MUTSWAKATIRA RUKUDZO N NATIONAL STUDIES THEORY ASSIGNMENT 2

NATIONAL STUDIES (NAS)

Theory Question 2: Discuss the tenets usefulness of democracy and good governance as
they subsist in your community.

Introduction

Each and every country should have good governance since it is key factor to the wellbeing
of a country. Good governance should be practised from the comfort of our homes to the
streets of our neighbourhood and to the whole country at large. A country that practises
democracy is said to have elements of freedom within its self.

Definition of terms

According to Elliot Buler (2017), tenets are principles, opinions and axiom in set of beliefs
held to be true by someone or especially an organisation. An example of a tenet is the
Christians belief that Jesus is the son of God. According to Archibugi (2009), Democracy is a
basic right of citizenship to be exercised under conditions of freedom, equality, transparency
and responsibility, with due respect for the plurality of views and in the interest of the polity.
According to Tamyko Ysa (2014) Governance is described as the interaction between
governments, business stakeholder and non-profit organisations by which and policy
decisions implementation are undertaken. Therefore good governance is that kind of
government that adheres to the rule of law for fairness and impartiality. According to Marie
(2005) a community is a group of people forming a smaller social unit within a larger group
sharing common interests.

Good governance is very useful in the community in that it attracts investments and visitors
sine they will be viewing the country as a well economically stable country that practise
democracy and people have the right to freedom to give their point of view. For example
Singapore has good governance since a lot of people visit the country because it is financially
stable and is safe for visitor to enjoy there visits without the fear or any violence occurring.
Compared to countries like Somalia where there is an outbreak of civil wars most of the time.

Good governance increases the effectiveness of collection of revenues, capacity to borrow at

lower rates. If a country consists of good governance the living expenses of the country will
be bearable and manageable since there will be lower expenses incurred compared to a
country with poor governance. For example the interests incurred for when applying for a

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loan in a country like Zimbabwe are very high since the country does not consists of good
governance compared to the interests charged in countries like the United States where they
even offer student loans.

Democracy prevents the elected officials from ignoring the needs of the general population to
help themselves. It challenges them to represent the needs of each community so that
everyone receives an equal opportunity to pursue their dreams. Democracy aims to protect
the interests of citizens. People get the chance to vote on the key issues affecting their
country. The structure of a democracy works to reduce issues with exploitation. All
government formations are sensitive to exploitation because of the people who get elected
into power positions. The contrast with democracy is that the authorities are distributed more
equally within it.

Democracy ensures political tolerance and also ensures neutrality of state institutions
whereby the ruling masses are mindful and respectful of the interests of minority. While there
may be differences between the people by ways of race, religion, descent and culture they
rise above such differences and give room for discussion, debate and accommodation of
different viewpoints. For example Zimbabwe is made up of different races and trades but still
people live together as a large community.

Good governance increases public engagement in managing risks and promoting

neighbourhood security, this then increases the likelihood of all incoming groups to survive
disasters as well as reducing crime rates. Good governance comes with many environmental
benefits like reducing environmental impacts of disasters caused by human actions, for
example a country like South Africa has poor governance therefore there is high rate of
crimes being committed including a black on black crime like xenophobia.

Democracy should support democratic principles in international relations. In that respect,

democracies must refrain from undemocratic conduct, express solidarity with democratic
governance and none state actors like non-governmental organisations which work for
democracy and human rights. It is for democratic institutions to mediate tensions and
maintain equilibrium between the competing claims of diversity and uniformity, individuality
and connectivity in order to enhance social cohesion and solidarity, thereby increasing
chances of firmness in distribution of benefits and allocation of resources. For example
Zimbabwe is trying to practising fair distribution of the few resources that are available and
trying to make the national budget as realistic as possible.

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Democracy is a system where the entire population or eligible members of the state have the
opportunity to vote on issues directly or send someone that they elect to make those decisions
on their behalf. . For example, Canada has a universal franchise decree in the Canadian
Charter of Rights and Laws which explicitly allows every citizen of Canada the right to vote
in any Canadian election. It is a governing structure where rule comes from the people
instead of military or state. Therefore democracy gives people a chance to become personally
involved with their government. Because the government in a democracy is under the control
of the people and their voice, then it is up to each individual to decide their fate. People can
choose to vote in whatever way their morality dictates.

As an ideal, democracy aims essentially to preserve and promote the dignity and fundamental
rights of the individual, to achieve social justice. As a form of government, democracy is the
best way to create a climate favourable for international peace. It is an essential function of
the state to ensure the enjoyment of civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights to its
citizens. Democracy thus goes hand in hand with an effective, honest and transparent
government, freely chosen and accountable for its management of public affairs.

In conclusion to the stated presentation it is therefore clearly defined that a country that
practises good governance and a democratic country have a greater chance of making it and
being stable compared to a country that practises none or maybe one of the given aspects.
Now many believe that democracy is the best form of government that is available today
because it gives each person the freedom to have a voice. Being a democratic and good
governed country comes with benefits of having low crime rates and better living standards to
all citizens. Peace and economic, social and cultural development are both conditions for and
fruits of democracy. There is therefore interdependence between peace, development, respect
for and observance of the rule of law and human rights

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References

Elliot Buler. (2017). Tenets and Principles of the government. Harvard University.

Archibugi (2009). The global Commonwealth of citizens. Toward cosmopolitan democracy.

Princeton University Press.

Tamyko Ysa (2014). The government of tomorrow. Jain University.

Marie Weil. (2005). Handbook of community practise. Thousand Oaks CA: Sage
Publications.