Democracy on An International Front
Democracy is not a monolithic concept, but a diverse and evolving system practiced in various forms around the world. Different countries adapt democratic principles to their unique contexts, creating a rich tapestry of democratic governance.
FORMS OF DEMOCRACY
Representative Democracy
is the most widespread form of democracy, where citizens elect officials to make decisions on their behalf. The United States, with its federal structure and separation of powers, exemplifies this model. Here, elected representatives create laws, while the president and courts ensure that these laws adhere to constitutional principles.
Parliamentary Democracies
are another prevalent model, where the executive branch derives its legitimacy from the legislature. The United Kingdom and Canada are notable examples, where the Prime Minister is chosen from the majority party in the parliament, which serves as both the executive and legislative branches (Bogdanor, 1995).
Direct Democracy
though less common, allows citizens to participate directly in decision-making processes. Switzerland is a prominent example, where citizens can propose and vote on referenda and initiatives, ensuring that the government reflects the people's will on specific issues (Linder, 1999).
Hybrid Democracies
blend elements of different democratic models. For instance, India combines elements of parliamentary democracy with a federal structure, reflecting its diverse and multi-layered society (Myrdal, 1968).