ASSIGNMENT SAMPLE ON DEMOCRACY CITIZENSHIP AND SUSTAINABILITY
Introduction
Different scholars and thinkers have provided different definitions and explanations of democracy. However, at the core, democracy is a system of electing government by consent of people and citizens of a country or state. The government is made of people who are elected by the population of the country that is based on majority rules. According to Andrew Heywood, democracy is concerned with rule by people that consist of participation of public and a government working for public interests and can take many forms (Defining democracy). Democracy citizenship can be referred to as citizenship of people in which they have the right to select political representatives through the vote and exercise other rights availed through democracy. Democracy involves an element of public participation but, there are several forms of democracy. Classical democracy, protective democracy, developmental democracy, people’s democracy, and liberal democracy are some of the models of democracy. The liberal democracy model emphasises the distribution of powers rather than power concentration. The liberal democracy model is all about consent in which people give consent to their rulers or select their ruler, and in exchange, rulers are bound by the constitution to recognise and respect individual rights. The essay will critically assess the liberal democracy model in which firstly model will be discussed following that opinion and views of different secondary literature and thoughts of different thinkers will be discussed.
Liberal democratic model
Liberalism is concerned with protecting individuals’ rights to life, liberty, property and for pursuit of happiness. This belief leads to development of liberal democratic model in which individual rights are protected. 18th century Europe originated concept of liberal democracy that time was also known as Age of Enlightenment (Greitens, 2020). At that time majority of European countries or states were being ruled by monarchs or aristocrats. These monarchs believed that they have right to rule and democracies would be unstable and chaotic and humans were seen to be violent and evil that needs a strong leader to control them. A small group of Enlightenment intellectuals challenged the conventions and believed that human affairs should be graded on the basis of reasons and principles of liberty and equality (Plattner, 1999). The origination of liberal democracy was based on the argument of all people being equal so, the political authority cannot be given to individuals based on noble blood or a privileged connection to go door any other attribute making an individual superior to others. In addition to this, one of the arguments was mad that governments exist for serving people and not to be served by people so, that nose should be applicable to those who are governing as well as those who are being governed. It is how the concept and model of liberal democracy came into existence in a recognised way, and at the end of the 18th century, these ideas inspired the American and French Revolution (Rummens, 2017). Followed by this and on the basis of the ideology of liberalism government institutions were formed in which principles of the Enlightenment philosophers were applied into practice. However, these forms of government are considerable is different from present liberal democracy, and the French attempt was turned out to end in a short time. It does not mean that liberal democracy ended and the original application of liberalism ideology became the prototype for liberal democracy in future growth.
It means that two types of liberal democracy Western countries in which liberals were considered as a dangerous group that threaten international peace and stability. Conservative monarchists considered themselves, as defenders of traditional values and the natural order of things and criticized democracy (Parker, 2017). As of now, there are seven countries in the world whose government is based on a liberal democratic model, such as European Union, the UK, China, Canada, India, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand are among others. Liberal democracies are based on main four principles that are
Individuals– As per this principle, individuals are considered to be moral as well as rational. Every individual and their contribution are valued in democracy.
Reason and progress– This principle of the liberal democratic model believes that growth and development are natural in society and politics to play role in the growth and development of society (Defining democracy).
Consensual society– It is a principle in which society is considered to be in order and cooperative towards other people in society, rather than in disorder and conflict.
Shared power– It is a principle according to which concentrated power is suspicious, and power, is shared among every individual and representatives of people selected by them having certain power.
These four principles are the basis for the liberal democratic model in which every individual is valued, and politics is believed to be an element that shapes the growth and development of society (Galston, 2018). Society desired co-operation and order and power are not concentrated whether at individual group or government level. There are four elements of the liberal democratic model that are-
Legitimacy– This element of the liberal democratic model requires that the government that is ruling has the authority to rule. Legitimacy is determined through the high degree of popular support that is demonstrated through elections and voting in elections.
Justice– It is another element according to which every individual in society is treated equally and is given dignity and respect (Defining democracy). Equality, dignity, and respect become the basis for giving justice to people in society.
Freedom– It is also a very important element of the liberal democracy model in which individuals have freedom for self-determination to accept responsibility for themselves (Galston, 2018). Individuals have the freedom to choose between alternatives and autonomy to do what is not forbidden by law, and there is Freedom for respecting political and civil liberties.
Power– Power in liberal democracy is defined and limited and is not centralised. The constitution is used for defining and limiting powers. Checks and balances are created by separating power in Parliament, Senior Government and judicial power.
