Forms of Democracy - JSS1 Civic education Lesson Note
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Direct Democracy:
- In direct democracy, citizens actively participate in decision-making without intermediaries. They vote on laws, policies, and issues directly, often facilitated by referendums. Direct democracy is practical in smaller communities where citizens can engage in direct discussions.
Representative Democracy:
- Representative democracy involves citizens electing representatives to make decisions on their behalf. Elected officials represent the interests and preferences of the people, and regular elections provide citizens the opportunity to choose their leaders. Representative democracy is suitable for larger nations with diverse populations.
Presidential Democracy:
- In a presidential democracy, the head of state (president) is distinct from the legislative branch. The president is elected independently of the legislature and holds executive powers. The United States is an example of a presidential democracy.
Parliamentary Democracy:
- In parliamentary democracy, the head of government is typically the leader of the majority party in the parliament. The parliament plays a crucial role, and the executive branch is accountable to it. The United Kingdom is an example of a parliamentary democracy.
Constitutional Democracy:
- Constitutional democracy is characterized by a constitution that defines and limits the powers of the government and protects the rights of citizens. The rule of law is fundamental, and the constitution serves as a supreme legal authority.