For Sir_Excellence

Amber Haseeb

Rights of America

6/5/2016

Democracy remains a widely used term every day both locally and internationally. Literally, the term has been utilized by many simply to imply a leadership by the chosen or elected majority. It can also mean a form of government held by chosen representatives through a free and a fairly held election. In reality, democracy is more than just catches the eye since it is such an expansive field to any willing explorer. Democracy needs a fertile land to germinate, and favorable conditions for it to grow to maturity. This paper seeks to explore some important aspects with regard to democracy including its roots, challenges, forecasts, and importance, ideal and real democracies among other key factors surrounding democracy (Plattner, 2015)

Democracy did not just sprout like a plant for there is no clear line or trend that can be traced up to where it started. Evidently, it is a major encounter to establish to what extent democracy was spread from the earliest sources and independently in other geographies. Notably, democracy was conceived severally in a back forth style for it only would only be started and sustained as long as the circumstances would allow (Dahl, 2015). Arguably, democracy might even have existed even during the medieval times but in different versions unlike the ones noted today. The original versions of democracy had their unique way of handling issues since they might have lacked most of the institutions that characterized by the modern democracies. There were early democratic systems whose reign would end whenever a dictator took power. The hallmark lies in the fact that the origin of democracy was not a single day event and that it keeps on improving although its sustenance lies on the unpredictable support it calls for (Fukuyama, 2015).

Despite the good will that the term democracy was founded on, its adaptability has been a real challenge just as its growth simply because the affected platforms lack the basic elements needed. It is a fact that democratization can never triumph in the midst of inequality for individuals who feel deprived of their fundamental rights will always turn to be rebellious. Weak institutions characterized by imbalances and voiceless representatives are also another hindrance to democratization. Other factors that slow down the act of democratization include inadequate representation of the led and lack of knowledge with regard to democracy. The progress of democracy has been significantly slowed by bad and mean acts of political party victimization, media manipulation, and dictatorships. Individual commitment is needed if democracy will ever win at the end since there is no guarantee that it can be universally adopted and mostly from the past experiences (Bochsler & S. Bousbah, 2015)

While attaining the intended democracy remains unattainable, it is also very vital to comprehend what makes it is really composed of. The knowledge of an ideal democracy would serve as a reference point even as nations strive to improve at their varying levels. In an ideal democracy every individual enjoys equal participation meaning that before any policy or agenda is passed, a careful consideration of each member’s opinion will be undertaken. The freedom to vote on any agenda must be accorded to every individual without the feeling that some members are more privileged than others (Dahl, 2015). Every member in an ideal democracy needs to be well informed in terms of which other options are available and on the possible consequences the agenda may arise. Every participant must enjoy an equal opportunity to determine which affairs deserve to be given priority during the business of the day. Inclusion is also another very important factor in an ideal democracy. This perfect form of democracy is hard to achieve following the many challenges it faces in every nation. In existence is the actual form of democracy that is characterized by numerous inadequacies. In its realistic form democracy is a progressive idea that has the chance to get better or even worse depending on the input it is accorded (Plattner, 2015)

It is important to note that democracy is distinguishable from a republic majorly because it accords the majority the power over the minority. Whether elected or in a direct democracy, the elected tend to enjoy powers that can hardly be manipulated by the present minority. Good examples of the scenario include the old systems of Greece and the representative democracy of Great Britain. On the other hand, in a republic, the agenda changes completely since those in power seek to control the majority alongside ensuring all the rights, privileges and liberties are accorded even to the most disadvantaged. Most republics are directed through a constitution that is passed by the nationals through an informed election (Dahl, 2015). 

Of major concern would be why people have to believe in democracy even when so other alternatives are in existence. Actually, democracy has been linked with numerous positive impacts that include and are not limited to shunning the assumption that majority must always take control, providing a platform where every citizen can enjoy basic rights including the rights of speech, movement, association among others all which are necessary for a democratic system. Democracy also gives the residents a platform that is secure, self-determination where people can determine which legislations should lead them. Democracy instills a sense of responsibility that ensures that people grow socially, makes countries successful, and foster peace within them. In every democracy, it is important to realize that it is ethical to uphold political equality (Dahl, 2015). 

Actual democracies or the most practical ones as noted in numerous nations exist having not met the standards an ideal state would expect. For a nation to actually state to be democratic, it has to possess a several number of institutions a factor that might vary from one nation to another based on the coverage area. Some nations can perform even better without some institutions simply due to their size and set up. Some of the essentials in a democracy include elected individuals, well-conducted ballots, protected rights of expression, access to information, and association alongside fair inclusion of all individuals who are deemed of age. The institutions basically will ensure good representation and fairness in the agendas discussed nationally (Dahl, 2015). 

Constitutions are widely accepted sets of laws that can be written or unwritten. Unwritten constitutions were mostly existent at early times following distinct situations in some nations. In the contemporary setups most written, constitutions are widely being adopted just as the bill of rights (Dahl, 2015).  A constitution remains essential to a nation due to its ability to foster stability through the establishment of platforms where human rights can be observed, fairness among citizens, a sense of responsibility from leaders and even citizens. Constitutions serve as a good reference point whenever the government has choices to make. Constitutions guide the citizens while parties and political parties are very important in guiding and aiding people to be selected for positions.

For democracy to thrive several key factors must be prevailing including the ability of the chosen leaders to direct the armed forces for on the contrary opposing forces will be overpowering the elected. Democracy is more likely to develop especially when a nation is culturally competent as opposed to those nations which are not sensitive to culture. The absence of external interference, citizen’s commitment to embrace democratic ideologies and favorable fiscal state in a nation are all necessary factors democracy to flourish (Plattner, 2015).

Market capitalism is a term that describes an economic state characterized by minimal government manipulation and individuals can conduct business freely. Capitalism has both advantages and disadvantages towards democracy. On the positive side, democracy and its basic institutions can only survive in areas where there is a stable market economy. Capitalism leads to educated people who would like their nation to be law abiding all who favor democracy. On the contrary, capitalism threatens democracy in a number of ways including the limitation each poses to the other. Capitalism creates a state of inequality among citizens and can only support democracy up to a certain fixed limit. Other identified factors that hinder democracies include the economic state, globalization, culture and literacy (Dahl, 2015). 

It is important to note that in those societies that are greatly divided then consociationalism comes into play. In such regions that are considered as unfavorable for democracy, power is only shared by the elite who represent their groups. A grand coalition is one variety where all the significant parties in a state are expected to take part in all essential matters regarding power and progress. In consociationalism people within a nation have the powers to veto the authorities’ choice making meaning the executive must always strive toward reaching a consensus. Consociationalism dictates uniform representation and segmental autonomy (Jacobsen, 2015).

To conclude, democracy is a term that bears a deeper meaning than most people assume. Democracy originated differently with regard to timing and place depending on whether the conditions were favorable or not. There are basic institutions that have to be present for democracy to flourish. Consociationalism is the term that describes the form of leadership where the conditions don’t favor actual democracy.

References

Dahl, R. A. (2015). On democracy. Yale University Press.

Fukuyama, F. (2015). Why Is Democracy Performing So Poorly. Journal Of Democracy, 26(1), 11-20. http://dx.doi.org/10.1353/jod.2015.0017

Jacobsen, H. (2015). Book Review: Democracy and Social Peace in Divided Societies: Exploring Consociational Parties. Failure of network industry liberalization in Eastern Europe: the case of electricity liberalization in Ukraine, 95.

Plattner, M. (2015). Is Democracy in Decline. Journal Of Democracy, 26(1), 5-10. http://dx.doi.org/10.1353/jod.2015.0014