Democracy — definition?
Power exercised by the people through elections.
Direct democracy — role?
Citizens participate directly in decision-making.
Representative democracy — role?
Citizens elect officials to make decisions.
Authoritarian government — characteristic?
Power concentrated in a small group or individual.
Consensus government — mechanism?
All members agree before decision is finalized.
Subjects vs Citizens — difference?
Subjects obey without participation; citizens have rights and responsibilities.
Democratic advantages — key?
Promotes equality, rights, participation, and peace.
Democratic disadvantages — example?
Majority tyranny can oppress minorities.
Government power — how used?
Varies: coercion in authoritarian, influence in democracy.
Civil conflict resolution — method?
Negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and restitution.
Obstacles to democracy — examples?
Ethnic conflicts, inequality, low literacy.
Direct vs. representative democracy — difference?
Direct involves all citizens voting; representative involves elected officials.
Democracy principles — core?
Participation, rule of law, minority rights, equality.
Voter apathy — impact?
Undermines legitimacy and electoral participation.
Majority tyranny — risk?
Majority suppresses minority rights.
Rule of law — meaning?
All are subject to the law equally.
Minority rights — importance?
Protects groups from majority oppression.
Ethnic conflicts — effect?
Hinder democratic development and social cohesion.
Wealth gap — influence?
Limits equal participation and influence.
Consensus decision-making — purpose?
Achieve collective agreement and equality.
Answer 10 questions on Understanding Democratic Governance.
1. What is democracy primarily characterized by?
2. Who is the author most famously associated with the formalization of the 'Rule of Law' in democratic decision-making?
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