The liberal democracy model is based on different elements and guided by different principles. However, elements and principles centralise it on some common factors that are consensus and individual rights (Plattner, 1999). Liberal democracy gives rights to individuals in which they are able to make the decision regarding whom they want to be ruled by. In other words, people have the right to determine what is good and bad for them regarding government and political functioning, and this way liberal democracy ensures that the rights of people are safe. People also have the freedom to choose their responsibility and what or what not they want to do (Rummens, 2017). Continuous or frequent elections also help people in improving their decision for their politicians and government if their choice or selection for the ruler is wrong. In addition to this, the biggest and most important element of liberal democracy is the protection of individual rights and property by rule of law. It is because in representative democracy power and sovereignty is held by people’s representatives.
Liberal model of democracy has been adopted by several countries and states for functioning of political system in their states. There are several benefits that these countries have been able to gain through application of liberal democracy and these benefits are-
Rights and freedoms: This are one of the important benefits according to which public is free to do what is right and appropriate for them and is not restricted by law. Regarding rights in liberal democracy, they are protected by rule of law so there is no effect of politics and government on rights of public (Greitens, 2020). Protection of rights and freedom is a very important benefit from the perspective of population of a country and these remains protected and respected in liberal democracy model of politics.
Provision for change: This is another benefit according to which there is a provision for change and government it is their actions are against the rule of law. In case, their actions are not against rule of law but they are also not able to efficiently manage a country or state at the same time not contributing to the growth and development of the country. In addition to this, the inability of the government to appropriately fulfil its responsibilities also creates a requirement for change in government. The Liberal democratic model provides a provision for change of government in which government can be changed in the next election.
Participation of citizens: Participation of citizens is another benefit of the liberal democratic model in which all citizens can participate in the selection of the government that will be ruling them. The democratic liberal model allows citizens to participate in multiple ways, and one of importance is their participation through voting for creating and selecting government for country and state (Yack, 2020). Rule of law is an important element that governs the excellence of citizens and protects their rights and freedom can also be influenced by citizen participation. Citizens can participate and ask creation modification and elimination of any particular legislation which is not in favour of the public at large.
Competition improves political behaviour of government: The Liberal democratic model includes that multiple parties participate in the election and create competition for each other and try to convince citizens through their ideas and proposed policies (Parker, 2017). Competition between different parties improves the political behaviour of the government in which, in order to remain in power, the government ensures that they are behaving appropriately for the benefit and interest of citizens. There are several benefits of liberal democratic model, but it is not completely free of limitations and limitations of liberal democratic model are-
Corruption: The possibility of corruption remains high in the liberal democratic model because representatives of citizens do not have any sovereignty but have power and position for taking undue advantage (Young, 2002). Their intention to take undue advantage of their position increases the possibility of corruption, and representatives of citizens seek to gain individual benefits rather than providing benefits to citizens.
Promises are not valued: In order to win in election and come in power, participants of election are likely to make several promises and once they have won elections these promises are not valued. It is like cheating and fraud for government in which politicians tries to convince citizens for voting them and then their promises are not fulfilled.
Understanding and knowledge affect selection of government: Understanding and knowledge of citizens along with, their ability has a significant impact on the selection of government. It means that citizens will be able to choose the right government for them only when they have a sound understanding and knowledge of different elements affecting the selection of government as well as their ability to make sound decisions (Plattner, 1999). Prospects in the election are likely to make several promises and propose different policies but, it is important for citizens to identify the right one and select them as government to ensure widespread benefit.
Political thinkers and their opinion regarding liberal democracy model
John Locke is the founder of liberal democracy, and it is believed to be originated from him and his ideologies. John Locke had a notion that government needs to get consent from those who are being governed, and that has to be constantly present in order to ensure the legitimacy of government. The liberal ideology has been resented and outlined in his influential two treaties. Two Treatises of Government is a political philosophy that was published anonymously by John Locke in 1689 that attacked patriarchy. In the second treaty, John Locke outlines his ideas for a more civilized society on the basis of natural rights and contract theory (Itodo, 2021). Natural rights are concerned with those rights that are not dependent on laws and customs of any culture or government and are universal and fundamental. Contract theory is concerned with the legitimacy of the authority of a state over individuals. These ideas were presented by John Locke and who became the father of modern liberalism. The argument by John Locke was based on liberty of conscience that should be protected from government authority.
