Essay: Arguments in support of Democratic systems rather than others

Within the global contemporary society, democracy is unarguably one of the most extensively discussed and researched topics. There is hardly a research or discussion arena about governance and authority that does not incline towards or feature democracy as a topic of discussion. The importance of democracy as a topic in the contemporary society is presented in how it has transcended the political arena where it was born into arenas such as management, conflict resolutions, administration, corporate governance, and related socio-cultural arenas. The definitions attached to the term democracy are just as diverse as the various discussion and research platforms that have been designed to look into the topic. Definitions of democracy range from power created by people to govern people to authority established by the will and control of the people. Although there are differences existent in the various definitions that have been employed to define democracy, there are common definitive elements that can be traced to the varied definitions. These common definitive elements are the grounds through which a universal definition is not only established, but also effectively developed over the course of time. Through one of its simplest and universal definitions, the term democracy is defined as a system of government or authority where citizens are bestowed with the power to exercise power through elected representatives or directly through forming governing bodies or positions. In most instances, democracy is presented to and studied as the rule established by the majority. In its broadest sense, the concept of democracy is presented as system through which conflicts are processed in ways that allow for outcomes to be determined by the participants without having a single force or power controlling the outcome. Compared to other forms of governance, democracy not only stands out in light of its ability to involve as many people as possible in acts of government and power control, but also spread the power across more than one individual or group of people (Weale, 2007).
In order to understand the importance of democracy, it is imperative to break down the history and evolution undergirding this type of governance. The history of democracy dates back to as far as 508 BC. The first appearance of the term can be traced back to the ancient Greek society. The philosophical and political setting which shaped Athens was not only the backdrop through which democracy was birthed, but also the trampoline through which the exercise of democracy was jump-started. The English word democracy is birthed from two Greek words; demos and kratos which translate to common people and strength respectively. These two words are the foundations through which the universal definition of democracy is birthed and developed. The two words point towards a system of governance that is constantly increasing and enhancing the strength that is provided to the common people. This attribute of democracy is not only the most conspicuous element that sets it apart from the other forms of governance and rule, but also the greatest justification for democracy as the best form of governance (Schumpeter, 1943, p. 83).
Arguments in support of Democratic systems rather than others
The justification for democracy and related governance practices usually takes two forms; a quest to show how the consequences birthed from the practice create or enhance a state of affairs which may be judged as presented as being effective or excellent in principled terms and or how such practices conform to set or defined values and principles. Justification of democracy is birthed from and supported by notions ranging from the rejection and abolition of tyranny, upholding and enhancing human worth, and freedom to autonomy, distributive justice, and equality. Compared to other forms of governance, democracy stands out in light of how it is established on a myriad of values and principles as opposed to one principle and functions to ensure that these values and principles are effectively exercised and developed over the course of time (Saffon & Urbinati, 2013, p. 450).
One of the most obvious advantages of democracy is how it promotes change. Compared to other forms of governance, democracy stands out in how it promotes change without utilizing violence. Other forms of governance which are not founded on democratic principles or related grounds of governance utilize violence and related means in instituting change. Democracy is effective in its ability to establish governments and support changes in the system of governance without the use of violence or any related acts of aggression. Unlike in other forms of governance, democratic settings provide citizens with a great sense of involvement and participation and this is effective in dealing with the need to resort to violence or relate aggression in instituting and or driving change (Morrell, 2010).
Compared to other forms of governance, democracy is unique and advantageous in how it protects and provides an environment through which the interests of citizens can be effectively and continuously improve. In most discussions that seek to address the advantages of democracy, the ability to vote in political issues is presented as the greatest interest provided for and protected within the democratic setting. However, it is important to underscore that democratic rule not only protects the interests of its citizens through providing the right to vote on political issues, but also extending the same power to the economic and socio-cultural issues. In democratic settings, the citizens are provided with power through which they ensure leaders in public and related offices are chosen and their function effectively throughout the course of their terms. This allows for citizens to choose leaders who are able to make decisions that are in line with their interests. For instance, if the majority of the citizens in a democratic setting are pushing for development, they will choose a presidential candidate or any other leader who best aligns to this interest. Throughout the course of such a leader’s term, the citizens will monitor and assess the nature and level of development undertaken by the leader and this will be a major benefit in light of the leader’s return to office after the end of his or her term. This aspect of democratic rule ensures that citizens receive extensive and continuous protection from anything which they dislike. Apart from the democratic form of governance, there is no provision for the protection of citizen’s interest in the other form of governance (Passerin d’Entreves, 2002).
