Concept Of Democracy (Pols 203)

Introduction

Democracy is a system of government that places sovereign power in the hands of the people, either exercised directly or through their elected representatives. As a political concept, democracy emphasizes participation, equality, liberty, accountability, and the rule of law. Though its practice has evolved across time and societies, its central idea remains the involvement of citizens in governance.

Origin and Concept of Democracy

Democracy as a political concept originated in Athens, Greece, around the 5th century BCE. The term democracy is derived from two Greek words: demos (people) and kratos (rule or authority), meaning rule by the people.

Ariel view of Athens 

The Athenian democratic system had a notable limitation: only male citizens participated. Women, slaves, and children were excluded from political decision-making. Despite this limitation, Athens remains significant as the earliest known example of democratic governance.

Cleisthenes, founder of Athenian Democracy 

Athens practiced direct democracy, where eligible male citizens gathered to vote directly on major issues such as lawmaking, taxation, war, and public finance. Each year, 500 citizens were selected by lot to form a council responsible for preparing laws and supervising public administration. Cleisthenes is widely regarded as the founder of Athenian democracy due to his political reforms that expanded citizen participation.

Expansion and Evolution of Democracy

Over time, democracy expanded beyond the Athenian model. As societies became larger and more complex, direct democracy proved impractical. Consequently, democracy evolved into representative or participatory democracy, where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf while still retaining mechanisms for participation and accountability.

Characteristics of Democracy

The major objectives and characteristics of democracy include:

1. Protection and promotion of citizens’ rights. 

2. Preservation of individual and group interests.

3. Assurance of the welfare and well-being of the people.

4. Guarantee of fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of choice, religion, speech, and association.

Features of Modern Democracy

The features of modern democracy can be broadly discussed under three interrelated concepts:

1. Constitutionalism

Constitutionalism refers to governance based on a supreme legal framework (the constitution). The constitution defines the structure of government, limits the powers of rulers, and protects the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens. It empowers the people to check abuses of power through legal and institutional means.

2. Liberalism

Liberalism in a democratic context emphasizes individual liberty, equality before the law, and human dignity. It guarantees:

• Freedom of religion
• Political freedom, including the right to vote and be voted for
• Freedom of speech and expression
• Freedom of association and assembly

3. Democracy (Popular Sovereignty)

Democracy stresses the supremacy of the people’s will, expressed mainly through free, fair, and regular elections. Citizens have the authority to elect leaders and to withdraw support through constitutional means, including elections and votes of no confidence. Political equality of citizens and popular consent are essential elements of genuine democracy.

Definitions of Democracy

Several scholars have defined democracy from different perspectives:

Abraham Lincoln 

Abraham Lincoln defined democracy as “government of the people, by the people, and for the people.”

Plato

Plato viewed democracy critically, describing it as a system that ignores competence and qualification, arguing that the average citizen may lack the knowledge required for effective governance.

Aristotle 

Aristotle defined democracy as rule by the majority, aimed at promoting the common good of society.

Theories of Democracy

Democratic theories generally address two key issues:

1. Whose interests and voices dominate in the democratic process—individuals, groups, or elites.

2. The purpose of democracy, whether it is limited to rights protection or includes social equality, development, and transparency.

1. Pluralist Theory of Democracy

Pluralist democracy views political power as distributed among competing groups (interest groups, parties, associations). This competition prevents the concentration of power and promotes balance in governance.

2. Marxist Theory of Democracy

Karl Marx

The Marxist perspective criticizes liberal democracy as a tool of the ruling capitalist class. It argues that true democracy can only exist in a classless society, where economic and social inequalities are eliminated.

3. Elitist Theory of Democracy

The elitist theory holds that although democracy allows popular participation, real political power is concentrated in the hands of a small elite who dominate decision-making processes.

Sponsored ad: Stream Paradise by Bobzy Ft. Mkheeng here

Conclusion

Democracy remains one of the most influential systems of governance in the modern world. From its origins in ancient Athens to its contemporary representative forms, democracy has continuously evolved to accommodate changing social realities. Despite criticisms and limitations, democracy’s emphasis on popular participation, accountability, liberty, and equality makes it a central framework for political organization and governance in many societies today.