1. Characteristics of Democracy Various segments of a group should be fairly represented, to lessen the danger of partiality Joshua 18:4

2. Definition authority to rule comes from the people there is free and open competition amongst various individuals and groups (pluralism) accountability to the people by those who hold formal positions of power

3. Democratic values political freedom, government accountability, peaceful change, individual creativity and achievement are all encouraged

4. Prerequisites of democracy citizens must be able to remove their leaders through elections at frequent, guaranteed intervals there must be a real choice between different candidates and political parties

5. elections must be free of fraud, bribery and intimidation as assured through the use of a secret ballot universal suffrage, the right of every adult citizen to vote, must be guaranteed citizens must have the freedom to associate with any political group they choose

6. every citizen must have equal political and legal rights judges are to be free from political control - an independent judiciary freedom of speech, freedom of the press (media), protection of minority rights, freedom from arbitrary arrest and prosecution must be guaranteed

7. Natural rights in a democracy natural has a different meaning to different people for some it means the protection of property, the right not to be destroyed or enslaved (Locke, Rousseau)

8. to other it is the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness (US constitution) equal pay for work of equal value, right to an education, right to medicare (democratic socialists)

9. Human and minority rights basic world document - UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights - states that all humans should be treated equally, with dignity and respect, includes values noted above

10. minority rights refers to everyone being equal before the law regardless of their race, ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, mental or physical ability if the majority has a right (e.g. freedom of religion) then that same right must be extended to whatever minority exists in that society

11. Model of pure or direct democracy all the people rule in all respects; all decisions - major or minor - are made by the entire body of citizens one vote per person, all votes of equal value

12. requires avenue for all to become informed about issues and inform others of your position, ergo freedom of assembly, free debate, free speech, complete political and legal equality, and tolerance and understanding are necessary

13. problems: –impractical unless population is small, problems are too complicated or numerous –simple majority rules when people do not agree by consensus –but majority rule is limited - denial of the rights of the minority not allowed

14. Representative democracy definition: primarily citizens choosing others to make choices for them

15. solves problems of impracticality found in pure democracy: –difficult for every citizen to vote on every decision –some people do not have time for politics due to pressures of work and family life –some not interested in politics (apathy) –some do not understand the issues

16. the solution is to vote on a only a few issues e.g. major ones in a referendum or plebiscite (DIRECT), and elect representatives to vote on your behalf (REPRESENTATIVE)

17. Advantages of a democracy government of the people is more likely government for the people this type of government is best able to safeguard liberties - freer competition for power provides a check against undemocratic rule

18. a democratic environment will lead to better citizens - self-governing, confident, inquiring, intelligent - possible because force is replace by reasoned debate

19. pluralism (allowing all citizens, interest groups, the media and political parties to educate and exert influence in a competitive fashion over each other and elected representatives) strengthens democracy

20. Disadvantages of democracy rule by majority can end in abuse of minority rights e.g. white majority in the US approved of slavery - known as tyranny of the majority

21. representatives are now dealing with problems that are beyond their understanding; democracy is too slow and inefficient even in a representative form not all people have the time, money nor interest (apathy) in becoming involved in an interest group or politics

23. pluralism may weaken democracy, turning power over to lobby or special interest groups and powerful media forces, the citizens are removed one step further from making the laws directly