Democracy comes from the Greek word ( demokratia ) which means power of the people. As for the general discussion of democracy is divided from two words, namely demos which means the people and kratos which means strength or power.
Democracy exists in various aspects such as economic, social, and cultural elements that take place in a practice of freedom in the political field.
It is on this basis that the meaning of democracy is a system of government held and implemented by the people, and for the people themselves. The exercise of state power is the representatives of the people who have been elected by the people.
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Democracy
Democracy is a system of government in which every citizen has the same rights and obligations as part of determining and also selecting a decision. These decisions will have an impact on people’s lives.
Definition of Democracy
Democracy means a form of government over the people. The people are the holders of power in government. Have the right to regulate, defend, and protect themselves from coercion from representatives of the people.
Definition of Democracy According to Experts
The definition of democracy according to experts, among others, is as follows;
1. Abraham Lincoln
Democracy is a system of government in which it is formed from the people, by the people, and for the people.
2. Charles Costello
Democracy is a social and political system of government in which the power of government is limited by laws and culture that protect the rights of all the people of the country.
3. Hannry B. Mayo
Democracy is a general policy that is determined on the basis of a majority represented by representatives of the people through elections based on the principle of political equality and held in political freedom.
4. John L. Esposito
Democracy is a form of government from the people, for the people. The people have the right to participate in participating, both playing an active role and when controlling the policies formed and issued by the government.
5. Sidney Hook
Democracy is a form of government in which important decisions for the government, either directly or indirectly, are based on the majority agreement freely given by the people.
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Characteristics of Democracy
As for the existing characteristics in the sense of a democratic society, among others, are as follows;
1. Decisions are in line with the needs of the people
Every decision made and issued by the government must be in line with the wishes and meaning of the needs of the community. An example is the government issuing a policy regarding free medical treatment for the poor.
2. Constitutional
The constitutional characteristics relate to the will of the people that have been compiled and regulated in state laws. An example of this is the management of natural resources regulated in the 1945 constitution.
3. There are elected representatives of the people
The management of an interest in the state from the people is managed directly by representatives of the people who are directly elected by the people. An example is the election of representatives of the people which are held every 5 years with the hope that all the aspirations of the people can be realized when the representatives are elected.
4. There is a general election
General elections are held by the General Election Commission every 5 years to elect leaders and representatives of the people directly. For example, the presidential election and people’s representatives are directly elected by the people every 5 years.
5. Deliberation in Decision Making
Deliberation becomes a mechanism in making decisions on an issue. Through deliberations, all opinions will be listened to and taken into consideration to become a unanimous decision and reduce the occurrence of various examples of social conflicts.
An example of a case in this case is regarding the determination of the Regional Minimum Wage which is carried out by the government, company owners, and workers through deliberations in order to obtain agreement from the various parties concerned.
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6. Freedom of Expression of Opinion
The hallmark of a democracy is freedom of expression. Freedom of opinion is one example of the implementation of democracy going well. For example, for example, listening to all the aspirations conveyed by the people, which then these aspirations are used as material for consideration in forming policies.
7. No Discrimination
Do not carry out the definition of discrimination against something that is different in the life of the state community. A case in point is not discriminating between the work done by a man and a woman in the economic sector.
8. Tolerance of Receiving Opinions
The notion of tolerance or respect in accepting opinions is one of the hallmarks of democracy. Differences are considered as a natural thing. For example, such as not forcing his will so that his opinion is accepted when the discussion forum is in progress.
9. Freedom in Responsibility
The meaning of freedom to be responsible is freedom to pay attention to the rights of others. For example, such as not insisting that the rights possessed must be fulfilled immediately but not carrying out their obligations.
10. Open in Thought
Openness in thought will deliver democracy to the creation of a just and prosperous state society. An example in this case is not prohibiting the study of philosophy in learning materials.
11. Direct Engagement
This involvement is very important in the formation of policies and regulations to suit the needs and desires of the community. For example, there is a survey on government performance satisfaction conducted by survey institutions.
12. There are laws
The regulations that have been formed are then composed of laws that aim to clarify the rights and obligations as good citizens.
For example, the obligation to be a good citizen is not to take action in the sense of crime, such as murder. Because the punishments and sanctions that will be given have been regulated in the law.
13. There is a political party
In order for an individual to be elected as a representative of the people, political parties become a bridge towards realizing the aspirations that have been conveyed so far.
For example, the many political parties that have sprung up have the goal that there are many different aspirations from the people that can be conveyed.
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14. Uphold Human Rights
The community should be free from horizontal conflicts or the causes of human rights violations that are often committed by the government. By upholding human rights, people will live peacefully without threats and pressure from the government.
An example is taking firm action against individuals who silence people who want to convey a truth to the wider community.
15. Openness in Policy Formation
The openness in question is that the government socializes the policies that have been made, with the aim that the public can find out whether the policy is appropriate to the situation or not.
For example, through the mass media, the government broadcasts draft policies and regulations so that the wider community can be aware of updates or additions to existing regulations and policies.
Principles of Democracy
Some of the principles of democracy are as follows:
- Sovereignty is in the hands of the people.
- Government that runs based on the agreement.
- Majority power.
- Uphold minority rights.
- Uphold Human Rights.
- Equality in the eyes of the law.
- Elections are based on fairness, freedom and honesty.
- Ongoing legal process.
- Constitutional government restrictions.
- Involvement of the people in the formation of policies and regulations.
- Equality among citizens.
- Equality of the people in implementing political practices.
- Freedom of opinion
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Conclusion
Based on the explanation, it can be concluded that democracy is a form of government in which state power is fully in the hands of the people. That is why this system of government places the people in supreme power and is exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a system of free elections.
This is an explanation of the characteristics of democracy and its examples in society. Hopefully this article can add insight, as well as increase knowledge for all readers who are studying and looking for references regarding ‘democracy’.