Trends, Networks, and

Critical Thinking in the

21st Century
Quarter 4 – Module 1:
Meaning and Dimensions of
Democracy
Trends, Networks, and Critical Thinking in the 21st Century – Grade 11
Quarter 4 – Module 1: Meaning and Dimensions of Democracy
First Edition, 2020

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 Senior High School

Trends, Networks, and

Critical Thinking in the
21st Century
Quarter 4 – Module 1:
Meaning and Dimensions of
Democracy
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:
As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to
use this module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress
while allowing them to manage their own learning at home.
Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the learners as
they do the tasks included in the module.

For the learner:

As a learner, you must learn to become responsible of your own
learning. Take time to read, understand, and perform the different
activities in the module.
As you go through the different activities of this module be
reminded of the following:
1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any
part of the module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the
exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer Let Us Try before moving on to the other
activities.
3. Read the instructions carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking
your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are done.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this
module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always
bear in mind that you are not alone. We hope that through this material,
you will experience meaningful learning and gain deep understanding
of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

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 Let Us Learn
This material was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to
help you learn about the meaning and dimensions of democracy.

Learning Competency:

The learner understands the meaning and dimensions of democracy.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. identify democratic practices;

2. explain the importance of participation in democracy;
3. differentiate participatory from representative democracy;
4. assess democratic interventions prevailing in political and social
institutions; and
5. formulate a viable alternative to undemocratic practices.

Let Us Try
Word Web.

Think of words/phrases that can be associated with the word ‘democracy’.

Write your answers in the box provided.

Democracy

1 2 3

Action words/phrase Adjective/phrase Action word/phrase

Word/words Word/words Word/words

associated in box 1 associated in box 2 associated in box 3

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Let us now make the definition of DEMOCRACY using the words indicated
in the boxes.

Democracy means _____________________________________________

________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

Let Us Study
Introduction

What is democracy? How does it work in a country that is plague by

massive poverty and by both natural and man-made disasters especially in
pandemic time?

In this lesson, we will be defining democracy. We will discuss the

prevailing democratic practices in political and social institutions. As
Abraham Lincoln said: a government by the people, of the people and for
the people” which illustrates the benefits of democratic participation and
helps us differentiate participatory from representative democracy.

We will assess democratic interventions prevailing in political and

social institutions and formulate a viable alternative to undemocratic
practices. Hence, we will conceptualize viable alternatives to a context with a
lot of problems that we a facing right now.

Now we start with our journey with defining first: What is Democracy
and Social Democracy?

Democracy is a form of government in which people choose leaders by

voting. A country is democratic in every one of its citizens is treated equally
and has equal rights. Moreover, the word democracy derives from the Greek
word demos, or people and “kratia” means rule therefore defined, basically, as
government in which the supreme power is vested in the people. In the
Philippines we exercise democracy since Filipinos choose the leaders by
voting.

Democratic government is a government in which the supreme power

is vested in the people exercised by them directly or indirectly through a

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system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections. In
short, it is government by the people.

What are the elements of a democratic government?

The elements of Democratic system are:

1. Institutionalized governance
2. Representation of the people
3. Accountability of rulers
4. Presence of competition and cooperation

Elements of
Democratic
system

Institutionalize Representation Presence of

d Governance of the people Accountability Competition
of Rulers and
Structures and Leaders
Leaders are Cooperation
parameters of represent the
the government’s people in the answerable for Manifested
exercise of power public realm and the behavior of through elections
are spelled out make decisions the government and policy
clearly on their behalf making

(Magadia and Ramos, 2010; Schmitter and Karl, 1991)

To further understand the elements we need to define and understand

deeply the essence of the each system.

Institutionalized governance system is defined as the configuration

of state and private organizations and institutional arrangements that impact
on and create the mechanisms by which economic and social outcomes within
nations are produced (Griffiths and Zammuto, 2005).
Moreover, institutions really are the framework for all the activities that
we think of as governance or self-government. For example the Constitutions

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which set down the basic rules for the branches of the government and for
the relations among them and by doing that the constitution established
incentives for how people act within particular institution such as congress,
senate but also how the leaders of respective institution will interact with each
other. Further, institution has defined legal and regulatory perimeters and
boundaries defining the scope of their powers and the nature of their power
to be wielded.
Further, institutionalization is a process intended to regulate societal
behavior (i.e., supra-individual behavior) within organizations or entire
societies (Pavan, Reginato, Landis2018). For example, in this pandemic time the
creation of different institutions such as IATF,Covid-19 response team, these
are created under the Republic Act No. 11469,” Bayanihan to Heal As One
Act”, in this law new parameters and rules have been set and created to suite
with the need of the pandemic.

