Democracy is a controversial topic
Democracy is a controversial topic and has brought different opinions since some feel it is good and others bad. Democracy in this nation is strong, and other countries have advocated their governments to copy it. Democracy in this nation has been recommended since it has brought separation and respect in some institutions. This is exhibited by some features it has; for instance, the government has been able to conduct free and fair elections. It has been noted by specialists globally that the government holds elections that are fairer compared to other nations. This is perceived by candidates being satisfied by the running of the processes and their outcomes.
Secondly, democracy has been praised due to respecting stakeholders like media in the running of government activities. Media is portrayed as a stakeholder in the running of the government since it praises and condemns actions of the government. It is incredible to note that it is among the few nations that respect journalism and media at large. Thirdly, it respects judiciary in the running of their activities and has been given the independence it deserves. Finally, it is recommendable to note that the government advocates respect the rights of all. In the recent past, this nation has tremendous strides in implementing rights like those of the minorities. The government has been making incredible steps to bring inclusivity in the government. This has been delivered through the accessibility of all in the voting of people to power. The government considers inclusivity of all when it considers public participation when it brings bills that require opinions of the people.
Several weaknesses have been associated with democracy in the running of government. Democracy has been perceived useless since voters have not been educated on governing decisions. It is noted that that democracy has allowed people to vote by themselves or through their representatives. It is worrying to note that these people don’t know the power they have in the running of the government. It has been pointed out over the year’s people vote without considering the candidates’ views or desires. Secondly, it is shocking to note that the majority are involved in the running of the ideal democratic system. In the past, it has been known that thee majorities make decisions without considering ethical and moral positions. Therefore, this means the vote of the minority doesn’t count in whatever they wish for. Larry Flynt and others cried foul of this system and said that this is a case of five wolves and a sheep voting on what they think they should eat for supper.
Democracy has been noted that it encourages the mob in voting. Research has shown people migrate to neighbourhoods; they think they will benefit them. These neighbourhoods are attributed to same-minded people, and this has brought about states becoming polarized since they are moving to a comfort zone. The outcomes of elections are thought to be an ‘us narrative and not ‘them’ per se. Finally, democracy has been criticized for only considering the first person instead of the rest of society. Therefore, the process mostly relies on what people think of themselves and not others.
Liberty refers to the ability of people to peruse their self-goals without interfering from external forces. One the other hand, democracy is defined as there rule of people, and in this case, people are allowed to elect accountable leaders. Relating the two principles, one must check their foundations and balances. As per the opinion of some experts, it that neither should be allowed to grow to the extent one is threatening the other. People assume the two are one, and frequently they link them thought they are different. There are differences between the two like in nations like Kuwait and Russia where liberty exists without democracy, and at other times it is the other way round. As per my perception, none should be privileged over the other. In some nations, it is shocking to note that democracy exists, whereas individual liberty is restricted. This government must create an environment where liberty and democracy work with one another and none should live for the other to work.
Phillip Schmitter explains democracy as the system where the chosen are responsible for carrying actions that they are held accountable by the voters, and therefore they must protect against completion and through cooperation to represent the subjects. In this part, there is a conflict between the two issues since it is only through competition that ideas can move forward and leaving others behind. On the other side, people will put aside individual goals and therefore work as a team.
Therefore, through competition and cooperation puts aside liberty, and in this case, democracy works since it is for the majority. It is noted that several institutions can limit freedom. In other term, institutions run with the nature of democracy in which it prevents people from being selfish and running their own goals and interests—this case people put aside their opinions and run for the sake of the majority’s purpose.
To explain another case where democracy limits liberty is when the government collects taxes that individuals may oppose. It has been noted that despite the limitations that democracy puts on liberty, liberty tries to relate to democracy. To explain this matter democracy tends to lean towards the growth of individual liberty, self-expression, among other personal issues. Therefore, one may describe that liberty is a precondition for democracy. In journals, it has been discussed that the American constitution does not in any way mention the term democracy, but it mentions liberty.
In summary, the American constitution does not offer a platform where the two can work peacefully. Liberty may be put aside where nation-building is considered. It is quite intriguing to note in most cases, the two works together, and it is not always the case on some issues. Therefore, none should work on behalf of the other; hence, people in power must find a way for the two to work together.