Introduction

T his book is written for students studying Civics

and Ethical Education in Grade 9. It will guide
you through the 11 values with readings, case studies,
Readings have a blue background. They provide
information which explains the lesson objectives.

questions and illustrations to support the text. Each unit On many pages, you will find photographs or pictures
begins with an introduction and states the lessons and which illustrate the topic you are studying.
the outcomes. It also provides a list of the key words
and concepts you will meet in the unit. Case studies are labelled and have a pink background.
They provide real or simulated examples of the concept
At the end of each unit, there is a summary of what you are studying.
you have read. There is also a glossary of some terms
or words which you have been introduced to in the Each lesson has at least one set of questions linked to
unit. Finally, there are unit review exercises to enable a reading or a case study. Look for the red question
you to test your knowledge and understanding of the marks.
unit content.
At the end of each lesson, you will find a list of points
Each unit is set out in the same way with the unit number to remember in a red box. This will help you to revise.
and title at the top of each page.
This book is just one resource which you and your
The objectives are listed at the beginning of each lesson. fellow students will use to learn about Civics and Ethical
A starter activity is in a blue box. This is to introduce Education at this level. Information to support this
you to the lesson. The lesson number is in the top right book will be located with your teacher, on the Plasma
corner of each page. programs, in other books and documents, and with
people in your communities.

CIVICS AND ETHICAL EDUCATION — GRADE 9 STUDENT TEXTBOOK  1

Democracy and the Democratic
Unit 1 System
Building a Democratic System
Introduction
This unit is very important as you will learn the basic ideas of democracy and the democratic system.
When you complete this unit, it will help you to understand the other units more easily.
Lessons Key words and concepts

1. Democracy and the Democratic System • Ambassador • Foreign Policy

2. Rights • Autocracy • Foreign Relations
3. Obligations • Citizen • Government
4. Tolerance of Diversity • Confederation • Human Rights
5. Systems of Government in Ethiopia • Constitution • Indirect Democracy
6. Limits of Power • Democracy • Majority Rule
7. Ethiopia’s Foreign Relations • Democratic system • Negotiation
• Dictatorship • Obligations
What you will learn • Diplomacy • Representative
You will: • Diplomat Democracy
• appreciate the meaning of democracy. • Direct Democracy • Rights
• realize the basic rights of Ethiopian citizens • Diversity • Tolerance
as stated in the Federal Constitution. • Election • Unitary
• Federation • Voting

Voting in elections — One of the pillars of democracy

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UNIT 1 — BUILDING A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM LESSON 1

L E S S O N 1
Democracy and the Democratic
System
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to: this type of democracy, people are involved in
the day-to-day decision making of government
 define democracy.
indirectly through their elected representatives.
 state the characteristics of democracy. This is called representative or indirect
democracy.
 demonstrate some democratic characteristics.
The Ancient City of Athens

 What do you know about democracy? Can you

explain your ideas to the class?
 Give some practical examples to show when
you made a democratic decision with your
friends, e.g., deciding who is to play in the
football team.
 Is it sometimes difficult to be democratic?
Discuss this as a class. The Parthenon: One of the Seven Wonders of the World

What Democracy is? The Modern Athens

Democracy is a type of government where people

elect their leaders. The ancient Greeks in Athens
first practiced it. Women and slaves had no
right to elect their leaders and were not able to
be elected. In Athens, a council of 500 citizens
carried out the day-to-day government’s work.
However, an assembly of all citizens living in the
city-state voted on all-important issues. This is a
direct democracy.
Today we practice democracy in a different way.
Everybody has the right to elect representatives
to Parliament, Congress or Shengo. Everyone
has the right to stand for election. There is no Athens gave the world Socrates, Plato and Aristotle,
systematic mathematics, the Olympics and, above all,
discrimination based on sex and occupation. In
democracy

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UNIT 1 — BUILDING A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM LESSON 1

Democracy and the Democratic System

The word democracy is a combination of two in the present world in limited ways. During
Greek words, Demos and Kratos. Demos means referendum and in small communities direct
The People and Kratos means Authority. The direct democracy can be practiced. Small communities
meaning of democracy is People’s Authority. like the Bana and Hamer in south western Ethiopia
The 1995 Constitution of Ethiopia expresses can decide on matters that affect their cultural and
how representative democracy works in Ethiopia economic development through direct democracy.
in its Article 54 as follows: In kebeles, some aspects of direct democracy can
be exercised.
Members of the House of Peoples’ Representatives
shall be elected by the People for a term of five years on
Form groups of six students. In each group,
the basis of universal suffrage and by direct, free and three will discuss direct democracy and
fair elections held by secret ballot. the other three, indirect democracy. Share
Nonetheless, direct democracy is practiced feedback with the other groups.

CASE STUDY
Electing a class representative
On October 6, 2007, students in a high school elected
No Candidate Votes Remarks
their class representatives. The homeroom teachers
facilitated the election. The homeroom teacher of 9B 1 Fatuma 31 Winner
helped the students to form an election committee. 2 Ayele 10
The election committee explained to the students that
3 Goyteom 7
the election would be conducted secretly.
Following this, the students nominated their Total 48 7 did not vote
candidates: Goyteom, Fatuma and Ayele. The candidates Fatuma became the winner, so the election
each made a fifteen minute speech explaining what committee chair invited her to make a speech to the
they would do if elected. Then voting was conducted class. She thanked them and promised to serve them
and the election committee announced the results. all equally.

