Understanding Democracy: Principles, Types, and Concepts
Democracy: Definition and Principles
Democracy, in its etymological definition, 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. People (usually over 18) can vote or give their opinion to decide the politics of the country.
Key Characteristics of a Democracy
- The president is usually changed every four years.
- People in power are not allowed to be bribed.
- Everyone 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 vs. Representative Democracy
● Direct democracy: Citizens are directly involved in political decision-making, taking part in deciding laws and policies.
● Representative democracy: Citizens elect representatives who make decisions 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 in a Democracy
Informal institutions include family or music groups, where friendship or shared interests bring people together.
Formal institutions are related to the administration (town council, parliament, etc.).
Political Concepts Explained
State: A state is an organized political community living under a single system of government, with the Constitution as the main law. 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 divided into two states: France and Spain, but it doesn’t have its 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, 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 and can be related to questions such as independence or remaining within the country (e.g., Basque or Catalan people who want to be part of Spain).
Self-Determination: Self-determination is the right of each nation to decide its own future, meaning that citizens of the nation should choose their relationship with the State. If the majority of people decide to be independent, they should have the right to create their own state. The problem arises from the State and its understanding of the Constitution.
Division of Powers in a Democracy
Executive Power: Proposes new laws and ensures 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 the state is a king or queen.
- Political system = head of state = king/queen = army.
- State with king/queen (major representation of the state).
Types of monarchy:
- Constitutional/Parliamentary: The government governs; the king/queen represents.
Republic: The political system where the head of the state is elected.
- No king/queen (opposite of monarchy).
- Prime minister (the representation of the state).
Totalitarianism:
- Controls politics and society.
- Developed dictatorship.
Communism:
- Working class.
- Equality/No rich-poor division.
Example: Soviet Union in 1917
Examples of Government Systems
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