Understanding Democracy: Principles, History, and Participation
Democracy: Principles and Organization
Democracy is a system of political organization where power resides with the people, collectively decided. To regulate the coexistence of societies, it’s necessary to adopt an organized set of principles, rules, or standards, which we call the system of political organization. Democracy also implies a form of coexistence, extending to all fields of social life, and ensures various forms of participation and institutions open to the public.
History of Democracy
In ancient Greece, democracy emerged in some polis or city-states. These were:
- Direct Democracy: Citizens gathered in assemblies to make decisions incumbent on the city, without recourse to other citizens who represent them.
- Restricted Democracy: Only a few could participate (women and slaves were excluded).
In modern democracies, societies are much larger and more complex. They are:
- Representative Democracy: The people elect representatives to govern them.
- Participatory Democracy: Universal suffrage is in place, meaning all adult citizens have the right to participate in democratic decisions.
Dictatorship and Totalitarian Systems
Dictatorship: A political organization system based on the authority or charisma of a leader.
Totalitarian Systems: Systems of polity based on the authority of a single person or a small group.
Core Principles of Democracy
(1) Justice: The democratic system must ensure a legal framework to organize the coexistence between people. The rules or laws form the legal framework of a society, allowing or prohibiting certain actions of individuals and institutions.
(2) Freedom: People can decide for themselves and choose the lifestyle that best suits their interests. The vote, i.e., the right to elect politicians who represent them and decide on major issues for everyone, is the ultimate expression of freedom.
(3) Equality: Universal and quality education is the guarantee that all have the same opportunities.
Key Elements of Democracy
Elements: Plenary session politics, political pluralism, rights, the right to vote, equal value of votes, principle of majority rule and minority rights.
There is no democracy without a free press, freedom of expression and communication, and public partnerships.
Forms of Citizen Participation
(1) Indirect Participation: Intervention in the affairs of government through:
- The expression of opinion in the media, surveys, forums, letters to the editor, etc.
- Participation in political associations such as unions, political parties, NGOs, etc.
- Participation in various civic committees and commissions created especially by local governments, neighborhood associations, etc.
(2) Direct Participation: Is exerted by direct vote and personal action. Voting is the act that symbolizes our political responsibility and reflection, as well as our ethical attitude. However, sometimes the abstention rate is very high.
Main Institutions of a Democratic State
Head of State (Crown): The head of state is the monarch, who is considered the symbol of unity and permanence. Among other duties, they sanction and promulgate laws, summon and dissolve the Cortes Generales, and call a referendum as provided by the Constitution.
President of the Government: A person chosen by the Cortes Generales after the election, who exercises the executive function under the Constitution and laws. Directs domestic and foreign policy, civil administration, and military defense of the state.
Senate: A parliamentary house with legislative function, but also territorial and integration division of control and political momentum.
Congress of Deputies: A parliamentary chamber that has a legislative function, but also controls the action of the Government throughout its execution.
The Supreme Judicial Council: The governing body of the Judiciary of Spain, which ensures the independence of judges and magistrates against the other branches of State.
Constitutional Court: A Judicial Power organ that controls the constitutionality of the rules with the force of law and international treaties. It also invalidates all kinds of constitutional conflicts.
Defensor del Pueblo (Ombudsman): A personality chosen by the Government whose main function is to ensure the protection and defense of fundamental rights and civil liberties of citizens.