Should Fatuma serve only those students who system has the following characteristics:
elected her or the whole class? • a democratic constitution
In your own class, if there is an election, would • the rule of law
you vote for your friend or someone who is • free, fair and regular elections
going to serve all the students equally?
• active citizen participation
• respect for human and democratic rights
A democratic system is the best system we
A democratic constitution is the fundamental
have had so far. This is because the people are
law or legal document that expresses the will or
the source of government power. Because of this, desires of the people. It is a vital component of a
it is defined as Rule by the People. A democratic democratic system.

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UNIT 1 — BUILDING A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM LESSON 1

Democracy and the Democratic System

The rule of law is the legal practice or exercise of person are part of human rights. The rights
that treats all citizens impartially or equally. The of thought, opinion and expression are part of
rule of law does not consider a person to be a political rights. Without such rights no democratic
criminal until convicted before a court of law. system can exist. As a citizen of Ethiopia, you have
The rule of law can only be exercised under a these rights to enjoy.
democratic system.
Free, fair and regular elections are conducted
under a government whose source of power is
the people. Such a government is a democratic
government. Such practice includes no intimidation
during elections, accepting election results and
resolving problems arising through peaceful
negotiations and compromise.
Democracy is rule by the people. They are
the ultimate source of power for the government.
When there is active citizen participation in the
social, economic and political life, democratic rule
is ensured.
Respect for human and democratic rights
These are essential components of a democratic
Person voting in a democratic election
system. The rights to life, liberty and the security

Poster encouraging democracy

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UNIT 1 — BUILDING A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM LESSON 1

Democracy and the Democratic System

Freedom of speech Form small groups. Each group should pick
Freedom of speech is an essential feature or one characteristic of a democratic system
principle of democracy. Without it no democratic to discuss. The group representatives should
system can exist. A democratic system rests on the present their ideas to the class.
expressed will of the people. The media plays a
huge role in promoting freedom of speech.

Counting votes after an election

REMEMBER
 Democracy is defined as Rule by the People.
 In a direct democracy, the people are involved directly in the day-to-day
decision-making.
 In an indirect democracy, the people are involved indirectly through their own
elected representatives.
 A democratic system requires a democratic constitution and the rule of law.
 Democracy is possible when free, fair and regular elections are held.
 Respect for human rights is necessary in a democracy.

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UNIT 1 — BUILDING A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM LESSON 2

L E S S O N 2
Rights
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to: and rights of nationality are part of democratic
rights as stated in the Federal Constitution under
 explain the basic human and democratic rights
Article 24 sub-articles 1 and 2:
which all people have.
1. Everyone has the right to respect for his human
 defend your human and democratic rights. dignity, reputation and honour.
2. Everyone has the right to the free development
 What do you understand about rights? of his personality in a manner compatible with
 What rights do you think you have? the rights of other citizens.
As a child you have some special rights to
In a democracy, every person has fundamental rights enjoy. You have protection under these rights.
and freedoms. Rights refer to political, economic, Concerning the rights of children, the Ethiopian
social, and other advantages to which someone has Constitution under Article 36 sub-article 1 states
a just claim, morally or in law. Rights include the the following:
freedom to act or not to act in a particular fashion. Every child has the right:
Rights involve duty to permit the same freedom to (a) To life;
others. The rights that citizens in Ethiopia have are
(b) To a name and nationality;
expressed in detail in the 1995 Constitution. Rights
come under two categories. The first one is human (c) To know and be cared for by his or her parents
rights. This includes the right to life, the right to or legal guardians;
liberty, the right to privacy, etc. (d) Not to be subjected to exploitative practices,
The right to life is stated in the Federal neither to be required nor permitted to perform
Constitution under Article 15 as follows: work which may be hazardous or harmful to
his or her education, health or well-being;
Every person has the right to life. No person may
be deprived of his life except as a punishment for a (e) To be free of corporal punishment or cruel
serious criminal offence determined by law. and inhumane treatment in schools and other
Under Article 26 sub-article 1, the right to institutions responsible for the care of children.
privacy is stated as: All children have the right to education
Everyone has the right to privacy. This right shall and health care
include the right not to be subjected to searches of his
Likewise, the Federal Constitution recognizes
home, person property, or the seizure of any property
under his personal possession. women’s rights: Article 35 sub-articles 1, 2, and 7
state the rights of women:
The second is democratic rights. These
rights include the right of thought, opinion and 1. Women shall, in the enjoyment of rights and
expression. Freedom of association, movement protections provided for by this Constitution,

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UNIT 1 — BUILDING A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM LESSON 2

