The Principles of Democracy

Once an election is over, democracy depends on a peaceful transfer of power from one set of leaders to the next. Even if your candidate loses the election, as long as the election is judged as "free and fair" all members of the democracy should accept the outcome.

• Accepting the results of an election

• Accountability

• Bill of Rights

• Citizen Participation

Elected and appointed officials are responsible for their actions and have to be accountable to the people they represent (constituents). They should make decisions and perform their duties according to the will and wishes of their constituents, not their friends or for themselves.

• Accountability

• citizen participation

• Control of the abuse of power

• transparency

A list of citizens' rights and freedoms. This document limits the power of government and explains the freedoms that are guaranteed to all people in the State. It protects people from a government that might abuse its powers.

• transparency

• bill of rights

• human rights

• citizen participation

May take many forms, including running for office, voting in elections, becoming informed, debating issues, attending community meetings, being members of private voluntary organizations, paying taxes, serving on a jury, and even protesting. Citizen participation builds a stronger democracy. Participation is more than just a right—it is a duty.

• citizen participation

• equality

• human rights

• political tolerance

To protect against these abuses, democratic governments are often structured to limit the powers of government offices and the people who work for them. For example, the executive, judicial, and legislative branches of government have distinct functions and can "check and balance" the powers of other branches.

• economic freedom

• control of abuse the of power

• human rights

• regular free and fair elections

For government to be accountable, the people must be aware of the actions their government is

taking.

• citizen participation

• transparency

• direct democracy

• the rule of law

In a democracy, no one is above the law—not even a king, elected president, police officer, or member of the military. Everyone must obey the law and will be held accountable if they violate it.Democracy also insists that laws are equally, fairly, and consistently enforced

• the rule of law

• the control of the abuse of power

• political tolerance

• multi-party system

One way citizens express their will is by electing officials to represent them in government. In a

democracy, elections are held regularly, usually every few years. Democracy requires that elected

officials are chosen by the people in a free and fair manner.

• regular free and fair elections

• independent judiciary

• human rights

• equality

Courts and the judicial system are impartial. Judges and the judiciary branch must be free to act without influence or control from the executive and legislative branches of government.

• independent judiciary

• multi party systems

• human rights

• equality

All democracies strive to value human life and dignity and to respect and protect the human rights of citizens.

• human rights

• equality

• economic freedom

• citizen participation