The foundations on which democracy is established and developed are designed to ensure monopoly of authority is extensively done away with. Democracy sits on two main foundations; the common people and strength. The strength and uniqueness of democracy is presented in its ability to empower common people extensively. In fact, excellence in democracy is determined by the nature and level of empowerment provided to the common people. Government and power in democratic settings is established and enhanced through elections. This nature of democracy is effective in preventing the monopolistic establishments and developments of ruling authorities. Leaders who are elected through democracies have the responsibility of ensuring the policies they design and institute are in line with the interests and expectations of the people if they are to retain their leadership positions whenever their terms end. Apart from democracy, there is no system of governance that prevents the rise or enhancement of monopolistic authority (Elster, 2009).
Equality is one of the greatest strengths of democracy. Although equality might feature in other forms of governance, democracy stands out as the system of governance which is founded on, greatly promotes, and is developed through equality. In a democratic setting, every individual is presented as being equal in the eyes and functionality of the law. Here, every individual is not only provided with the right to participate in economic, social-cultural, and political power, but also experience the benefits that come with such power and settings. Unlike in other forms of governance, institutions of power established in and through democracy are expected to function without discriminating any individual on whatsoever basis. Within any democratic setting, the institutions and elements of power are tasked with ensuring there is constant improvement of the equality presented to the citizens. This is not only one of the greatest strengths of equality; it is also one of the most distinctive features of democracy in the many of systems of governance (Bohman & Rehg, 1997).
Democracy not only establishes stable administration, but also makes for systems of governance that are responsible. The establishment and functionality of democracy has a unique interaction with the citizens. Citizens are not only provided with the power to establish institutions of power and governance, but are also provided with the tools through which the functionality of such institutions is constantly monitored, controlled, and improved. Due to these provisions, democracies are able to effectively establish administrations that are stable. Whenever an element within the administrative system of a democracy is deemed to be ineffective or absent, there are provisions within the democratic system which provide for the creation or deletion of such. This is one of the main reasons why democracies are continuously improving and growing. The nature and level of stability experienced in any form of government is dependent on the number, role, and accountability of the leaders therein. Democratic governments are the most effective because they not only have fixed representatives, but are also established on a unique and expansive system of accountability. For instance, a democratic setting with parliament, judiciary, and the executive ensures that each of these arms of government is continuously being checked by one or more institutions of power. For instance, the executive reports to both the judiciary and parliament and this ensures accountability is not only expounded, but also continuous over the term of governance. Within the democratic setting, exercise of power is undertaken with a great and continuous sense of accountability and dedication. Democracies are not only unique and efficient in their ability to provide for an environment where the entire system can discuss the challenges and problems presented therein, but also in light of their ability to come up with solutions that are both sensible and effective in the short and long terms. Unlike in other forms of governance, democracies stand out in their ability to institute fixed representatives and continuously improve the nature and level of responsibility in government. Compared to other forms of government, democracies not only stand out in light of their high efficiency and stability, but also with regards to accountability and responsibility (Blaug & Schwarzmantel, 2017).
Democracies differ from other forms of government in their ability to institute and constantly enhance the feeling of obligation and responsibility in leaders. Unlike in other leadership settings, a democracy is the only setting where a leader is rightfully regarded as a public servant. In democracies, leaders are expected to not only develop, but also constantly improve their sense of obligation in their responsibilities towards the public. Here, leaders know that their success is owed to the elective power presented in the citizens. Due to this, the leaders develop a social responsibility towards the electorate and are expected to be continuously grateful. Whenever a leader is in office within a democratic setting, the social responsibility towards the citizens acts as the motivating factor through which they work for and with the citizens. Unlike other forms of governance, democracies are unique in their ability to not only bestow elective power to the citizens, but also develop the right leadership attitudes in the leaders who are elected therein. Again, unlike other forms of governance, democracies not only provide power to the citizens, but also ensure that the relationship between the elected and the electorate remains effective and productive in both the short and the long runs (Christiano, 2004).