What democratic practices under institutionalized governance?

Common democratic practices are:

a) Free elections - We are free to choose our leaders through election

b) Citizen participation - We participate in the passage of law such as
such the people in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao or BARMM which 2019 Bangsamoro autonomy plebiscite
was a two-part plebiscite held in Mindanao, Philippines that ratified
the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) and replaced the Autonomous
Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with the Bangsamoro
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), as well as the
scope of the said region.

c) Majority rule and minority rights - The majority has the power to
rule and the responsibility not to trample the rights of the minority.
The minority must have the right to become the majority and have its
voice heard such in the Congress and Senate the appointment of
Majority Leader and minority leader in Congress and Senate

d) Constitutional government - (1) a constitution is a supreme law of

the land, (2) a constitution is a framework for government; (3) a
constitution is a legitimate way to grant and limit powers of
government officials. Constitutional law is distinguished from
statutory law. Under the constitution uphold the Bill of rights of every
Filipino people.

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Representation of the people. Representative democracy, also known as
indirect democracy or representative government, is a type of democracy
founded on the principle of elected officials representing a group of people, as
opposed to direct democracy. In it the power is in the hands of the
representatives who are elected by the people. For example, the Congressman
representing their respective Districts, and the marginalized people such as
ACT-CIS, Bayan Muna, COOP-NATCCO, DUMPER PTDA etc.

What democratic practices under representation of the people?

People vote for representatives who then vote on policy initiatives as
opposed to a direct democracy, a form of democracy in which people vote on
policy initiatives directly such as Electoral candidates, political parties, and
interest groups representing diverse population.

Accountability of Rulers/Leaders. Accountability implies both an

obligation of public officials and a right of people or citizens. It means “being
held to account” (compliance) as well as “giving an account” (transparency) of
one’s performance while “taking account of” (responsiveness) the needs and
aspirations of constituents. It also implies both answerability and
enforceability (Abad, 2010).
Political accountability is when a politician makes choices on behalf of
the people and the people have the ability to reward or sanction the politician.
In representative democracies citizens delegate power to elected officials
through periodic elections in order to represent or act in their interest.

What democratic practices under accountability of rulers/leaders?

Types of Accountability Based on Objectives and Outcome

Type Objectives Tools/Techniques Outcome

Political / Ensure that Transparency and Increased levels
Democratic government openness of of citizen’s trust
Accountability delivers on government in government.
electoral records and
promises, transactions. Clear agreed
fulfills the upon standards
public trust, Policy advocacy of probity, ethics,
responds to and lobbying. integrity and
ongoing and professional
emerging Public responsibility.
societal needs discussions.
and concerns.

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 Enhanced
Effective legitimacy of
political government.
accountability
enhances the
legitimacy of
government in
the eyes of
citizens.
Financial Tracking and Tools of auditing, Proper financial
Accountability reporting on budgeting and management.
allocation, accounting.
disbursement Reduced
and utilization opportunities for
of financial graft and
resources, corruption.
including
procurement
and
contracting.
Performance Demonstrating Performance Policies/projects/
Accountability and accounting measurement and programs
for performance evaluation. responsive to the
based on needs of the
agreed-upon poor.
performance
targets. Achievement of
service delivery
Focus is on the targets.
services,
outputs and Service delivery
results of improvement.
public agencies
and programs. Public sector
management
reform.
Brinkerhoff, Derick. “Accountability and Health Systems: Toward Conceptual Clarity and Policy Relevance”. 2004

Presence of Competition and Cooperation. This is a democratic system

which involves competition that can be between individuals or groups hence
create more options and opportunities. And Cooperation which involves
people working together to reach a goal.

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What democratic practices under the presence of competition and
cooperation?

Competition – an election for Presidency via election.

Cooperation - individuals from across the country come together after a
great Typhoon Yolanda/COVID19 pandemic.