Rights
have equal right with men. These rights are part of the international
agreements and conventions that many countries
have incorporated in their legal systems. They
are included in the United Nations Universal
Declaration of Human Rights. The Declaration was
issued in 1948. Since then it has been enriched by
subsequent agreements and conventions compiled
as International Instruments. Ethiopia has ratified
Children from different ethnic groups at school some of these instruments and they are part of
2. Women have equal rights with men in marriage the law of the country.
as prescribed by this Constitution. Article 10 of the Constitution deals with
Human and Democratic Rights as follows:
7. Women have the right to acquire, administer,
control, use and transfer property. In particular, 1. Human rights and freedoms, emanating from
the nature of mankind, are inviolable and
they have equal rights with men with respect
inalienable.
to use, transfer, administration and control of
land. They shall also enjoy equal treatment in 2. Human and democratic rights of citizens and
the inheritance of property. peoples shall be respected.
According to the Constitution, these rights
As citizens of Ethiopia, you have the
must not be violated. They are considered as
constitutional protection to use these rights. It is
inalienable and cannot be taken away from any
important for you to know about these rights so
person. Everyone is born to enjoy these rights.
that you can defend and use them properly. In the
In the past, human and democratic rights
past, children’s rights and the rights of women
were not respected in Ethiopia. The governments
were not given constitutional protection.
were suppressing the rights of the people. Thus,
This resulted in many abuses being made the people had no freedom. Many of those who
against them. Female students should know about attempted to resist were killed. Some were put in
their constitutional rights so that they will be able prison, and some others were forced to leave their
to defend themselves for their own good. country in exile.

Copy this table. Form groups to discuss and list on the copy your democratic and human rights in
school, at home and in the community. One example is provided.
Human and Democratic Rights
At school At home In the community
1 To be cared for by parents
or guardians
2
3
4

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UNIT 1 — BUILDING A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM LESSON 2

Rights

CASE STUDY
Human Right’s Abuse
Anenni lives with her parents who are farmers. She is AIDS. She continued going to school but was very
13 years of age and is learning in Grade 9 in a town upset. The rapist and his collaborators were brought
near her home. After school, on her way back home, before the court. The rapist was imprisoned with his
she met a group of three people coming towards her. accomplices. But Anenni has to live with HIV/AIDS
Unable to escape, she was beaten up and raped. for the rest of her life.
The rapist was an HIV/AIDS victim. After a blood
test, she knew that she had become a victim of HIV/

Under which kind of rights do you think that:

 Rape is a crime?
 The parents of Anenni brought the rapist to court?
 Anenni was going to school?
 Her decision to continue going to school is the correct decision?

REMEMBER
 Every person has fundamental rights and freedom.
 In a democracy, all citizens have human and democratic rights.
 The right to life is the right not to be killed.
 You have some special rights to enjoy, such as the rights of the child and the
right to education.
 In a democracy, every person has fundamental rights and freedoms.
 In the past, children’s rights were not constitutionally recognized and women
did not have constitutional protection, so many abuses were made against
them.
 Rights could be political or social advantages to which someone has a just
claim, morally or in law.
 Rights involve the duty to permit the same freedom to others.

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UNIT 1 — BUILDING A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM LESSON 3

L E S S O N 3
Obligations

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to: citizens have to respect to be lawful.
 explain the obligations which citizens have. Obligations are duties to fulfill. You have the
obligation, or duty, to respect the rights of others.
 give due respect to your friends. You have the obligation not to violate others’
rights.
 Do you have any idea what obligations are?
As a student, you have the right to education.
 Discuss the obligations which you and your At the same time, you have the obligation to
friends, or members of families, have to each
respect the rules of your school. These obligations
other.
may include wearing uniform, doing homework
 What obligations do you have in school,
and arriving at school on time. You have the
community and in your own family?
obligation to protect school and public properties
In the previous lesson, you studied rights and from damage. In your class, you have the obligation
you have seen that you have certain rights. In to respect the rights of other students.
this lesson, you will learn about the obligations Outside school you have the obligation to
which you have when exercising your rights. participate in community activities. This may
You have many rights to enjoy but no society include taking part with others in sanitation
gives its citizens limitless rights. Sharing rights activities in your kebele. You have a duty to help
parents at home.
with others requires an ability to keep the balance
required between yourself and others. You have When you grow up, you will have constitu-
to respect the same rights others have. Knowledge tional obligations to fulfill. One of these obliga-
of the extent of your own rights enables you tions is paying tax. The tax you will pay helps
to understand the obligations you have. Your expand schools and health care services in places
obligations arise from the relations you have where they are not available.
with others. In other words, your obligations Paying tax is not a burden but an opportunity
arise from your social life. Your obligations are for the tax payers. It is one way of participating
conditioned by social norms, customs, values, and contributing to the development of the
traditions and culture. Law also has a role in country. To work to improve one’s own life is
maintaining certain obligations. There are things part of the economic right of citizens, but paying
that the law prohibits and certain obligations that tax proportional to one’s income is an obligation.

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UNIT 1 — BUILDING A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM LESSON 3

Obligations
Fulfilling your obligations gives you the freedom All citizens, organs of state, political organizations,
to use all the rights you have as a citizen. other associations as well as their officials have the duty
Article 9 sub-article 2 of the Federal Constitu- to ensure observance of the Constitution and to obey
tion expresses citizens’ obligations as follows: it.