Thomas Hobbes is also believed to be a founder of the liberal democracy model and liberalism who attempted to determine the purpose and justification for the existence of governing authority (Ward, 2020). The idea of Thomas Hobbes is based on the state of nature and social contract that individuals enter into for guaranteeing their security. The idea of Thomas Hobbes was that individuals come together to utilise their rights and establish a State Authority which is responsible for creating laws to regulate society and social interactions for mitigating conflict and in force justice in society. Thomas Hobbes advocated a monarchical commonwealth but, John Locke provided the idea of acquiring consent from those being governed to remain legitimate government (Young, 2002). John Locke agreed with the ideas of Thomas Hobbes about the state of nature and social contract but argued about monarchical powers considering that when Monarch becomes tyrant it is a violation of the social contract that is there to protect life, liberty, and property of people.
John Stuart Mill was another important contributor to the liberal democratic model in which Mill argued that actions of government should be guided by the harm principle. As per his argument self-regarding route in which people have the freedom to do think to themselves should not be limited (Turner, 2010). In his opinion, self-regarding actions does not cause any harm to the interest of others. However, other-regarding rules should be restricted in which individuals get the freedom to do things to others. Concerning the regards freedom should only be reduced when people are harming the interest and freedom of others. Later, Mill also supported intervention through which poor people in society were experiencing injustice. John Stuart Mill, is also believed to be a bridge between classical and modern liberal thoughts. Classical thoughts of liberal democracy were based on civil liberty, political freedom, and economic freedom. As per the view of classical liberal democracy, people become able to enjoy their freedom and form their lives without government interventions. On the other hand, modern liberalism or modern democracy is best on social justice and mixed economy in which it is believed that chasing the power of government was doing harm instead of good (Mouffe, 2009). Modern liberal democracy focused on protecting people’s rights, and the government was involved in protecting the rights of people. Ideas in the argument of John Stuart Mill were unconventional for the time when they were presented. He believed in equality for men and women and also distinguished between higher and lower pleasures. The work of John Stuart Mill is considered highly valuable important in the liberal democracy model.
Another important political thinker was John Rawls, and he argued that individual rights freedoms, and beliefs of each person must be respected. He believed that utilitarianism is flawed because it focuses on the greatest happiness for the greatest number in which individual rights, freedom, and beliefs might get negatively influenced (Leighton, 2012). As per the opinion of John Rawls, excessive inequality in society should be avoided because it tends to harm poor people in society. According to him, justice in society was the ability of every person to maintain the minimum standard of living. It links with modern liberal democracy in which political parties are capable of creating circumstances in which every class of society gets benefits. In addition to this political parties are also focusing on providing benefits to poor people in society so that their living standards can be improved to a minimum acceptable level. As per the opinion of John Rawls, no section of society will require them to live in deprivation where they do not have access to resources enabling them to maintain an acceptable level of standard of living. It enables individuals to exercise different rights and also realise their potential and utilise their potential for their future wellbeing and improved standard of living.
Thomas Hill Green is another political thinker and also an English academic who proposed the idea of the difference between negative and positive freedom. As per is been in negative freedom is concerned with being absent of constraints on a person in which individuals are left alone by the state. Positive freedom, on the other hand, is being personal development and fulfilment of potential (Greengarten, 2019). It means that according to the ideas of Thomas Hill Green not being restricted to do anything is negative freedom whereas in positive freedom individuals are able to fulfil their potential and achieve personal development. His ideas and definition also included that every person should develop moral sensibilities through which they can exercise their duties and responsibilities. According to the ideas of Thomas Hill Green, states or governments should enable and protect the social, political, and economic environment. The environment should be protected in a way that individuals have the possibility and possibilities of acting according to their conscience. However, he does not avoid it and eliminates the importance of deciding liberties that need to be curtailed and ways in which they need to be curtailed. Including the ideas of Thomas Hill Green in the present liberal-democratic environment means that the government is working on creating and protecting an environment through which people have possibilities to according to their conscience. Recent political development and actions being taken by the liberal democratic governments are allowing the public at large to act according to their conscience. They are also enabling an environment where everyone can participate in their moral development. Not only creating an environment but the government is actively creating opportunities for citizens to participate in different activities for their moral development and for acting according to their conscience.