Compared to all other forms of governance, democracy stands out in light of its ability to naturally impart political and civic education to its citizens. In its natural functionality, democracy is a school of political and civic education. This is not only brought out in how the citizens are able to get involved in state affairs, but also learn about the functionality of government and make the required changes. Democracy is designed to not only drive citizens to take part in the various governance activities, but also learn more about state affairs and government interactions. The ability of democracy to impart civil and political education is brought out in election campaigns. Whenever elections draw close, the electorate in democratic settings is presented with policies and programs by the political parties. This presentation takes the form of demonstration, speeches, print media, meetings, and electronic media. In the long run, the electorate is not only engaged in light of its power to place public leaders in office, but also in their ability to learn, understand, and utilize political and civic education as it relates to the functionality and development of democracies. Compared to any other form or system of governance, democracies stand out in light of the nature and level of political consciousness presented to the governed (Christiano & Christman, 2009).
Democracies are advantageous over the other forms of governance in their ability to make good people or citizens. Unlike other forms of governance, the interests of the governed are very important to the government in democratic settings. In order to make good people out of the electorate, there are unique requirements on the government. Democracies are able to not only create, but also constantly improve their electorate through ensuring a favourable environment is created through which good habits are not only established and adopted, but also ensure character cultivation and personality improvement are taught and constantly fostered in both the short and the long terms. Unlike in other forms of government, democracies are tasked with ensuring people learn about their duties and rights from birth. Here, individuals are not only provided with an environment where they can learn about the power they have been provided with by the government, but also what is expected of them. This is important as continuously enhances the relationship between the citizens as well as how citizens relate to their government through the various institutions that shape it up. A political system that is designed to ensure the citizens are knowledgeable about their rights and powers is effective as it ensures interaction with the government and other citizens is maintained at productive levels even in the long run (Ewin, 1967, p. 360).
Apart from effectively dealing with the monopoly of power issue, democracies are advantageous over the other forms of government because they effectively deal with revolution. The entire functionality and development of democracy is undergirded by the will of the majority. In a setting where elected representatives and officials are expected to conduct state and related affairs through and with public support, the need for public revolt is completely minimized. Whenever a leader in a democratic setting fails to work within the expectations of those who elected them or is deemed ineffective, they are bound to be removed from office when their term comes to an end or through related democratic channels which do not necessarily align or relate to public revolt. Unlike other forms or systems of governance, democracies have the ability to function through and with consensus thus eliminating the need of public revolt or related undertakings (Dowding, Goodin & Pateman, 2004).
One of the greatest disadvantages of democracies is presented in the emphasis or inclination towards quantity as opposed to quality. It is possible to have the electorate in a democratic setting choose quantity as opposed to quality. However, compared to other forms of government, democracies have the tools and techniques required to correct this within their own framework. Whenever the electorate in a democratic setting comes to the realization that they have done a mistake by choosing quantity over quality, they are provided with the right and effective tools which they can make amends to this. Sadly, this is not true for the other forms of governance and this is what makes democracy stand out from the rest (Barnard, 2014).
Democracy stand outs as an effective form of government due to the orderly and defined transition of power presented therein. Unlike in other forms of government, democracies are designed with defined procedures that ensure the transition from one leader to another is not only peaceful and well laid-out, but also effective and well understood by the governed and those in government. Democracies are so effective that the public is provided with knowledge about all the prospective leaders, how long they will be in office, and who the best candidates for replacing them might be. This is important for the governed as it ensures they are able to effectively plan and assess the various offices and candidates within the democratic system of governance. There is no provision within democracies where a public office might be left vacant for a long time. Democracies are effective compared to other forms of governance because they have been designed to not only ensure transition of power from one individual or a party, but also provide options in the event a public office is left vacant (Schumpeter, 1943, p. 84).
