With reference to democratic government, consider the following state...
- Popular governments can be undemocratic. Popular leaders can be autocratic. In a democracy, there should be sufficient room for normal political activity, including political opposition, in the period before elections.
- This requires that the state should respect some basic rights of the citizen.They should be free to think, to have opinions, to express these in public, to form associations, to protest and take other political actions. Everyone should be equal in the eyes of law.
- These rights must be protected by an independent judiciary whose orders are obeyed by everyone.Similarly, there are some conditions that apply to the way a government is run after the elections.
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With reference to democratic government, consider the following state...
1. A popular government can be undemocratic:
- In a democratic government, power is vested in the hands of the people. However, just because a government is popular, meaning it has the support of the majority of people, does not necessarily mean it is democratic.
- There are various ways in which a popular government can be undemocratic. For example, it may suppress dissenting voices, restrict civil liberties and human rights, manipulate elections, or engage in corruption.
- The key element of a democratic government is not just popularity, but also the protection and promotion of democratic values such as equality, freedom, and representation for all citizens.
2. A democratic government should rule only within limits set by constitutional law and citizens' rights:
- Constitutional law serves as the foundation for a democratic government by establishing the framework and principles that govern the exercise of power.
- A democratic government should be bound by the limits set by the constitution, which includes respecting the separation of powers, upholding the rule of law, and protecting individual rights and freedoms.
- Citizens' rights, such as the freedom of speech, assembly, and association, should be safeguarded by a democratic government. These rights ensure that citizens can participate in the political process, express their opinions, and hold the government accountable.
- The idea behind this statement is that a democratic government cannot act arbitrarily or without accountability. It must operate within the boundaries of the law and respect the rights of its citizens.
Conclusion:
- Both statements are correct. A popular government can be undemocratic if it does not uphold democratic values and principles. Additionally, a democratic government should be guided by constitutional law and citizens' rights, ensuring that it operates within the limits set by the constitution and respects the fundamental rights of its citizens.
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