Democracy: Principles, Institutions, and Systems
Democracy
Democracy, in the etymological definition of the word, means “of the people” or “for the people.” Citizens should be involved in decisions concerning government and laws.
Democracy is a system of government where power is shared, human rights are protected, everyone is treated equally, and citizens have free and fair elections. That means that people (usually over 18) can vote or give their opinion to decide the politics of the country.
Characteristics of Democracy
- Usually, the president is changed every four years.
- People in power are not allowed to be bribed.
- Everybody has to obey the law.
- Political freedom: opinions can be expressed freely.
- There are laws to protect freedom and equality.
- The government’s authority is applied in accordance with the law.
Direct and Representative Democracy
- Direct democracy: Citizens are directly involved in political decision-making, which means they take part in deciding laws and policies.
- Representative democracy: Citizens elect representatives, and those representatives make decisions. These representatives work in parliaments or governments. Elections are held in representative democracies.
Spain and Germany are examples of democratic countries; however, democracy doesn’t exist at 100%.
Institutions
Informal institutions include, for example, the family or music groups, where friendship or shared interests bring people together.
Formal institutions are those related to, for example, the administration (town council, parliament, etc.).
Political Concepts
State: A state is an organized political community living under a single system of government, and the main law is the Constitution. For example: Spain, France.
Nation: A nation is a large group of people who share a common language, culture, or history.
For example: Euskal Herria is a nation that is divided into two states: France and Spain, but we don’t have our own state.
Self-government: Self-government is a system in which the citizens of a country or smaller political unit (e.g., Catalonia, Basque Country) rule themselves or control their own affairs in matters such as education, health, and police. In the case of the Basque Country and Catalonia, some matters and issues, such as the army, depend on Spain. Our self-governments (Basque Government and Catalonia) depend on the Spanish Constitution.
Referendum: A referendum is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to vote on a particular issue. This may result in the adoption of a new law. It can be related to questions such as independence or staying together inside the country. (E.g., Basque or Catalan people who want to be part of Spain).
Self-determination: Is the right of each nation to decide its own future, which means that citizens of the nation would choose their relationship with the State. In our case, it should be that if the majority of people decide to be independent, consequently, we should have the right to create our own state. The problem comes from the State and its understanding of the Constitution.
Division of Powers
Executive Power: Proposes new laws and makes sure that the laws are followed. It is represented by the president, prime minister, or head of government, along with ministers and other officials.
Legislative Power: Approves, changes, and cancels laws. It is represented by the Parliament, Congress, or Assembly, depending on the country.
Judicial Power: Interprets laws and resolves legal disputes. It consists of judges, magistrates, and courts that ensure justice and protect citizens’ rights.
Types of Governments
Democracy: (voting, political freedom/equality, government ruled by laws)
From/For the people
Types of democracy:
- Direct: You give your opinion directly.
- Representative: You choose someone to give your opinion.
Example: Representative: Spain, USA; Direct: Assembly
Dictatorship: (Non-democracy) The political system where the authority rules without any limits.
- Governed by a person/group of people
- No freedom to choose/vote
- No opposition
- No freedom to express
Example: Franco
Monarchy: The political system where the head of state is a king or queen.
Types of monarchy:
- Constitutional/Parliamentary: The government governs; the king/queen represents.
Republic: The political system where the head of state is elected.
- No king/queen (opposite of monarchy)
- Prime minister (the representation of the state)
Totalitarianism:
- Controls politics and society
- Developed dictatorship (Totalitarianism controls politics and society; dictatorships only control politics.)
Communism:
- Working class
- Equality/No rich-poor division
Example: Soviet Union in 1917
Zimbabwe
- No access to media.
- No freedom of movement.
- No freedom to participate in demonstrations.
- No freedom to express political opinions.
- Police can visit your house without permission.
- Disappearance of political activists against the government.
Type of government:
- Dictatorship
Basque Country
- Access to different media.
- Freedom of movement.
- Freedom to participate in demonstrations in theory, but with big problems in practice sometimes.
- Freedom to express political opinions, but not always.
- In theory, police cannot visit your house without permission.
Type of government:
- Democracy