Dimensions

of Democracy
What is democracy?
Democracy originated from the Greek word demoskratos or demokratia
which means the rule of the people. Democracy is a system of
government where citizens choose their representatives to form a
governing body. It is therefore, a government of the people, for the
people, and by the people. This is why it is also stated that democracy
is “Vox Populi, Vox Dei” meaning the Voice of the People is the Voice of
God. As the people are superior over the government.
 Democracy is distinct from other forms of government as the power
rests among the citizenry unlike other forms which is either handled
by one or a few individuals. A democratic government focuses on
freedom and opportunities for people to improve on their abilities as
well as express themselves for greater self-determination.
Objectives:
• Democratic Practices
• The Importance of Participation in Democracy
• Representative Democracy
• Participatory Democracy
Democratic Practices
 Democratic practices are ways citizens can work together-even when
they disagree to address shared problems
 Here are some examples of preferred democratic practices in the
Philippines:

1. Voting system - One of the most important democratic activity

practiced on how to elect government officials. It is a legal system where
there are rules in how elections will be conducted and how results are
determine

2. Citizen participation – having an opportunity to participate in any

public affairs. It can influence government decision making process in
making of laws, in economic activities and even in socio-cultural
Democratic Practices
3. Constitutional Government - Uses constitution which is known as
laws or written document where it defines how government works and
that balances the power in executive, legislative and executive branch.

4. Majority rule/minority right – Majority rule is a way of organizing a

government where citizens are free to make decision through votes. The
minority rights are the normal individual rights or the rights of the
minorities in a certain place. In a democratic country, votes are
important in making decisions where the majority votes will rule but
there is no elimination of minority rights or individual rights. The
majority has the power to rule and also responsible to protect the rights
of the minority. It means that whatever the rules will be imposed the
Democratic Practices
5. Private sectors/enterprise - Establishing of private enterprise or
businesses is a product of democracy. Citizens have the right to put up a
business as long private sectors follow the policies imposed by the
government. In a democratic country, citizens have a right to make
businesses whether it is small or big enterprise.
6. Civil Society - Establishing of civil organizations are visible in a
democratic country. It a type of organization/society establish by a group
of people with one common interest like establishing an association of
the drivers and union for laborers.
The Importance of
Participation in Democracy
 Rights of citizens - The basic rights of citizens are protected. There
is freedom of food, clothing and shelter. Even, the choices of work,
religion, etc. are not controlled. None can compel him or prevent him
in these aspects.
 Common law for all – Any person found guilty is to be punished by
law. Be it a poor man or the rich, strong, or weak will have to undergo
the same punishment and judicial trial. Also, to get into any position,
all the people will have to follow the same procedures.
Chances for individual growth - Due to the freedom of life, a person
can work without compulsions. This enables him to perform with
passion in any field he desires. With this work of passion, there would
The Importance of
Participation in Democracy
 Combined decision making - For every issue, the entire
representatives of people are responsible. Everyone will be involved in
decision making. This limits the chances of wrong decisions for the
country. Thereby everyone is safe and in agreement with happenings
with the nation.
 Fewer chances of misuse of power - In autocratic rule, there are
chances for misuse of power. None can question their actions, hence,
people in power can take personal decisions. This happens sometimes
based on their individual needs and wishes. So, they can take decisions
even if it is harmful to the entire masses. But in a democracy such
misuse of power is not possible. Even a president or prime minister has
to take his colleagues into consideration. He must put his views into
The Importance of
Participation in Democracy
 Equal rights to all - In a democracy, everyone is equal before the
law. One can take up studies, build homes, buy property anywhere
within the nation as per rules.
 Ability to express themselves - Every individual has his opinion.
Democracy provides an opportunity to express his opinion without
fear or censorship.
 Enhanced economic growth - Most countries with democracy have
enormous economic growth. As governance is a collective effort; the
economic growth is never hindered. The nation growth is done
collectively and efficiently.
 Minimizes conflicts and violence - The chances of violence are
The Importance of
Participation in Democracy
 Provide food and minimizes famines - In the case of calamities,
people are deprived of basic amenities like food. The government will
have to arrange for food and essentials from other places. This is done
to support the public and win their support. So, the suffering of people
due to famines would be low.
 Separation of powers - In a democracy, the powers of
administration, justice are separate. So, those in power or those in the
judiciary cannot overpower themselves.
 Transparency of systems - Since all are equal by law, the systems
are transparent. Results of elections, competitive exams, job
selections are kept transparent. These lead to better support those
The Importance of
Participation in Democracy
 People are chosen by performance - In autocratic rule or kingship,
the power transit to children. Despite not being capable enough, they
can have complete power. This leads to insufficient administration and
lack of long-term prosperity. In a democracy, only those with credible
performance records would be given a chance. The right person with
ability will be in the position to administer the governance.
 Finance control - The finances of the state have to be spent as per
the constitution. This prevents misuse of funds and uses them only for
the benefit of citizens. So, the chances of corruption can be reduced.
 Peoples’ Choice - People can choose their leader irrespective of
caste, creed, sex and even race. Even economically backward persons
like Abraham Lincoln could become the president of the United States,
The Importance of
Participation in Democracy
 Equal and fair justice - In a democracy, no one is above the law,
and everyone is equal before it. So equal justice is theoretically
possible to all.
 People’s participation - Since a person is elected by people, people
have the right to decide their leader by involvement in voting.
 Nationalism - Since every citizen is involved in building the country,
there is a sense of patriotism and contributions to its growth.
 Better and equal opportunities - All are equal before the law so
anyone can contest for any post. And if he is eligible, he can take the
opportunity.
 Democracy is generally perceived the most ideal and preferred system
of governance based on its ability to empower its citizenry and enable
self- determination. Much like any system of government, how a
democracy is implemented and practiced has produced varying shades
of opinion. Two such interpretations include representative and
participatory democracy.
 Representative democracy are indirect way of governance where
sovereignty is in the hands of the representatives. This process involves
an electorate selecting and voting on political candidates and/or
political parties, who in turn make policy.
Example: Countries like Canada, United States, and Philippines.
 Participatory democracy It compels lay citizens to join in the decision
making and give higher representation using the conventional
representative governance. Participatory democracy is also known as
direct democracy. It is where democracy takes place when people
Answer Time!
I. Direction: Read the following items below and choose the correct letter. Write the letter
only on your paper.
1. The basic rights of citizens are protected. There is freedom of food, clothing and
shelter. Even, the choices of work, religion, etc. are not controlled. None can compel him
or prevent him in these aspects.
A. common law for all
B. Rights of citizens
C. Equal rights to all
D. Separation of power
2. In a democracy, no one is above the law, and everyone is equal before it. So equal
justice is theoretically possible to all.
A. Peoples participation
B. Nationalism
C. Better and equal opportunities
D. Equal and fair justice
3. One of the most important democratic activity practiced on how to elect
government officials. It is a legal system where there are rules in how elections will be
conducted and how results are determined
A. Citizens Participation
B. Constitutional government
C. Civil Society
D. Voting system
4. Since every citizen is involved in building the country, there is a sense of patriotism
and contributions to its growth.
A. Minimizes conflicts and violence
B. Enhanced economic growth
C. Nationalism
D. Rights of citizens
D. Constitutional Government
5. Uses constitution which is known as laws or written
document where it defines how government works and that
balances the power in executive, legislative and executive
branch.
A. Majority rule/ minority rights
B. Voting system
C. Citizen participation
D. Constitutional Government

II. For 5 points differentiate the Representative and

Participatory democracy.