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PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRACY
From “Democracy for All,” Street Law, Inc.: http://www.streetlaw.org/democlesson.html
People from around the world have identified the basic principles, which must exist in order to have a democratic government. These principles often become a part of the constitution or bill of rights in a democratic society. Though no two democratic countries are exactly alike, people in democracies support many of the same basic principles and desire the same benefits from their government.
1. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION 2. EQUALITY 3. POLITICAL TOLERANCE 4. ACCOUNTABILITY 5. TRANSPARENCY 6. REGULAR FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS 7. ECONOMIC FREEDOM 8. CONTROL OF THE ABUSE OF POWER 9. BILL OF RIGHTS 10. ACCEPTING THE RESULTS OF ELECTIONS 11. HUMAN RIGHTS 12. MULTI PARTY SYSTEM 13. RULE OF LAW
1. Citizen Participation
One of the most basic signposts of a democracy is citizen participation in government. Participation is the key role of citizens in democracy. It is not only their right, but it is their duty. Citizen participation may take many forms including standing for election, voting in elections, becoming informed, debating issues, attending community or civic meetings, being members of private voluntary organizations, paying taxes, and even protesting. Participation builds a better democracy.
2. Equality
Democratic societies emphasize the principle that all people are equal. Equality means that all individuals are valued equally, have equal opportunities, and may not be discriminated against because of their race, religion, ethnic group, gender or sexual orientation. In a democracy, individuals and groups still maintain their right to have different cultures, personalities, languages and beliefs.
3. Political Tolerance
Democratic societies are politically tolerant. This means that while the majority of the people rule in a democracy, the rights of the minority must be protected. People who are not in power must