). Similarly to the common good, all citizens should show respect to the rights of the others. No one is allowed to violate the rights and peace of fellow citizens under whatever situation.

Democracy is very important. Democracy is key in controlling the power of the government (Bilgrami, 2002). In this aspect, it prevents those people who hold power from abusing it for their own gains. Democracy always upholds the interests of the people. Through representation, people choose the leaders they want and give them the responsibility to present their issues and interests.

Democracy is also important because it is fairer to the citizens. In countries with minority groups, minority groups are better protected in democratic countries (Bilgrami, 2002). Their interests and demands are protected. They are also able to have access to the political system of the country. This is because; they have elected their leaders for their representation. The minority are also free from discrimination. Additionally, the views of the minority are as important as those of the majority groups in the same country (Bilgrami, 2002).

In conclusion, I have discussed and elaborated on the term democracy. I have explained what democracy entails. I have discussed shortly about the others forms of government and how they compare with democratic governments. In matters democracy, I have discussed also the elements which make up democracy. They are the elements which can be used to quantify whether democracy is present. Lastly, I have discussed the importance of democracy in any government. In my opinion, democratic government is a better form of government as compared to other forms of government. This opinion is anchored by the discussion I have done above about democracy and democratic governments.

References

Bilgrami, A. (2002). The importance of democracy. The place of tolerance in Islam, 61-66.

Carothers, T. (2004). Critical mission. Essays on democracy promotion, Washington: Carnegie Endowment for Democracy and Peace.

Dewey, J. (2004). Democracy and education. Courier Corporation.

LeCompte, K. N. (2006). Conditions of democracy: Elementary perspectives.Social Studies and the Young Learner, 19(1), 28.

Pestre, D. (2009). Understanding the forms of government in today’s liberal and democratic societies: An introduction. Minerva, 47(3), 243-260.

Storm, L. (2008). An elemental definition of democracy and its advantages for comparing political regime types. Democratisation, 15(2), 215-229.