Copy this table. Form groups, discuss and list on the copy some of the obligations you have at school,
at home and in the community. An example is provided.
Obligations
At school At home In the community
1 Respecting school rules
2
3
4
5

Citizens involved in community participation

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UNIT 1 — BUILDING A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM LESSON 3

Obligations
Copy this table. Form groups to discuss and
list on the copy what tax money could do for
Ethiopia. An example is provided.

What tax money could do for

development
1 Road construction
2
3
4
5
6 Tax payer fulfilling obligations

REMEMBER
 Obligations are duties.
 When you grow up, you will have constitutional obligations to fulfill.
 You have the duty to help your parents at home.
 You have the obligation to protect school and public properties from damage.
 Paying tax is not a burden but an opportunity for the tax payers.
 Paying tax is one way of participating and contributing for the development of
the country.
 There is no society that gives its citizens limitless rights. Your rights are limited
because you share rights with others.
 Knowledge of the extent of your rights enables you to understand your
obligations.
 Your obligations arise from the relationship you have with others.
 Your obligations are conditioned by social norms, customs, values, traditions
and cultures.

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UNIT 1 — BUILDING A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM LESSON 4

L E S S O N 4
Tolerance of Diversity

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to: The same diversity is seen at a national level.
 describe what tolerance of diversity is. The fact that more than eighty languages are
spoken, the different religions and the variety of
 explain the distinctive characteristics of post traditions and customs show evidence of diversity.
1991 Ethiopian society.
Democracy teaches us that cultural diversity is
 demonstrate tolerance of diversity. very valuable.
A country with cultural diversity is as beautiful
Give examples of how you have had to be tolerant as a painting made up of different colours. A
with family and friends. Discuss as a class. democratic system is characterized by diversity.

Diversity is to be different in some ways. It could In Ethiopia, past governments failed to see
be defined as the range of different groups that diversity in a positive way. Failing to appreciate
make up a wider population. For example, in cultural diversity leads to treating some cultures
your own class there are probably students who as superior and others as inferior. This happened
speak different languages and follow different in Ethiopia for a long time. The democratic gov-
religions. This is one form of diversity. Some of ernment that came to power in 1991 issued the
the students in your section are tall, short, fat constitution that changed the ways of the past.
or thin. This shows physical differences. Some Today, the Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of
students in your class may like to drink coffee, Ethiopia are equal. They have the constitutional
while others tea. This is a difference in individual right to promote and develop their cultural iden-
taste. You can also see that some students have tity. This is multiculturalism. It means accept-
different view points on some issues from others. ing all cultural groups as equal and gives equal
These are differences of opinion. Such differences opportunity for their development.
you observe show diversity.
In line with this, the Constitution under
In the broader sense, diversity occurs when
Article 91 sub-article 1 states:
very different people come together within a
group or place. Your own class is a good example Government shall have the duty to support, on the
where you see diversity in religion, language, basis of equality, the growth and enrichment of cultures
ethnic group and the like. People living in your and traditions that are compatible with fundamental
community could have the same diversity that rights, human dignity, democratic norms and ideals,
you observe in school. and the provisions of the Constitution.

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UNIT 1 — BUILDING A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM LESSON 4

Tolerance of Diversity
Ethiopia — A land of cultural diversity

Copy this table. Form groups, discuss and list

on the copy the different cultural groups you
know in your surroundings and in Ethiopia. An
example is provided.

Ethiopia — A land of different

cultures
1 Hamer

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Different Cultures of Ethiopia

CASE STUDY
School friends
Aziza, Tolossa, Yerga, Mebrat and Leul are students to Emdeber and stay there for one week with Yerga’s
in a high school. They are close friends. Aziza relatives.
is a Muslim and Tolossa is a Protestant. Yerga is Next year, during semester break, Tolossa has
a Jehovah’s Witness while Mebrat and Leul are promised to take them to Gendeberet to visit his
Orthodox Christians. parents. They have agreed to continue this plan to
These friends belong to different ethnic groups. visit everyone’s relatives in order to see their way of
Yerga is a Guraghe, Aziza is a Hararri and Tolossa life.
is an Oromo, Mebrat is an Amara and Leul is a
Form groups to discuss what lesson you learnt
Tigre. They are very proud of their own religions,
from the school friends in the case study.
languages, and other cultural traits. As friends, they
share similar views and respect each other’s cultures. The group leaders should present their ideas
When the school year is over they have agreed to go to the class for discussion.