Types of Democracy
1. Participatory or Direct Democracy
2. Representative or Indirect Democracy

Participatory VS Representation? This happens when individual citizens of

a democratic state participate in the formation of policies and laws through
consistent engagement. Also, it is the empowerment given to the people to
participate in the operation of the political systems. Thus advocates more
involved forms of citizen participation greater political representation than
traditional representative democracy. Moreover, participatory democracy or
direct democracy strives to create opportunity for all members of the
population to make meaningful contributions to decision making and seeks
to broaden the range of people who have access such opportunities since so
much information must be gathered for overall decision-making process to
succeed.
Technology may provide important forces leading to the type of
empowerment needed for participatory models especially those technological
tools that enable community narratives and corresponds to the accretion of
knowledge effectively increasing to the scale of participation and translating
small but effective participation groups into small world networks are areas
currently being studied. Other advocates have emphasized the importance of
the face-to-face meetings. Hence, warning that an over reliance on technology
can be harmful. Some scholars argues on community-based activity within
the domain of civil society based on the belief that is strong non-governmental
public sphere is a precondition for the emergence of a strong liberal
democracy. These scholars tend to stress the value between the realm of civil
society and the formal political realm such an example the 2019 Bangsamoro
autonomy plebiscite was a two-part plebiscite held in Mindanao.
However, representation democracy or indirect democracy is a type of
democracy founded on the principle of elected officials representing a group
of people, as opposed to direct democracy. The power is in the hands of the
representatives who are elected by the people free and fair. This ensures that
people’s views are really being represented accurately. Thus, a representative
decides for the people and are accountable to them for their activity within
the government. It is an element of parliamentary or presidential system of
government and is typically used in the lower chamber such as House of
Representatives hence their power may be curtailed by the constitutional
constrains and the upper chamber such as the House of Senate. It has been

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described by some political theorists that it is in the hand of the elected
representatives who are elected by the people in elections who then vote on
policy initiatives as opposed to a direct democracy.

Democratic practices vs Undemocratic practices

Democratic Practices Undemocratic practices

not believing in or practicing democracy
nondemocratic countries.
free elections - freedom to vote gender biases refers to a person receiving
or choose a leader thru an different treatment based on the person's
elections. real or perceived gender identity.
Ex. Women cannot be a leader, women
should stay in house and men go to work.

citizen participation- Poverty means that the income level

participation in the decision from employment is so low that basic
making or policy making human needs can't be met.
Ex. Discrimination homeless and has no
money or assets

majority rule and minority political marginalization-

rights -majority rule is both
endorsed and limited by the
supreme law of the constitution,
which protects the rights of
individuals.
constitutional government-
defined by the existence of a
constitution—which may be a
legal instrument or merely a set
of fixed norms or principles
generally accepted as the
fundamental law of the polity—
that effectively controls the
exercise of political power.
Marginalization is the treatment of a
person, group, or concept as
insignificant or peripheral.
Ex. ethnic groups having hard time in
accessing education, job, political
parties.
Politics in recognition-being recognized
is considered to be a fundamental human
need and therefore societies can be
understood to be just only as far as they
can provide the recognition that their
members require.
Ex. In a campaign period, some
politicians claim to be pro poor however,
when they are already elected they forget
their campaign platform.
cultural domination- a cultural practice
that is dominant within a particular
political, social or economic entity, in
which multiple cultures are present. It
may refer to a language, religion/ritual,
social value and/or social custom. These

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 features are often a norm for an entire
society.
Ex. the elite domination, k-pop culture
domination
crisis in representation-Abuse of public
trust would violate any representative
relation between constituents, yet the
roots of the political and economic crises
run deeper.
Ex. The people are not consulted to a
project / implementation of an
ordinance.
racial inequality-it is the unequal
concentration of wealth across ethnic
lines that is detrimental for development
rather than diversity per se. Ex. When we
buy products from Mangyan or any
ethnic group, buy it in a lower price not
in the fair price.

“A Great Democracy has got to be PROGRESSIVE or it will soon cease to be

great or a DEMOCRACY”
Theodore Roosvelt

Let Us Practice
Venn Diagram. Compare and contrast the two types of democracy.
Choose your answers from the phrases listed on the box and write them in
the appropriate circle in the Venn Diagram below.

