Principles of Governance: Rule of Law, Theocracy, and Democracy
Principles of Governance
- Rule of Law: The constitution of a state where the law is the highest instance, applicable to both rulers and the ruled. It implies that the law determines who exercises authority, ensuring that rulers abide by the same laws as the governed, ultimately protecting individual rights.
- Theocracy: A system where the ruler’s authority is derived from a special relationship with a deity, or religious estates sanction the ruler’s power.
- Naturalism: The belief that nature intends different functions for different people, and wisdom lies in complying with nature’s dictates. This can have theocratic overtones when the valuation of nature is associated with a creator.
- Rationalism: Government is legitimate only when it emanates from the exchange of reasons between people, based on conviction rather than coercion. It is not based on pre-existing answers but on a willingness to seek them. The ability to reason gives us control over our lives and legitimizes the direction of a social group.
Views on the Relationship Between the Individual and the State
- Communitarianism: The sacrifice of individuals for the benefit of the community, prioritizing the community over the individual.
- Liberalism: The whole cannot exist without its parts, thus emphasizing the group of individuals, each of whom can interfere minimally in society.
Criticisms
- Communitarianism: Overemphasis on community and social identity can justify a reduction of freedom, hindering individual development.
- Liberalism: An overemphasis on individual freedom as the fundamental criterion of social justice can increase political inequality, as those with the freedom and means to develop may not consider the impact on others within society.
Democracy
A form of government characterized by:
- Popular Sovereignty: Power comes from the people, with citizens participating in decisions that affect everyone. This can take two forms:
- Direct Democracy: Citizens participate directly in government or political decision-making.
- Representative Democracy: Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
- Universal Suffrage: Popular sovereignty is expressed through universal suffrage, granting all adult persons the right to vote, regardless of race or gender, without discrimination.
- Separation of Powers: Power is divided among various bodies to prevent abuses:
- Legislature: Responsible for making laws (Parliament).
- Executive: Responsible for enforcing laws and solving political problems (Government).
- Judiciary: Responsible for enforcing laws and establishing penalties (Judges and Courts of Justice).
Democracy is committed to values such as freedom, equality, justice, respect, and tolerance, including respect for human rights.