Democracy

Types of Democracy

Meaning of Democracy

Explain the meaning of democracy:

The term “democracy” comes from the Greek words demos, meaning “people,” and kratos, meaning “power.” Thus, democracy in Greek means “the rule of the people.” It is a system where the population of a given society controls the government. Abraham Lincoln, the 19th President of the USA, defined democracy as the government “of the people, by the people, for the people.”

• Of the people: People are sovereign, and the government derives its power and authority from them.
• For the people: The government serves the interests of the people.
• By the people: People have the power and right to choose leaders who govern on their behalf. These leaders represent the entire society.

Generally, democracy can be defined as a form of government where people rule, and the majority of people have the supreme political power to make decisions in the country. It is also a system of government in which all people in a country can vote to elect their representatives. In a democracy, the government receives its power from the mandate of its citizens, who agree to be ruled by the government for the practical and convenient running of the country for everyone’s benefit.

Principles of Democracy

Analyse the principles of democracy:

Basic principles of democratic governments:

1. Citizen Participation:

• Voting in elections.
• Being informed about community or civic meetings.
• Being members of private voluntary organizations.
• Paying taxes.
• Being aware of public issues.
• Discussing public issues.
• Working in campaigns.
• Contributing to political parties.
• Circulating and signing petitions.

1. Equality:

• Democracy values all individuals equally, providing equal opportunities without discrimination based on race, religion, ethnic group, or gender.

1. Political Tolerance:

• Democratic societies are politically tolerant. The rights of the minority are protected while the majority rules. People not in power can organize and express their views.

1. Accountability:

• Leaders are accountable to the people and responsible for their actions, making decisions according to the people’s will.

1. Transparency:

• A transparent government holds open meetings, allows citizen participation, and provides access to information about decisions made and by whom.

1. Regular Free and Fair Elections:

• Citizens express their will through regular elections, which must be free and fair, without corruption or threats.

1. Economic Freedom:

• Democratic societies allow economic freedom, private ownership, and legal work, with the right to join labor unions.

1. Control of the Abuse of Power:

• Measures are in place to prevent elected officials from misusing their power, such as corruption or personal gain from public funds.

1. Bill of Rights:

• A list of rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, enforceable by the courts, including freedom of expression, association, and equality.

1. Multiparty System:

• Democracy allows more than one political party, with the opposition challenging and correcting the government.

1. Rule of Law:

• All members of society, including leaders, respect the law. No one is above the law, and everyone is accountable.

1. Accepting the Results of Elections:

• Democratic principles require acceptance of election results, with free and fair elections reducing the risk of violence.

Types of Democracies

Differentiate types of democracies:

1. Direct Democracy (Participatory Democracy):

• A political system where people vote on government decisions directly. It is practiced in small populations, with every important issue put to a vote among all citizens. Switzerland practices direct democracy at a national level. Features:
• Freedom to make own decisions.
• Direct contribution to government decisions.
• Equal weight of all votes.
• Right of all adult citizens to vote on national issues.

2. Indirect (Representative) Democracy:

• A political system where people elect representatives to make government decisions. Citizens elect representatives to serve in parliament and executive positions, conveying their interests. Features:
• Elected leaders are removed through regular, constitutional elections.
• Right to vote or be voted for in an election.
• Freedom of assembly, worship, press, opinion, and association.
• Elected body governs according to the majority’s wishes.
• Competition among political parties.

Types of Indirect Democracy:

• Parliamentary Democracy:
• Voters elect representatives to parliament, which in turn chooses a Prime Minister. The Prime Minister selects Cabinet ministers from parliament members. The Prime Minister remains in office with majority support and can be forced to resign through a vote of no confidence.
• Presidential Democracy:
• Voters elect representatives to parliament and the president separately. The president holds office for a fixed term and does not directly control parliament, creating a system of checks and balances.
• Combined Parliamentary and Presidential Democracy:
• The president is elected by the people, and the prime minister is elected by parliament. This system allows separation of powers and checks and balances.

Assessing whether Tanzania Implements Democracy in Accordance with the Principles of Democracy

The implementation of democracy in Tanzania:

• Political Freedom: Citizens can vote and stand for election, attend meetings, and join political parties.
• No Discrimination: Equality regardless of race, religion, ethnic group, or gender.
• Tolerance: Opposition parties and citizen tolerance are protected.
• Free and Fair Elections: Held regularly every five years.
• Economic Freedom: Private ownership and economic freedom since 1985.
• Multipartism: Reintroduced in 1992, with many political parties established.
• Legal Rights: Respect for election results, with recourse to the courts for grievances.
• Equality Before the Law: No one is above the law.
• Rule of Law: Organizations like the Human Rights and Good Governance Commission and PCCB help control abuse of power.