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UNIT 1 — BUILDING A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM LESSON 4

Tolerance of Diversity
You have seen that diversity occurs when this with your teachers and school administration
groups and individuals have different cultures before the school year is over. People from
and viewpoints. In order to handle diversity, you different groups could set up an exhibition of
need to be tolerant. their ways of life and perform their songs and
Tolerance means acceptance of a person, group dances. This will help you learn more about
others.
or community based on worth, merit, dignity and
honour. It is to be willing to accept the beliefs, Form groups and identify the different
way of life and viewpoints of others. As a citizen cultural backgrounds you come from. Fill in a
you have to accept that the culture of others is as copy of this table showing the cultural groups
good as your own. and practices. Some of you can tell the rest
of the class about your culture.
You should be willing to listen to viewpoints
that others hold. You should be able to live with Cultural practices
people having different religions, languages, and Cultural group Cultural practice
other cultural traits. 1 Gurage Enset as staple food
When you are willing to learn more about 2
those who are different from you, then you will
3
start developing tolerance. When you are able
to understand them, they will understand you. 4
Accepting others means accepting them in your 5
surroundings. Tolerance is a key to living with 6
others in peace.
7
One way of promoting tolerance could be to
8
have a culture day at your school. You can plan

CASE STUDY
A cultural dance moment
Ato Agewa is a civic and ethical education teacher in were all ready to perform the music and dances they
a high school. He teaches in Grade 9. After finishing had rehearsed with their parents at home. When the
the lesson on diversity and tolerance, he gave an music and dances were performed on the stage the
assignment to his students. The assignment was to whole class was involved. Siltigna, Agewegna, Afaregna,
ask their parents to train them in the dances of their Somalegna, Gumuzegna, Oromiffa, Amaregana,
cultural groups. Tigregna, Guragegna, Aderegna and Kefegna music
When students came to school on Monday, they and dances were performed by the students. It was an

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UNIT 1 — BUILDING A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM LESSON 4

Tolerance of Diversity
unforgettable experience, a moment everybody would teaching them about the different languages spoken,
remember. Every student appreciated the occasion and the traditional music and dances of Ethiopia.
because it was a real learning opportunity for them,

Form groups to discuss what you can learn

from the different cultural dances. Group
leaders can present their ideas to the rest
of the class.

Cultural dances of Ethiopia

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UNIT 1 — BUILDING A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM LESSON 4

Tolerance of Diversity

REMEMBER
 Diversity is to be different in some ways.
 Ethiopia is a country of cultural diversity.
 Citizens in Ethiopia have the constitutional right to promote and develop their
cultural identity.
 Tolerance helps us handle cultural and personal differences in a positive way.
 Tolerance means accepting all differences between people.
 As a citizen you have to accept that other people’s culture is as good as your
own.
 Diversity occurs when very different people come together within a group or
place.
 Failing to appreciate cultural diversity leads to treating some cultures as
superior and others as inferior.
 Today the Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia are equal and have the
constitutional right to promote and develop their cultural identity.
 Multiculturalism means accepting all cultural groups as equal and giving equal
opportunities for their development.
 Tolerance means acceptance of a person, group, or community on worth, merit,
dignity and honour.

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UNIT 1 — BUILDING A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM LESSON 5

L E S S O N 5
Systems of Government in
Ethiopia
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to: the administration of their own regions. For
example, at present, Ethiopia is a federal state with
 describe the nature and structure of the
nine regional states. The USA, Canada, Nigeria
government in Ethiopia.
and India are also federal states.
Map of Ethiopia
With your neighbour, discuss the different
systems of government in Ethiopia.

There are three systems of government in the world.

These are Unitary, Federal and Confederation.

Unitary

Most states in the world are unitary. In unitary

states, all power is in the hands of the central
government. There is only one constitution. There
are various types of unitary government. Some
are autocratic, some are military dictatorships
and some are democratic. For example, in Ethiopia
during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie, there
was a unitary government which was autocratic.
Autocracy means absolute rule by kings. During
Copy this map into your exercise book. Draw
the Derg, Ethiopia had a unitary government
the boundaries of each regional state.
which was a military dictatorship. In contrast,
the United Kingdom has a unitary system of
government which is democratic. A democratic Confederation
government, as you know, is rule by the people.
The third type of state is a confederation. It is the
union of independent states. The member states
Federal
retain their sovereignty and come under a common
Under a federal government, power is shared control for the performance of certain definite
between the federal and the regional states. The functions. It is formed between independent
regional states have the right to have their own countries, often for economic or military purposes.
constitutions. They have the authority to manage If the members of the confederation integrate well,

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UNIT 1 — BUILDING A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM LESSON 5

Systems of Government in Ethiopia

this may lead to the formation of a federal state. not be a task which can be accomplished in one
The European Union is a good example of a go, rather it is a process that takes time to estab-
confederation to which many countries belong. It lish in society. It is a process to be enriched by the
seems to be going in the direction of creating a contribution of every citizen.
United States of Europe. Form groups in the class and, through role play,
represent the three governments in Ethiopia
to show some of their characteristics.

Article 8 of the Constitution reads as follows:

1. All sovereign power resides in the Nations,
Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia.
Flag of the European Union 2. This Constitution is an expression of their
In Ethiopia, the two previous governments had sovereignty.
issued different types of constitutions. Under the 3. Their sovereignty shall be expressed through
monarchy, both in 1931 and 1955, the constitutions their representatives elected in accordance
gave absolute power to the king. Under military with this Constitution and through their direct
dictatorship, the constitution gave absolute power democratic participation.
to the Derg. In both the governments, the people Form groups and discuss the following:
were subjected to repression. They were denied  What do you understand by sovereignty
fundamental rights. The Federal Democratic Re- of Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of
public of Ethiopia’s (FDRE) Constitution states Ethiopia?
that the source of power is the Nations, Nationali-  How do the Ethiopians express their
ties and Peoples of Ethiopia. The Constitution of sovereignty?
1995 has laid the foundation for democracy. The Group leaders should present their ideas to
transition from repressive rule to democracy can-
the class for further discussion.

