Intellectuals have diverse thoughts on democracy. However, they can all come to an agreement on the fact that democracy is a rule with four major aspects. The facets include the rule of law, active involvement, free and fair elections and respect for basic human rights.
In this kind of regime, people are allowed to elect leaders of their choice. Citizens make a decision on who will be their representative in parliament and who will be the head of government. They do so by selecting among competing parties in a free and fair election. The new government formed after elections will be based on the approval of the governed.
This sort of establishment holds the inhabitants of a country supreme. Basically, they are the highest form of political authority. Power flows from the inhabitants to the representatives in parliament. Representatives stay in power for a restricted number of years in accordance with the constitution. Support of the majority is required before laws and guiding principles are enacted. Nevertheless, consent of the minority is sought as they are equally important in every country.
Nationals are charged with the responsibility of actively taking part in public affairs. They need to educate themselves on community matters. Their role is to monitor how the country is being run. The people have to feel free to air their concerns and views. An important way a person can be actively involved is by being a vibrant member of independent non governmental institutions. The independent institutions are often called civil society.
Women ought to be involved in public issues too. For a while, they have somewhat been a minority group. They non governmental associations ought to raise awareness to the women concerning their rights and responsibilities. By so doing, ladies will feel like they are needed in both political and civil elements of their country. Similar to the male members of the society, they ought to be engaged in development schemes.
Participation in civil societies ought to be a voluntary activity. No one should be forced to be a member of any society. The same concept applies to political parties. Citizens are free to decide which parties they want to support. At the same time, each person ought to accommodate views of other people even when he does not agree with them. The variety of different kinds of people is celebrated in countries practicing this essential rule.
Basic rights and freedoms of citizens need to be upheld in accordance with international laws. Each individual can have his own belief system and practice his religion without fear. A person has the freedom to relate with others without being interfered with. This is called freedom of association.
Under the rule of law, justice is delivered promptly by knowledgeable, principled and independent representatives. This group of people ought to be sufficient in number, have enough resources and mirror the structure of the group of people they serve. Laws ought to be enacted in a fair and proficient manner. All in all, the different thoughts on democracy summarize the concept as rule solely meant for the people.
Read more about Important Thoughts On Democracy As An Idea.