Weaknesses of Democracy

• Unfairness: Majority decisions may overlook good minority decisions.
• Poor Representation: Elected representatives may lack expertise.
• Need for Literacy: Illiterate citizens may not know their rights or the limits of their leaders’ power.
• Time-Consuming: Reaching decisions can take time, even when quick solutions are needed.

Difference between Democratic and Non-Democratic Government

Non-Democratic Governments:

• Autocracy: Single person with unlimited power.
• Totalitarianism: Single party dominating all aspects of life.
• Caesarism: Military or imperial dictatorship.
• Fascism: Government with strict rules, suppressing opposition.

Differences:

Common Features of Multiparty Democracy

Multiparty Democracy:

• Multiple political parties operate legally, each aiming to take power through elections.
• Features include open political expression, opposition as a watchdog, respect for human rights, public accountability and transparency, tolerance, high citizen participation, formation of pressure groups and NGOs, and responsiveness to social and political needs.

Historical Background of Multiparty Democracy in Tanzania

• Reintroduced in 1992, with previous experience during colonial resistance.
• Early political parties included UTP, ANC, AMNUT, TANU, ASP, ZNP, ZPPP, and UMMA.
• Transition to a one-party state in 1965 with TANU in Tanganyika and ASP in Zanzibar.
• Post-1992, multiple registered political parties exist, including CCM, CUF, CHADEMA, and others.

Activity:

Visit different political party offices near your school and inquire about:

1. Formation dates and goals of the parties.
2. Organizational structure.
3. Names of current leaders.
4. Meaning of symbols and colors of party flags.

How a Student can Participate in Democratic Activities in the Society

Participation includes:

• Standing for election in school or clubs.
• Voting in school or civic elections.
• Joining political parties if eligible.
• Participating in political party activities.
• Staying informed about parliamentary happenings.
• Joining community youth organizations.
• Debating democracy-related matters.
• Educating the community on democratic rights.
• Attending community or civic meetings.
• Expressing opinions in peer groups or schools.

Democratic Elections

Meaning and Indicators of Democratic Elections

Meaning of Democratic Elections:

Democratic elections are a process in which participants are treated equally, electoral laws are fair to all contestants, and political tolerance is upheld. These elections allow citizens the opportunity to choose their leaders through voting. Essential to democratic elections is the freedom for people to express their views, participate in campaigns, assemble, and share ideas freely.

Sometimes, political parties and governments may not tolerate the political activities of others, which can impede the achievement of free and fair elections.

Indicators of Democratic Elections:

1. Free and Fair Election Campaigns:

• The government allows freedom of expression, assembly, and association.
• Election campaigns involve political meetings aimed at winning voters for a candidate, party, or proposal. Candidates present their policies, promises, and programs.
• Citizens can ask questions and receive elaborations from contestants, enabling informed choices.
• Political parties should not disrupt each other’s campaigns, and the government should allow opposition parties to campaign freely.

1. Equal Opportunities for All Political Parties:

• All political parties and their nominees must be heard equally.
• Mass media should provide equal coverage to all candidates.
• Government should allow opposition parties to operate freely.

1. Code of Ethics for Elections:

• This agreement between the National Electoral Commission (NEC), the government, and political parties ensures fairness, mutual understanding, and peace throughout the electoral process.
• It addresses ethics for political parties and candidates, including respect for others’ right to exist and campaign, adherence to NEC schedules, and peaceful conduct of public meetings.

Ethics for Political Parties and Candidates:

• Respect the rights of other parties and candidates to exist and hold meetings.
• Follow NEC programs for coordinating political meetings.
• Conduct public meetings between 8:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
• Use loudspeakers between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
• Vet campaign materials with NEC or returning officers.
• Use public media according to NEC procedures.
• Educate and supervise supporters to maintain peace.
• Respect the environment when posting or distributing materials.
• Conduct meetings without religious, tribal, ethnic, or sexual discrimination.
• Avoid using religious sites for meetings or soliciting religious leaders to campaign.
• Focus on policy, not creating hatred, confrontation, or division.

Importance of Democratic Elections

Why Democratic Elections are Important:

• Allow people to choose officials in political parties and governments.
• Strengthen democracy by ensuring peaceful leadership changes.
• Create an acceptable government.
• Empower the most popular representatives and parties.
• Facilitate decision-making on important issues through referendums.
• Guarantee continuous representation and accountability of elected leaders to society.

Assessing Free and Fair Elections in Tanzania

Indicators of Free and Fair Elections in Tanzania:

1. Elections:

• Held every five years as per the Constitution.
• Multiple political parties compete for various seats.
• Every qualified citizen has the right to vote, done secretly.
• Electoral campaigns allow contestants to publicize their policies and engage with citizens.
• Civic education enables voters to be aware of their constitutional rights.
• Political tolerance is practiced, and election results are respected.
• Election petitions allow legal challenges to election outcomes.