REMEMBER
 Autocracy means absolute rule by kings.
 The Derg was a military dictatorship.
 The present structure of government in Ethiopia is a federal democratic republic.
 The constitution of 1995 has laid the foundation for democracy.
 The transition from repressive rule to democracy cannot be a one-off task;
rather it is a process that takes some time to establish in society.
 Under federal government, power is shared between the federal and the regional
states.
 In unitary states, all power is in the hands of the central government.

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UNIT 1 — BUILDING A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM LESSON 6

L E S S O N 6
Limits of Power

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to: amended it in 1955. These constitutions stated
 explain the source of political power under the
that his power was absolute, therefore, unlimited.
three governments of Ethiopia.
Nothing was more important than the Emperor
himself, even the country.
 What do you think power means?
 Discuss why you think that the powers of
governments need to be limited.
 What could happen if they were not limited?

In the previous lesson, you have seen the systems

of government in Ethiopia. You learnt that there
were autocracy and military dictatorships in
Ethiopia. In 1991, the military dictatorship was
overthrown and federalism was introduced.
In this lesson, you will learn how the different
governments in Ethiopia exercised power.
Power means to force others to do what the
power holder wants. In a democracy, it is limiting
the power of a government that is an essential The last emperor of Ethiopia — Haile Selassie I
attribute.
In Ethiopia, the monarchy and the military
dictatorship denied the people their freedom
and exercised unlimited power. Emperor Haile
Selassie I was an absolute monarch who ruled
Ethiopia with unlimited power for a long time.
Absolute rule means to have power with no limits.
He believed that he was God-sent, and claimed to
have divine power. He was not responsible to the
people and the people had no right of political
participation. He issued a constitution in 1931 and The arrest of Haile Selassie I

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UNIT 1 — BUILDING A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM LESSON 6

Limits of Power
When Haile Selassie was replaced by the
Derg, the military dictators continued to exercise
unlimited power in a different form. The Derg
used military force to stay in power. So, the source
of its power was the army not the people. During
the Derg, people were killed and their rights were
badly abused. It was a period of rule by fear. The
Derg issued a constitution in 1987 to strengthen
its power to rule with the single party it had
established. There was no freedom of expression
and association. There was no rule of law. So,
people were not allowed to form political parties.
Both governments exercised unlimited power over
the people. Thus, the Ethiopians faced extreme
repression under the two governments.
Col. Mengistu Haile Mariam
In 1991, the military dictatorship of the Derg
was overthrown and replaced by a Transitional
Government headed by the EPRDF. In 1995, the
government issued a constitution which states
that the people are the source of the power of
the government. In the Constitution, democratic
and human rights of citizens are respected. The
Constitution states the right of the people to free,
fair and regular elections, and a multi-party system.
These help limit the power of government. Only
democratic governments have limited power.
This is possible when government officials are
transparent and accountable for what they do and
bear the consequences.
Victims of the Red Terror

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UNIT 1 — BUILDING A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM LESSON 6

Limits of Power
Copy this table. Form groups, discuss and list on the copy the characteristics of governments with
‘limited power‛ and ‘unlimited power‛.

Government with limited power Government with unlimited power

1 Elected government Unelected government
2
3
4
5
6

Frederick Chiluba

CASE STUDY
The Case of Frederick Chiluba of Zambia
Frederick Chiluba came to power in Zambia through constitution of Zambia.
election. He was the president of Zambia for ten His attempt to stand for election for the third term
years (1991-2001). The Constitution of Zambia allows
failed because the people strongly opposed him. Later
a president to stay in power for only two terms. Each
term is five years. But Chiluba wanted to remain on, he was accused by the High Court of Zambia of
in power for a third term. This is contrary to the trying to stay in power unlawfully.

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UNIT 1 — BUILDING A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM LESSON 6

Limits of Power
Discuss:
 How do you see the action taken by Chiluba?
 Did he attempt to exercise limited or unlimited power?
 Is it acceptable for a President to change the constitution to promote his or her personal
interests to stay in power?

REMEMBER
 Power means to be able to force others to do what the power holder wants.
 In a democracy, limiting power of government is an essential attribute.
 Emperor Haile Selassie was an absolute monarch who ruled Ethiopia with
unlimited power for a long time.
 In the 1995 Constitution, democratic and human rights of citizens are
respected.
 In Ethiopia, the monarchy and the military dictatorship had exercised unlimited
power.
 The Derg used military force to stay in power.

