Some examples of democracy are elections, free expression, the referendum, the existence of political parties, the right to strike, freedom of the press, the right to education, among others.
In its classic form, democracy is a form of government or social organization, in which power is exercised by the majority of citizens through the vote. In this form of government, mechanisms of collective participation are used in making fundamental decisions.
In ancient times, civilizations began to seek more participatory and egalitarian forms of government. In this way "tribal democracy" was born. In the broad sense, democracy is a form of social cohabitation whose interests are oriented towards equality and freedom to make decisions on the part of citizens.
It is one of the most relevant words in the political lexicon in the West. The word democracy comes from the Greek and the parts that compose it are "demos" people and "cratos" government, "Government of the people." This system is not perfect, but it has been the most ideal way to govern and settle social conflicts in contemporary societies.
One of the milestones of today's democracy happened 500 BC in Athens, when the “people's assembly” appeared. Although it was an important advance, it has always been criticized that only free men participated. Slaves (70% population) were excluded. Disagreements around democracy are still present today.
The most widespread form of democracy is the "representative", although there are countries that defend "participatory" democracy as a deepening of the power of citizens.
They also highlight “deliberative” democracy, which emphasizes the process of debate or “social” democracy, which fully recognizes the participation of society and civil organizations in the exercise of social dialogue.
Throughout history, democracy has acquired new paradigms and meanings. The first democracies were attempts to expand participation, but there were slaves, women did not participate, and human rights were not respected. Today, without these three factors, a democracy would practically be labeled dictatorship or tyranny.
You may also be interested in seeing the 7 most relevant characteristics of democracy.
30 examples of democracy
1- Free expression. It is one of the main conditions. Without freedom of expression there is no debate or dissemination of ideas.
2- The referendum. It is a mechanism of accidental participation to make fundamental decisions about the destiny of a people or country.
3- Elections. In democracies, citizens directly or indirectly elect their rulers and representatives through suffrage.
4- Plebiscite. It is a kind of consultation that the government makes to the people to make transcendental decisions in the direction and political structure.
5- Right to apply. Any citizen who meets the minimum requirements established by law can run for any elected office
6- Revocation. It is a participation mechanism in which citizens can annul decisions or suspend the mandate of a ruler
7- Freedom of the press. It is the right of the media to freely report what is happening in the country without pressure or blackmail
8- Right to protest. Modern democracies contemplate the right to protest peacefully and civically without being repressed by the authorities
9- Election of representatives. Citizens can choose the people to represent them before the government. These can be deputies or senators
10- Citizen initiatives. It comprises a mechanism under which organized persons propose draft laws or social policies of impact
11- Local election. Within democracies, provincial or municipal rulers are not elected by the president but by the people
12- Political parties. The existence of diverse parties strengthens pluralism and guarantees the free political association of citizens
13- Unions. They are union organizations that are found in factories and public institutions that fight for the rights of workers
14- Free meeting. People can meet or associate for political, economic and social purposes without restrictions other than those limited by law
15- Associations and clubs. It allows the existence of various religious or social associations that meet for their own purposes
16- NGOs and enchanting women. It allows the existence of Non-Governmental Organizations and pollsters that analyze and disseminate social reality out loud
17- Popular Assemblies. They are spaces for grouping the inhabitants of a sector to talk about problems and seek solutions
18- Student centers. It allows the existence of student centers that fight for student rights and improvements
19- Division of powers. There is a balance between the executive, judiciary and parliament. Although other nations have created more powers
20- Freedom of transit. In democracies, citizens can move freely without restrictions, unless an extraordinary situation is developing
21- A constitution. It is the Magna Carta that establishes the fundamental precepts of the convenience and social order of a democratic society
22- Respect for the laws. No citizen, no matter how powerful he may have, can transgress the law without being sanctioned by the institutions in charge
23- Strong institutions. Every democracy has institutions that regulate life in different areas and are respected for their pre-eminence.
24- Human Rights Guarantee. The rights of the citizen emanating from the French Revolution have been fully embraced by contemporary democracies
25- Appeal of officials. Public officials can be appealed against their actions by parliament or the courts
26- Accountability. The authorities have the duty to account for the use and distribution of resources to the relevant institutions
27- Signing of treaties. Today, democratic countries sign treaties to strengthen democracy based on common laws
28- Cooptation. Democracy also allows the head of state to designate his team and some important positions so as not to fall into “hyper-participation”
29- Right to education. Democracies understand that educated citizens strengthen the democratic convictions of the population and are difficult to manipulate
30- Respect and tolerance. Citizens of democracies respect and tolerate each other despite having different views.
References
- Wikipedia contributors (2017) Democracia. Recovered from: es.wikipedia.org.
- Encyclopedia of Examples (2017). Examples of Democracy in Everyday Life. Recovered from: examples.co.
- Sartori, G. (2012) What is Democracy? Grupo Editorial México.
- Savater, F. (1992) Politics for Amador. Editorial Ariel, SA
- Rey Morató, J. (1996) Democracy and postmodernity: general theory of information and political communication. Editorial Complutense, SA
- Zapata, R. (2001) Citizenship, democracy and cultural pluralism. Editorial 2001.
- 10 Examples (2017) 10 examples of Democracy. Recovered from: 10examples.com.