Participatory
Representation
Democracy
Democracy

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 Choose your answers here:
• 2019 BRAMM Plebiscite

• Congressman Isidro Ungab

• Voting is required in choosing a leader
• Laws are passed through branches of the
government
• Powers are separated in the 3 branches of
the government
• People don’t have much voice to express
• Taking part of E-petition
• Participating in demonstration
• Involvement of the residents in enacting a
guidelines in the city
• Joining pressure group such as “Tigil-
Pasada ng mga Tsuper”

Let Us Practice More

Read the text below and answer the questions that follow.

Where Are You Democracy When the Rule of Law Is Weak?

The Philippines' diverse population, speaking more than 80 languages and
dialects, is spread over 7,000 islands in the Western Pacific. Democracy was
restored in 1986 after two decades of autocratic rule. President Benigno
Aquino Ill took office in 2010 with a mandate to root out corruption. While
agriculture is still a significant part of the economy, industrial production in
areas like electronics, apparel, and shipbuilding has been growing rapidly.
Remittances from overseas workers are equivalent to more than 10 percent of
GDP.
Corruption, state plunder, cronyism, and a culture of impunity remained in
the spotlight in 2014 as numerous instances of malfeasance were exposed.
Several senators, for example, were arrested on charges of embezzlement of
billions of pesos from the Priority Development Assistance Fund. Judicial
independence has traditionally been strong, but the rule of law is generally
weak.

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Where is democracy? How will it work? Karina Constantino-David wrote, "In
a country that is plagued by massive poverty and by both natural and man-
made disasters, various movements have sought to confront the power
structure and raise alternative courses of action to the level of public debate.
Poverty and disasters have a way of exposing the inadequacies of the state
while at the same time encouraging a level of voluntarism from the citizenry.
Source: http://www.heritage.org/index/country/philippines

Questions:
1. Where is democracy?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
2. How will democracy work?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
3. As a student, formulate a viable alternative to undemocratic practices
that you can see in your community.
Undemocratic practice/event Viable alternative
Ex. Homeless person not allowed Homeless or not must be treated
to eat decently in a restaurant equally
1.

Let Us Remember
Always bear in mind that Philippines is a democractic country;
hence as Filipinos we need to understand it by heart the following:
• Democracy is taken from a Greek word-“Demokratia” or Latin
word- “Democratia”
• In Greek- Demos mean “people”and Kratia means “rule” –
democracy means rule of people
• In fact Democracy is said to be a form of government in which
people elect their own rule.
• “Democracy” is a form of government of the people, for the
people, by the people according to Abraham Lincoln.

Main features of Democratic government:

a. Decision making power must with those elected by the
people;
b. Must based on free and fair election;
c. Must based on universal adult franchise;

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 d. Government rules within limits sets by constitutional law
and citizens’ rights.

Argument against Democracy

a. Leads to instability due to frequent leader change
b. Leads to delay due to constant consultancy
c. Sometimes it led to bad decision
d. It encourages corruption as it is based on electoral
competition
e. It is only about competition and power play, no scope for
morality
f. Ordinary people do not have the decision making ability

Arguments for Democracy

a. It is more accountable to its citizen
b. It improves the quality of decision making
c. It provides the method to deal with the difference
d. It enhances the dignity of Citizen
e. It allows the citizen to correct their own mistakes

Source: https://schools.aglasem.com/cbse/cbse-notes-class-9-social-science-what-is-democracy-
why-democracy/

Let Us Assess
Multiple choice. Read and answer the following questions. Choose
the letter of the correct answer.

1. What are the Greek words for democracy?

a. “demos” , “kratia”
b. “demos”, “Krotia”
c. “demo”, “karatia”
d. “demo”, “kantia”

2. It refers to a system of government in which people elect their own

leaders.
a. Democracy c. Parliamentary
b. Philosophy d. Federalism

3. It refers to the structures and parameters set by the government.

a. Institutionalized governance
b. Representation of the people
c. Accountability of Rulers
d. Presence of Competition and Cooperation

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4. The following are the basic features of democracy except _______.
a. Political freedom
b. Equality of citizenship
c. Separation of powers
d. Philosophical

5. The following are characteristics of a democratic government which

are prominent in these statements except:
a. Decision making power must with those elected by the people.
b. It must be based on free and fair election.
c. It must be based on universal adult franchise.
d. It encourages corruption.

