I thought that Democracy was ‘By the people, for the people, to the people’…all these years. In 2007, led by the Phillipine Prime Minister, The United Nation Representatives, made mostly of Developing countries came up with this.
‘Democracies share common features. There is no single mode of democracy. Democracy does not belong to any country. (so far good). Is a universal value based on the freely expressed will of the people to determine their political, economic, social and cultural systems and their full participation in all aspects of their life.’
How more vague can it get?. Civilizations have fought for freedom, equality and voting systems. No mention of any of this. The United Nation is lead by leaders from Srtiving, war torn developing countries who hardly know anything about democracy. Should we listen to their ideas of democracy?
History of Democracy
Pre Democratic forms of rule existed in variuos countries eg. Mesopotamia, India, Sparta, Athens, Rome, Indian Native peoples of North and South Americas. The earliest form of modern democracies developed in Greece following an uprising in 508 BC in Greece. The word democracy is derived from a greek word which means ‘Rule of the people’.
It is a history of empowering people by giving them a say in their political entities. It developed in different ways in different countries. In the 17th and 18th centuries there were forms of Democracy in Europe – Poland, Eukraine. France
In France following the Revolution in 1789 – 1789 The Rights of man and the country developed. National Convention was by all males in 1792. Universal male suffrage in 1848. In Australia democracy evolved in the 19th century. It was the first government to introduce women’s suffrage in 1861. New Zealand achieved male suffrage in 1879 and female suffrage in 1893. However females could not stand for Parliament till 1919.
In the US, in the 18th and 19th century social changes took place. US constitution was ratified in 1788. US Bill of Rights (based on the Bill of Rights of England 1689) was ratified in 1791. In the 1780′s social movements lead to democracy. In the 1790′s the Party systems evolved. In 1821 Liberia was created and most of the Africans were returned there.
In UK Rise of Parliament in 1215. magna C arta. First English Parliamont established in 1265. Simon de montford made power holders responsible to the electorates in 1265. English civil war 1642 – 1651. Herbias Corpus Act in 1679. English and Scottish Bill of Rights in 1689.
Increase of Political Parties in Europe in the 19th century..
First secret ballot was introduced in Southern Australia in 1856.
Post world war 1
Post world war 1 was a boost to democracy in the western world. Soon the deep depression lead to Anarchies.
Post world war2
Most countries japan, colonies and other countries adopted forms of democracy.
FORMS OF DEMOCRACY
Currently there are various forms of democracy. Each country makes its own form.
Three main forms have been identified:
Direct
Representative
Concensus
Direct:
Sovereignity lodged in Assembly of citizens who choose to participate in executive motions and making laws. Many countries allow initiative, referendum and recall. Works on small scale.. Towns.
eg. New England.
Representative:
Founded on the principle of elected individuals representing people. Composed of independent ruling body for an election period with responsibilities to act in the interest of the people. It can take into individuaols liberty and can be liberal or illiberal.
eg. UK, USA
Concensuous:
Based on concensus decision making.
Increased citizen participation involving determining political agenda and decision making powers.
eg. Switzerland, Lebanon, Sweden
I think I am a bit wiser for this. Hope you are too. We are at the mercy of the decision of those we elected. If we want changes in any government we have to wait for the next election.
