Why is democracy important

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  • Why is democracy IMPORTANT
    • ESTABLISHES & PROTECTS FREEDOM
      • Democracy ENSURES that no govt can THREATEN FREEDOM
        • E.g. THE SOVIET COLLAPSE IN 1990- many states adopted a democratic system
      • E.g. ARAB SPRING
        • Before, countries in the Middle East were led by authoritarian leaders
    • PROTECTS MINORITIES
      • This is known as a PLURALIST DEMOCRACY
        • This guarantees that all are free from discrimination
      • This guarantees that all are free from discrimination
      • However, democracy sometimes ensures a majority rules; leaving the minority behind
        • John Stuart Mill: TYRANNY BY THE MAJORITY
    • CONTROLS GOVT POWER
      • If the power lies in the hands of people, the people are safe from corruption
      • Usually, power tends t corrupt those that wield it.
      • Submitting themselves to elections
        • If the power lies in the hands of people, the people are safe from corruption
    • ENCOURAGES POPULAR PARTICIPATION
      • In a demoracy, people have a right to be politically informed and involved in influencing decision making
        • Through voting, joining a PG, learning about politics etc.
      • As opposed to N. Korea where people cannot become politically involved- no internet
    • DISPERSES POWER MORE WIDELY
      • In many regimes, power lies in the hands of the small elite (AUTHORITARIAN)
        • E.g. Syria. China or N. Korea
      • The power is spread out in a democracy, to ensure not one party has the states
        • E.g. UK: Parliament spreads its power between the HOC and HOL
          • These are elected and appointed by the people
        • PREVENTS DICTATORSHIPS

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