6. The following are characteristics of nondemocratic government

except:
a. Only few has the power of decision making
b. Elections are absent or are not fair
c. No place for opposition
d. It empowers the people

7. What argument is not correct in support to democracy?

a. It is more accountable to its citizen.
b. Improves the quality of decision making.
c. It provides the method to deal with difference and conflict.
d. It sometimes led to bad decision making.

8. What argument is true about democracy?

a. It leads to instability due to frequent leader change.
b. It leads to delay due to constant consultancy.
c. It encourages corruption as it is based on electoral competition.
d. It enhances the dignity of citizens.

9. Will change of leader strengthen democracy?

a. Yes, leader will have moral obligation to work for the citizen
b. Yes, it would lead to the downfall of democracy as seen in the
past
c. No , it will only lead to political instability
d. No, leaders will be reluctant to take strong decision and will
take only popular decision

10. Who said,” democracy is of the people, for the people and by the
people.”?
a. Abraham Lendsay
b. Abraham Lincoln
c. Abraham Lincon

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 d. Abrahan Lincoln

11. A democratic government has to respect some rules after winning

the elections. Which of these points is not part of these rules?
a. Respecting guarantees given to the minorities
b. Every major decision has to go through a series of
consultations
c. Office-bearers are not accountable
d. Office-bearers have some responsibilities

12. In which of these cases can democracy not provide a complete

solution?
a. Removing poverty completely
b. Providing education for all
c. Giving jobs to all
d. Discriminating office workers who belong to ethnic groups

13. A democratic government is better than a non-democratic

government because ___________.
a. It may or may not accountable.
b. It always responds to the needs of the people.
c. It is more accountable form of government.
d. It is easy to make money.

14. In any society, people are bound to have difference in opinions

and interests. Which is a better way of dealing with these
conflicts?
a. By brutal power exercised by the government
b. By allowing one group to dictate terms to others
c. By providing equal opportunities to all
d. By opting for a strong leader who should have all the powers

15. How does democracy allow the people to correct its own
mistakes?
a. Mistakes are hidden and cannot be corrected.
b. Re-electing the same government to enable it to correct its
mistakes.
c. The rulers/leaders can be changed.
d. Staying in power for a long time.

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 Let Us Enhance
Let’s Do It.
Make an infographic about democracy. Use long bond paper, colored
pens/crayons and colored papers in this activity. Example is provided.

Source: http://marinedebris.noaa.gov

Criteria Numerical Description

24-25 pts Directions are followed completely and correctly. A title, criteria
and point values are included. It is well considered and
addresses the expectation required from students
20-23 pts Directions are generally well followed, although there may have
been one element that has been overlooked. Title provides too
little/much information
14-19 pts Directions are basically followed, but there is no title.
9-13 pts The assignment failed to follow the directions given.
1-8 pts This is the wrong assignment. Nothing more will be graded

Above is the rubric for the infographics.

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 Let Us Reflect
Democracy is one of the forms of government in the world. Just like
other forms of government, history would reflect its effectivity and its
challenges. Our country has seen political activities that some would call it a
gift, while others would call it a curse. But then, this is mirroring the voices
of the people through democratic participation.

As Filipinos, we are all encouraged to be aware and to participate within

our rights in helping shape the journey of our country. The people and the
leaders both have to be accountable in shaping our history. Our leaders that
the people have voted could reflect the direction that majority of the voters
want. For this, empowering and educating the people have inspired
competitive and cooperative actions from public and private institutions to
put these into realizations. Such actions are to the hope of providing
responsible and informed decisions by the people with the possibility of
producing leaders that will be accountable on their governance (Macal,
E.,2021)

We are all part of this government, we must do our fair share in this
trying times as Abraham Lincoln would say, “Democracy is a form of
government of the people, for the people and by the people.”

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Answer Key

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 References

Andrew G.,Nardia H.,Jenine R.,European Management Journal Volume 25,

Issue 6, Dec. 2007, Pages 415-427

Pavan A., Reginato E., Landis C. Institutional Governance. In:

Global Encyclopedia of Public Administration, Public Policy, and
Governance. Springer, Cham. (2018)
Henedina Razon-Abad 2010 by the Affiliated Network for Social
Accountability in East Asia and the Pacific (ANSA-EAP)., January
2010.

Macal,E. Democracy: A Reflection. Davao City, Phils. (2021)

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/02632373
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31816-5_2032-1
http://marinedebris.noaa.gov

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