Herbert Spencer is another political thinker who contributed to the thoughts of the liberal democracy model. Key ideas coined by Herbert Spencer include freedom and progress, the evolution of harmonious society, political rights, universal suffrage, and non-cooperation with bad government. Freedom and progress with concerned with the ability of individuals to maintain their freedom to take their decisions and get involved in actions that are not restricted by the government. Progress is about the growth and development of individuals in terms of their standard of living and the ability to realise their potential (Elwick, 2003). The evolution of harmonious society was another Idea proposed by Herbert Spencer in which he argues that societies have harmonies rather than conflicts that contribute to the growth and development of society and its members. Universal suffrage is concerned with the idea that every adult citizen should have the right to vote regardless of their income, gender, status, race, and ethnicity, and any other restriction. Non-cooperation with that government was also an idea that was coined by Herbert Spencer in which he argued that if the government is bad then citizens should not co-operate with the government. It also links with the present liberal democratic model of politics in which there is universal suffrage, and freedom and progress are being protected and supported by the government.
Auberon Herbert, an English politician and individual philosopher proposes the idea of Voluntaryism and protection as the only role of government. As per his idea, the only role of government was to protect the person and property of individuals against force and fraud (Hart, 2017). According to his idea of government, it could not be agreed upon life the people and property by imposing prescription and compulsory education and even taxation on people and property. Argue that revenue that is needed for the government to protect liberty and property should be raised voluntarily rather than forcefully. Protection of people and property is being done by modern governments but they are also playing several other roles.
Benjamin Tucker was another political thinker who proposed and supported ideas of Anarchy, property rights, personal freedom, and ending regulation and state provisions. Benjamin Tucker was an anarchist who supported anarchism in which it is believed that there should be no Government and rules and regulations in the country. He also focused on political rights and the personal freedom of people in his liberal ideas. Benjamin Tucker also had a view to and regulations and state provision in which there are no regulations by the government that need to be followed by people and that are made to govern people (Tucker, 2010). The ideas of Benjamin Tucker are somewhat similar to traditional liberalism in which government was believed to be unnecessary. Ideas of Benjamin Tucker are not applicable in a modern liberal democracy because they include forming Government and are there regulations and state provisions for governing people and their actions. However, personal freedom as supported by Benjamin Tucker is being provided and protected by the government.
Julian L. Simon was a contemporary liberal thinking and American business professor, and in the context of his professional ideas of Julian links liberalism and economy. The key ideas of Julian are how markets defeat scarcity and population as a positive resource. As per the views of Julian, markets were believed to be an element or a factor through which scarcity can be defeated or eliminated (Chenoweth and Feitelson, 2005). The idea of the population as a positive resource was against the conventional view that two sources of the world are running out because of overpopulation and over-exploitation. Julian argues that resources are getting cheaper, and increasing wealth and better technology are enabling the exploitation of new resources through which old resources could be recycled for reuse. Ideas Julian was based on how states and countries are performing in the era of technological revolution.
Another contemporary liberal thinker is David D Friedman who American anarcho-capitalist economist and legal theorist. Ideas of David include anarcho-capitalism, private property, no need for the state to agree, practical benefits of libertarianism. Anarchism is concerned with believing in which government is not needed for a country (Friedman, 2017). Anarcho-capitalism, in a similar context, believes that there is no need for centralised states in favor of the system of private property that is enforced by private agencies. David Friedman also linked liberalism with economic and economic benefits similar to Julian Simon, whose ideas were discussed earlier as another contemporary liberal thinker.
Conclusion
Based on the above discussion, it can be concluded that the liberal democratic model is one of the models of the democratic political system that is being widely applied by several countries. The main idea of the liberal democratic model, is that people have the right to choose a government for them, and then those being given as well as those who are governing are regulated by a rule of law. The principles of liberal democracy are individual, reasons and progress, consensual society, and shared power. The element of the liberal democracy model is legitimacy, justice, freedom, and power. In the essay views and opinions of different liberal thinkers were discussed. Different thinkers presented different ideas for liberal democracy however common element similar in their thoughts was freedom and rights of people. These are also the basis for liberal democracy and the difference in ideas of different thinkers was based on the requirement of government and the role of government concerning liberalism. However, as liberal democracy was being discussed, ideas of anarchistic are against democracy. It is because democracy is about the system of selecting government for a country or state by consensus and popular choice. However, the selection of government is done based on the freedom and rights of people and liberal democracy is also based on modern liberalism. It is because early liberalism eliminated the requirement for the government to govern but, modern liberalism considered the importance of government to regulate societies and was seen as beneficial for society. Concerning this, contemporary liberal thinkers seemed to be against the idea of the liberal democracy model because they eliminated the need for the government but their context was limited to economics.
References
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