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UNIT 1 — BUILDING A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM LESSON 7

L E S S O N 7
Ethiopia’s Foreign Relations

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to: governments and people in other countries. Our
diplomats represent Ethiopia in the host countries,
 state the principles of the Ethiopian foreign
policy. international and regional organizations.
This gives rise to diplomatic relations. Such a
 What do you think foreign relations are? relationship requires having diplomatic missions
 Do you think foreign relations help the stationed in host countries. Ethiopia has diplomatic
development of the country? missions in countries where it has established
 Why is it important for countries to be able diplomatic relations.
to communicate and negotiate? Diplomatic mission refers to a foreign body
which is set up by mutual agreement of states
Independent countries of the world have foreign
to deal with foreign relations. The objective is
relations with one another. The purpose of the
to maintain constant official contacts and to
relation is to mutually advance and promote
act on all political and other questions arising
national interests of states. Foreign relations
from the interrelationship of states. Diplomatic
could be defined as the external relations of a
missions could be for state to state relations and
country. The relation between countries gives rise
state’s relations with regional and international
to international relations.
organizations.
Ethiopia’s foreign relations are its external
relations with countries of the world. Foreign
relations are conducted between independent
countries, international and regional organizations.
International and regional organizations include
the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU),
the European Union (EU), World Bank and others.
Such relations promote mutual benefits.
These involve opening embassies and
missions in other countries. Those who work in
embassies are called diplomats. The Ambassador
heads the diplomatic mission in the host country.
Diplomats are trained to be able to negotiate with Ethiopian Embassy in London, UK

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Ethiopia’s Foreign Relations

Ethiopia has diplomatic relations with many their policy objectives. Ethiopia currently promotes
countries. It has relations with Djibouti, the United economic diplomacy more aggressively. The policy
States of America (USA), the United Kingdom objective of the country is to attract more foreign
(UK), Japan, China, Germany, etc. It has diplomatic investment for development. This does not mean
missions to the UN, AU and EU. Foreign relations that other relationships are ignored. Achieving
are based on foreign policy. It regulates a country’s development is the priority of the foreign policy
relations with other countries and organizations. objectives of the country.
Ethiopian Diplomats are guided by the foreign
1. Discuss with the class if you have seen
policy objectives of the country. These objectives
Ethiopian officials signing agreements with
are stated in the 1995 Constitution. Among the
other countries on television.
stated foreign policy objectives are protection of
2. Name some countries which have embassies
national interests and respect for the sovereignty
in Ethiopia.
of the country. The policy also advances non-
3. Fill in a copy of this table showing those
interference in the internal affairs of other states,
countries that Ethiopia has diplomatic
observance of international agreements and
relations with. An example is provided.
promotion of mutual economic development
with other countries. Ethiopia’s foreign policy Ethiopia‛s Diplomatic Missions
especially advances a closer relationship with Abroad
African countries for peaceful co-existence and 1 Great Britain
mutual economic development. 2
Diplomatic relations of countries comprise
3
different types of relations. These include cultural
and educational, military, political, security and 4
economic relations. At different times countries 5
could give more emphasis to one relationship over 6
another. This depends on their circumstances and

Hydro-electric power built in co-operation with the EU

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UNIT 1 — BUILDING A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM LESSON 7

Ethiopia’s Foreign Relations

to have good communication skills. They represent
Ethiopia’s interests where they are placed. So they
have to know when to give information and when
to say nothing. The ambassadors and diplomats
in our foreign missions will meet ambassadors
and government ministers from other countries,
so they should be well informed and can advise
the Ethiopian government.
Road built as a result of co-operation Diplomats often have to negotiate when
with other countries situations are difficult between countries. So they
have to have excellent negotiation skills.
Diplomacy, Negotiation and Tolerance
When Kenya had difficulties in the 2008
Countries which have common interests could election, then United Nations Secretary General
establish diplomatic relations. Such a relation Kofi Annan convened a meeting at the AU, and
is carried out by persons called diplomats. The representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
relations could include economic, cultural, political and diplomats from many countries came to Addis
and military relations. The implementation of Ababa to help negotiate a solution to the problem.
these relations is carried out through diplomacy.
Diplomacy refers to the practiced art of official
representation abroad of sovereign states by
persons and organizations specialized in such
conduct. One of the functions of diplomacy is to
conduct negotiations. Negotiation is to talk with
diplomats and government officials in order to
settle an issue or disagreement and try to come
up with a solution.
Diplomats have to work with people from
many different countries and cultures so they
have to be very tolerant. They have to be able to Kofi Annan negotiated the
communicate with other people. They are trained Kenyan political Crisis of 2008

Copy this table. Discuss the use of diplomacy, negotiation and tolerance in the foreign relations of
countries. List on the copy what Ethiopia can achieve from its foreign relations.

Foreign relations and their outcomes

1 Cooperation resulting in the development of the Ethiopia‛s infrastructure.
2
3
4
5

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UNIT 1 — BUILDING A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM LESSON 7

Ethiopia’s Foreign Relations

REMEMBER
 Foreign relations are the external relations of a country.
 Foreign relations are conducted between independent countries, international
and regional organizations by trained diplomats.
 Foreign policy regulates a country’s relations with other states and peoples.
 Ethiopia’s foreign policy advances a closer relationship with African countries
for peaceful co-existence and mutual economic development.
 Diplomats have to work with people from many different countries and
cultures.
 Diplomats often have to negotiate when situations are difficult between
countries.
 Foreign relations are guided by foreign policy.
 Diplomacy refers to the practiced art of official representation abroad of
sovereign states by persons and organizations specialized in such conduct.
 One of the functions of diplomacy is to conduct negotiations.
 Diplomats have to work with people from many different countries and
cultures.

