Posted by Chester Morton / Sunday, 20 March 2016 / No comments
The definition and features of Liberal Democracy
LIBERAL-DEMOCRACY
Definition
Liberal
democracy is a form of government in which representative democracy operates
under the principles of liberalism, i.e. protecting the rights of the
individual. Liberal democracy operates very well in the United States and
Western Europe.
FEATURES
Majority
Rule
One of the
features of liberal-democracy is that it operates under the principle of
majority rule. In the taking of major national decisions, the will of the
majority is obtained though a free and fair elections. Another major conduit
for getting the will of the people, especially, in between general elections is
a referendum.
Protection
of Minority Interests
In spite of
the fact that majority rule is practiced, at the same time the interests of the
minority are respected and attempts are made to protect those interests. Issues
are dispassionately discussed both sides where an attempt is made to arrive at
a mid-point.
Preference
for bi-partisan or multi-partisanship
A
liberal-democratic usually practices a by-party or multi-party system. This
allows the parties to operate without any fear of repercussions or reprisals
from any quarter
Power
Sharing
Under a
liberal-democracy, power is not left in the hands of a few people, it is
distributed. Power operates on such principles like Separation of Powers,
Checks and Balances, Rule of Law etc. This is to ensure that the powers of the
state are not left in the one individual of group of individual.
Protection
of Individual Liberty
In a
liberal-democracy, the constitution provides that rights of individual, such as
the freedom of association, the right to life, right to own property, etc., are
recognized and protected by the state.
Free Press.
A
liberal-democracy upholds the freedom of the press. As such, the media is given
room to operate and never hijacked by the state apparatus. this rights are not
absolute, they must be exercised within a certain limit provided under the laws
of the land. Examples of the mass media include radio, television, newspapers
and more recently the internet.
Pressure
Groups
Under a
liberal-democracy, pressure groups are allowed to freely operate without any
fear of being victimized. Their main function is to keep the government on its
toes and to influence their policies.
Impartial
Judiciary
A
liberal-democracy also makes room for an impartial judiciary. This is to ensure
that when the rights of citizens are trampled upon, they can have a place to
seek redress. In Ghana, the commission on human rights and Administrative
justice is established by law to protect those whose rights have been abused by
government officials in the discharge of their duties.
SAMPLE
QUESTIONS
1. a. Define
the term liberal democracy.
b. Explain five features of liberal
democracy.
2. a. What
is the meaning of liberal democracy?
b. Explain five features of liberal
democracy.
3. Highlight
six characteristics of liberal democracy.
