Update democracy!!!

1. Democracy Basics

1.1 Key elements of a democracy

Precious people

There are many funny, weird, very precious beings on this planet. We are usually good-hearted and quite intelligent. On our best days, we think, while being different, that we are all worth the same. Democracy has proven to be the most beneficial system for us to live together. Pluralism is about appreciating our differences in society, like beliefs, cultures, and interests. It means understanding that people have different views and goals, and it’s essential to respect these differences.

In politics, pluralism means there are many groups with different ideas, all trying to influence government decisions. They compete fairly to make their voices heard. Pluralistic societies have ways for everyone to speak up, like free speech and democratic processes.

Pluralism strengthens democratic societies by encouraging discussion, tolerance, and compromise. It shows that having different opinions enriches society and helps make better decisions for everyone.

Citizen

A citizen is a person who, by place of birth, naturalisation or nationality of one or both parents, is granted full rights and responsibilities as a community member. Everyone should have an equal chance to impact decisions that affect fellow citizens. Our idea of democracy is often: Democracy is great when everything in society is organised the way I like it. But to make democracy happen the question is probably more: Can I endure not living the life I want because of the needs of others? I think a beautiful, natural, and harmonious democracy is one of closeness, compassion, and curiosity.

Interesting fact

In the German constitution, the forfeiture (meaning loss) of fundamental rights means that those rights can be withdrawn from anyone who abuses them to fight against the free, democratic basic order. The Bundestag (parliament), the federal government or a state government can apply for forfeiture of fundamental rights. In this case, the Federal Constitutional Court decides on the extent and duration of the forfeiture.

Universalism: equal treatment for everyone

Being accountable means taking responsibility for your actions, decisions, and their consequences. It involves being answerable for your behaviour, both to yourself and others. When you’re accountable, you acknowledge your role in a situation, whether positive or negative, and you’re willing to accept the consequences, learn from them, and make necessary adjustments. Accountability is essential in personal and professional settings as it fosters trust, integrity, and reliability. In a universalist society, the goal of an accountable and fair government is the welfare and happiness of equal citizens. Citizens expect that public goods are distributed equally and fairly as a norm. Laws are enforced uniformly for everyone. Every citizen not only has the theoretical freedom to pursue their desires but also practical freedom to access essentials like education and healthcare. It’s freedom for all, not just for some.

Particularism: privileged groups are treated better

In a particularist society, privileged groups have greater access to public goods and often operate above the law. The ideal scenario for privileged groups is when unequal treatment becomes normal behaviour, with citizens only expecting similar treatment to everybody with the same status. We are taught that privilege is natural. We are never taught that there is a connection between our poverty and their wealth. I think a particularist society is not a true democracy.

What do you think?

Are you living in a particularist or universalist country?

Can you identify any privileged groups where you live?

Are you part of a privileged group?

Constitution

A democracy begins with a constitution, a set of principles that guide how a community is run. The citizens should design and vote for the constitution and I think there should be a referendum each time the constitution is changed. It’s an ethical code that members agree on and strive to follow. These principles include laws, how authority is shared, government responsibilities, and the rights guaranteed to the citizens within the community. It can also include other details, such as setting a limit on how much debt the government is allowed to create. The Constitution also protects us from ourselves: not being able to reintroduce the death penalty, for example.

What do you think?

Some constitutions allow the fundamental rights of citizens to be taken away: is this good for a democracy?

Can you think of movements or organisations that have hatred or bias so embedded in them that they threaten democracy?

The duties and rights of the citizen are defined in the constitution.

It’s natural for us to desire human rights and individual freedom. I think the constitution should ensure freedom of faith, conscience, artistic and scientific expression, and the right to assemble. It should also set boundaries on what a government can enforce on its citizens. Citizens have freedom of choice, freedom to act independently, and freedom to pursue self-interest activities (within the law). From a community-focused viewpoint, citizens have duties and responsibilities towards society. Duties required by law are to pay taxes, defend the nation, serve in court, attend school, and obey the law. The responsibilities of citizens are to inform and educate themselves, be active members of the democratic society, and make the government accountable. I think citizens should be involved in community services and promote the common good.

What do you think?

Do you think the constitution's unwritten or partially written aspects can create confusion about laws, making them open to different interpretations? Can this lack of clarity weaken the stability and effectiveness of the government and legal system?

Should religious law be identical to civil law?

Do you think that sometimes shared goals are more important than individual needs?

How would you like to participate in a democratic society?

Interesting facts: Countries and their constitutions

United Kingdom: The United Kingdom has an unwritten constitution based on various disconnected laws.

New Zealand: New Zealand has an unwritten constitution that relies on statutes, constitutional conventions, and the Treaty of Waitangi.

Israel: Israel does not have a formal, written constitution. Instead, its constitutional framework is based on laws, statutes, and legal conventions.

Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia does not have a codified constitution. Instead, it relies on the Quran and the Sunnah (traditions of the Prophet Muhammad) as fundamental legal sources, along with royal decrees and laws.

Canada: Canada has a partially written constitution, with some elements codified in the Constitution Acts of 1867 and 1982. However, other constitutional principles are derived from conventions and unwritten sources.

Sweden: Sweden has a partially unwritten constitution, with some constitutional principles found in statutes and laws, while others are based on conventions and historical practices.

Norway: Norway’s constitution is partially written, with critical elements found in the Constitution of Norway, but it also relies on conventions and statutes.

Netherlands: The Netherlands has a constitutional monarchy with an unwritten constitution that includes legal statutes and conventions. A constitutional monarchy is a form of government in which a monarch (a king, queen, emperor, or empress) acts as the head of state usually within the parameters of a constitution.

Australia: Australia has a federal constitution, but it is a combination of written and unwritten elements. Some constitutional conventions and practices are not explicitly outlined in the written Constitution.

Oman: Oman does not have a formal, written constitution. The Basic Statute of the State serves as a constitutional document, and the legal system is influenced by Islamic law.

Old school democracy

In most democracies, a government is elected for a limited time and consists of three branches:

Legislative: makes laws and the constitution

Executive: carries out laws (president, cabinet, public servants)

Judicial: evaluates laws (courts)

The actions and budgets of the three branches should be transparent to the citizens.

What do you think?

Is it essential that individuals in the three branches, including judges and lawmakers, are elected in a democratic process and are not nominated by