British Embassy entrance in Addis Ababa

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UNIT 1 — BUILDING A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM

UNIT SUMMARY
In this unit, you have learnt about the basic concepts of democracy and the democratic system. You
have come to understand that, as citizens, you have human and political rights to enjoy. You have also
learnt that using your rights involves respecting the rights of others. You have seen that you have
constitutional rights and obligations to your country and to the people.
When examining the forms of government in Ethiopia, you have seen that the autocracy of Haile
Selassie and the military dictatorship of the Derg exercised unlimited power. During those governments,
you learnt that people had no rights at all. Under the 1995 Constitution it is stated that the people are
the source of power of the government.
You have learnt about foreign relations and how this benefits the country. You have seen that
Ethiopia’s foreign relations are guided by its foreign policy objectives as stated in the Constitution.
One of the objectives of the foreign policy is to promote peaceful co-existence and mutual economic
development among African countries and also to work closely with other countries of the world for
the same purpose.

GLOSSARY
Ambassador: Head of a country’s diplomatic mission in a host country.
Autocracy: A type of government led by a single ruler.
Citizen: A person who is either born within the state or born of parents who
are citizens or acquired the status through naturalization.
Constitution: The fundamental law of a country defining its social and state
organization. It includes the principles of the electoral system, the
structure of government bodies and the basic rights and duties of
citizens.
Democracy: Rule by the people.
Democratic Government: A government which derives its just power from the consent of the
citizens.
Democratic System: When democracy prevails in a country.
Dictatorship: Is a form of government in which the government is carried out
through arbitrary orders of the ruling Junta.
Diplomacy: Refers to the practiced art of official representation abroad of sovereign
states by persons and organizations specialized in such conduct.
Diplomat: Is an official in the Ministry of Foreign Relations or missions
abroad.
Diplomatic Relations: Relations between independent states for the promotion of mutual
benefits.

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Ethiopia’s
Direct Democracy:Foreign Relations
A type of democracy where all the people in country have a say in
day-to-day government.
Diversity: The range of different groups that make up a wider population.
Election: Selection of one or more people for an official position by voting.
Federation: A union of state formed by regional governments that has permanently
functioning central organs of power and administration and acts as
a single subject of international law.
Foreign Policy: A policy regulating a particular country’s relations with other states
and peoples.
Foreign Relations: The external relations of a country.
Government: Is a general term that describes both the body that holds power as
well as the whole constitutional system.
Human Rights: Rights that universally belong to people regardless of their sex, race,
colour, language, national origin, age, religion, or political beliefs.
Indirect Democracy: A form of democratic rule which is conducted through elected
representatives of the people.
Majority Rule: The fundamental principle of democratic government where the
majority decision is respected.
Military Dictatorship: A form of autocracy where the military holds power.
Negotiation: Is to talk with diplomats and government officials in order to settle
an issue or disagreement between countries and try to come up with
a solution.
Obligation: To have duties to fulfill.
Power: To cause others to change their behaviour and do what the power
holder wants.
Representative Democracy: A type of democracy where citizens have the right to choose who
should represent them in Parliament, Congress or Shengo. It is also
called indirect democracy.
Right: A just claim, either moral or legal.
Tolerance: Acceptance of a person on his/her individual worth, merit, dignity,
and honour.
Unitary: A state in which there is only one layer of government, Great Britain
is a unitary state.
Voting: Choice by free citizens.

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UNIT 1 — BUILDING A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM

UNIT REVIEW EXERCISES

Do these review exercises in your exercise book.
Part I – Multiple choice (c) good for neighbouring countries

1. What is democracy? (d) repressive

(a) rule by the people

Part II – Matching
(b) rule by military force
(c) rule by minority Column A Column B
(d) rule by a monarch 1. Choice by free A. Cultural, religious,
2. Democracy first originated in: citizens ethnic differences

(a) Italy 2. Diversity B. Relations between

3. African Union independent
(b) USA
Head Quarter countries
(c) Greece
4. Foreign Relations C. Voting
(d) England
D. Addis Ababa
3. Which of the following is not a feature of
E. Multi-ethnic and
a democratic system?
cultural country
(a) free, fair and regular elections
(b) majority rule Part III – Short answers
(c) government as the source of power 1. What is the difference between the
(d) respect for human rights democracy of the ancient Greeks and the
4. Representative democracy is: democracy of today?
(a) dictatorship 2. List four rights which you have as a
citizen.
(b) indirect democracy
3. What obligations do you have as
(c) autocracy citizens?
(d) an old form of government 4. Why is Ethiopia a culturally diverse
5. Haile Selassie and Derg’s rules were: country?
(a) democratic 5. Ethiopia’s foreign relations help develop-
(b) good for the people ment. How?

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