One of the most conspicuous undertakings in democratic settings of government is the voluntary exit from office. Unlike in other government, the leaders who are appointed into office through democratic means understand and obey the procedures that govern their exit from public offices. In other government setting, there are no defined procedures underlining how a leader gets into office or the steps to be followed in the event a leader vacates office. Democracy is therefore effective in ensuring the transition of power and continuous governance is ensured throughout the course of time (Saffon & Urbinati, 2013, p. 455).
There is hardly a system of governance that brings the government’s opposition into the greater government system better than the democratic form of governance. In a democratic government, those in opposition are not only provided with right recognition, but are also allowed to hold public office. One of the main roles of the opposition within a democratic setting is to ensure that the government is kept in check. As a watchdog, the opposition is tasked with ensuring the government is not only accountable to the general public, but also to international and regional authorities. Unlike in other forms of government, power can be achieved in democratic settings of government without revolting or resorting to such alternatives. This is important as it ensures those who want to compete for leadership are presented with defined procedures through which they can attain and or maintain power. In a democratic setting, the opposition is required to follow specific procedures which ensure they can function effectively and within the premises of law. Unlike others, democracy represents the only setting where opposition is considered legitimate and able to conduct its lawful activities in a setting where the government of the day is up and running (Saffon & Urbinati, 2013, p. 457).
Legitimacy of government represents one of the best grounds where the effectiveness and supremacy of democracy is presented and expounded. There is hardly a government in the world established through democratic means which is illegitimate. A legitimate government is not only able to effectively relate to the governed, but also access the benefits that come with being legitimately recognized in the regional, international, and global platforms. Unlike in other settings, democracy has the ability to set up legitimate governments and ensure all the benefits attached to legitimate government are enjoyed in both the short and the long terms (Passerin d’Entreves, 2002).
Transparency is one of the attributes that distinguishes an effective government from an ineffective one. A government that was established by means other than democracy is not obliged to ensure transparency in its dealings. However, a government that is established through democracy has the responsibility of ensuring it is not only transparent in its dealings, but also reports its dealings to one or more authorities for accountability purposes. Unlike other forms of governments, authorities that have been set up through democratic means are expected to be responsible and this is in line with excellence in governance (Morrell, 2010).
For young nations and those classified as developing, democracy is the best option. In such settings, democracy not only provides the government with a framework through which the entire nation can be driven forward, but also introduces self-governance at the grassroots level. Through self-governance, a government is able to ensure that it creates an effective balance between external growth and internal growth. Here, the government can focus on lobbying the required resources from outside the country’s borders while ensuring its citizens are involved in the effective utilization of resources within the national borders. Unlike in other forms of government, the nature and level of growth and development required by young and developing countries is only possible through democracy (Schumpeter, 1943, p. 84).
Democracy is advantageous as it not only creates, but also enhances an environment where healthy competition can take place. Growth of the various institutions shaping up a nation is extremely dependent on political stability. These institutions vary from the political and economic to socio-cultural. Democracy ensures that competition in the different institution is provided with a platform through which it can grow effectively over the course of time. Compared to other forms of governance, healthy competition in the socio-cultural, political, and economic institutions shaping up a country or defined jurisdiction is established maintained most effectively by democracy (Passerin d’Entreves, 2002).
Conclusion
Conclusively, it is evident to note that democracy stands out from other forms of government in light of its establishment, functionality, effects, and development. Compared to other forms of governance, democracy not only stands out in light of its ability to involve as many people as possible in acts of government and power control, but also spread the power across more than one individual or group of people. Definitions of democracy range from power created by people to govern people to authority established by the will and control of the people. Apart from effectively dealing with the monopoly of power issue, democracies are advantageous over the other forms of government because they effectively deal with revolution. Looking at all the evidence and examples, therefore it has shown that democracy is the best and the most effective form of governance.