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Elections in a Democracy

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Elections in a Democracy
Elections certainly are a necessary element in a functioning democracy. Elections charachetristcally exist to provide the governed with voice and choice so as to whom they are governed by. Elections although essential are not the only prerequisite to democracy. A successful democracy should have a strong constitution that advocates protection of civil liberties and prescribes a separation of powers. In a democracy elections are vital but a constitution is first and foremost the greater necessity. It is the constitution that protects the citizen’s right to vote in the first place. The constitution is designed to govern the government. In this essay, I will discuss the importance of elections and their different functions and the different purposes they serve in both democratic and non-democratic regimes. I will also discuss the prominence of having a reputable constitution and how it also is used in democratic and non- democratic regimes. I will use the USA and China as case studies throughout the essay to illustrate the indispensable existence of elections and constitutions that are essential for both types of government.
Elections
Elections are voting systems that predominantly democratic systems employ. Elections are vital for the performance of democracy as they provide the government with legitimacy, citizens with representation, competition and an involvement of citizens in politics. Elections however are not limited to only democracy but also play an important role in authoritarian regimes including China.
Legitimacy
Elections are essential to a democracy in that elections are able to provide the leading party with legitimacy to govern over the citizens as compared to opposing parties. There is a general requirement for leading governments it seems to possess at least some validity and authenticity from the world stage as well as the domestic sphere. Legitimacy endows the governing party with public acceptance as being the lawful successors to
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