DEMOCRATIC INTERVENTIONS

Government Intervention

Refers to the ways in which government regulates or interferes with the various activities or decisions
made by individuals or organizations within its jurisdiction. The effects of this can be positive or negative

Democracy

-greek word demos (the people) and kratein (to rule)… to rule the people

- one of the most important principles for a better world. In its truest sense, a democracy is a
community in which all members have an equal say in the running of that community. Unfortunately in
reality, democratic societies have fallen short of this ideal.

Democratic participation

Empowerment of people to effectively involve themselves in creating structures, designing policies and
programs that serves the interest of all. It requires association with other people

6 fundamental elements of modern democracy

1. Rule of Law- ensures that the rights and freedom of citizens are protected and no one is above
the law. All citizens stands as equals in the eye of the law
2. Separation of Powers- check and balances. Powers are distributed among the executive,
legislative and the judiciary

The legislature makes laws, the executive enforces them and the judiciary applies

them to the specific cases arising out of the breach of law. Thus, it has become a model
for the

3. Basic rights and freedom-

a. Human Rights – a right that is believed to belong justifiably to every person Ex. Tight to life,
rights to be secured in one’s person and right to live freely
b. Civil Rights and (ex. Right to own a property, rights to enjoy privileges accorded to being a
citizen of a country)
c. Political Rights – rights that protect individual’s freedom from infringement by government,
social institution and private individual. (ex. Right to run for elective office, right to suffrage)

other right from rule of law.. freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom of association

4. Suffrage – civil and political right. Every citizen, within the recognized legal age, has the right to
participate in elections by casting a vote regardless of sex, religion, political affiliation,
educational attainment and socio-economic status. They are entitled to vote
 5. Freedom of speech – ensures that the citizen are able to voice out their agreement,
disagreement, affirmations, criticisms, and proposal to thei government
6. Pluralism – people are entitled to diverse beliefs and opinions, which may result in the becoming
part of different organizations with varying thrust and advocacies ex. In government –
administration vs. opposition

Types of Democracy

1. Direct Democracy / Pure Democracy

- Citizens come together to decide on issues or pass laws through vote
- Considered as ideal democracy, every single person is able to participate in voting process
and it ensures that the will of the people is really followed
Advantage: each citizens has a voice in making important decisions for the community
Disadvantage: difficulty to implement with huge populations because of amount of time needed
to gather each citizens to vote and opinion on issues
2. Indirect Democracy / Representative Democracy
- People elect leaders to act as their representatives in the government
- Citizens vote the members of the executives and legislatives
Advantage: relatively easier to decide on issues, pass laws, and carry out their implementations
Disadvantage: very difficult to consider the will of every citizens. They resort to intelligent
guesses to decide what they think their constituent need.

Four Dimensions of Democracy:

1. The People – Citizens of the nation wherein these citizens are regarded as equals
2. Equality – People in democracy has an equal right to rule and vote
3. Common Good – what is good for the people. Every action should be done is for the well-being
of the people and not for their personal well-being nor for the benefit of a particular majority.
4. Representation – The use of Representatives- the ones who are authorized to take appropriate
and necessary actions within the government that would be beneficial for the common good of
the people

Undemocratic practices breed social ills that haunt societies in the planet. Dissatisfaction of citizens
with their government includes:

a. Failure to meet their basic needs that creater profound insecurities

b. Failure to protect them from the sweeping winds of economic change where they lose their
customs and traditions, and
c. Failure to involve its citizens in its policies and programs

Vote
People
Democracy
Freedom
equal

V O T E V H F S X P
H D B B Q E E C H E
G B L T C B Q V B O
Y H N A U D U V N P
D E M O C R A C Y L
G M F S Z R L G N E
E F R E E D O M S Y