1. Election Procedures:

• Supervised by the National Electoral Commission (NEC), responsible for voter registration, conducting elections, and reviewing electoral boundaries.

1. Conditions for Candidates in General Elections:

• Presidential candidates must be Tanzanian by birth, at least 40 years old, nominated by a political party, qualified to be a member of parliament, not convicted of tax evasion, and supported by 200 registered voters from ten regions.
• Parliamentary candidates must be Tanzanian, at least 21 years old, literate in Kiswahili and English, sponsored by a political party, supported by 25 registered voters, and deposit TSH 50,000 with NEC.
• Voters must be Tanzanian, registered, at least 18 years old, of sound mind, and not detained in lawful custody in the past five years.

Demonstrating a Spirit of Tolerance by Accepting Constructive Criticism and Defeat

Before Elections:

• Citizens should register as voters and allow all qualified individuals to do so without interference.
• During campaigns, citizens should accept different opinions and ideas, express disagreements peacefully, and avoid forcing opinions on others.

Polling Day:

• Voters present their cards, receive ballot papers, vote in secrecy, and mark fingers to prevent double voting.
• Tolerance is shown by following voting procedures and not disrupting the process.

Vote Counting:

• Votes are counted transparently, observed by party agents and monitors. Tolerance involves not disrupting the process and resolving disputes amicably.

Declaration of Results:

• Results are announced transparently. Defeated candidates and their supporters should accept results peacefully, and winners should remain humble.

By-Elections:

• Held to fill vacant seats due to death, resignation, or dissolution of parliament.

B. Answer the Following Questions

1. Show four indicators of the implementation of democracy in Tanzania:

• Regular, free, and fair elections.
• Political tolerance and freedom of expression.
• Equal opportunities for all political parties.
• An independent and impartial electoral commission.

1. List three differences between democratic and non-democratic governments:

• Democratic Governments:
  • Citizens have the right to vote and choose their leaders.
  • Freedom of speech, assembly, and press is upheld.
  • Government actions are subject to checks and balances.
• Non-Democratic Governments:
  • Leaders are often self-appointed or chosen through non-transparent means.
  • Freedom of speech, assembly, and press is restricted.
  • Government actions are often unchecked and absolute.

1. Define the following forms of governments:

• Autocracy: A system of government in which one person holds absolute power and authority, often maintained through force or inheritance.
• Totalitarianism: A political system where the state recognizes no limits to its authority and seeks to regulate every aspect of public and private life.
• Fascism: A far-right, authoritarian ultranationalist political ideology characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and the economy.

1. Explain six principles of democratic governments:

• Popular Sovereignty: The authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people through their elected representatives.
• Rule of Law: Everyone, including government officials, is subject to the law.
• Separation of Powers: The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.
• Protection of Fundamental Rights: The government protects and upholds the basic human rights and freedoms of its citizens.
• Free and Fair Elections: Regular elections that are conducted impartially and transparently, allowing citizens to choose their representatives.
• Accountability and Transparency: Government officials are accountable to the people and must operate transparently.

1. What are the two types of democracy?

• Direct Democracy: Citizens directly participate in decision-making processes.
• Representative Democracy: Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

1. Mention the three types of indirect democracy:

• Parliamentary Democracy: The government is elected by and accountable to a parliament or legislature.
• Presidential Democracy: The president is elected separately from the legislature and holds significant executive power.
• Hybrid or Semi-Presidential Democracy: Combines elements of both parliamentary and presidential systems.

1. What are the features of direct democracy?

• Citizens have direct involvement in decision-making.
• Decisions are made through referendums and initiatives.
• There is no intermediary or representative between the people and the laws or policies being enacted.

1. Mention five reasons why non-democratic governments are said to be a bad system of governance:

• Lack of accountability and transparency.
• Suppression of political and individual freedoms.
• Higher potential for corruption and abuse of power.
• Absence of mechanisms for peaceful transitions of power.
• Limited public participation in decision-making processes.

1. List down any four advantages of elections you have learned:

• Provide a mechanism for peaceful change of government.
• Allow citizens to choose their representatives and hold them accountable.
• Enhance political stability and legitimacy of the government.
• Encourage political participation and civic engagement.

1. What is the difference between a mono-party and a multi-party political system?
   • Mono-Party System: Only one political party is allowed to exist or hold power, limiting political pluralism and competition.
   • Multi-Party System: Multiple political parties exist and compete for power, encouraging a diversity of opinions and political competition.

Exercise 2

A. Choose the statements from List B that match with List A: