How Democratic Government Works
Democracy came from the word demokratia, which in Greek means the rule of the people. Demokratia itself, however, came from another two word demos, which means the people, and kratos, meaning power. Basically, democracy is the rule of the people either directly as individuals or through their elected officials. This ruling is a right provided by the constitution in which these people are also involved in making.
In a democratically ruled nation, all people have equal power through equal rights, and they also have equal responsibilities on following these laws. Once the laws are not followed, people will have equal sanctions regardless of their social status, gender, race or religious belief. The law is above all individuals; it is impartial, and it applies to everyone.
In every deliberation on issues and laws, a democratic government makes sure that all members of the society get to be heard. This can be achieved through proper representation of ever parties. In a session for deliberation, all are free to voice out their beliefs and opinions.
In decision making, the usual form a democratic government follows is through voting. In this medium, voters are equal having one equal vote each. Whatever the majority have decided will be considered as the voice of the people; therefore, that is the decision that will be followed. The minority votes rights, nonetheless, will be protected even if they will be compelled to follow the rule of the people.
When it comes to transparency of all documents, minutes of deliberation and transactions made by the government—these are all subject to scrutiny of the people. These documents and files are all accessible and open to the people. Secrecy on these matters is considered undemocratic, thus the people have the right to react. Only those information which are deemed to threaten national security are allowed not to be enclosed.
In terms of leaders’ election, people choose their leaders through voting. All leaders, even if they are in position, are not considered higher than the people. Their actions greatly rely on the people and what the people want. Leaders are simply the representation of the people.