2. Defining Democracy
Rights of people to exercise the protection of
their individual liberties and equal rights to participate in the
decision-making. As a system of government, democracy
adheres to the rule of the people. It provides people the
right to exercise “some of genuine control over the government”
(Lawson 1989, 547).
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4. Democracy Models
Participatory Democracy
Direct Democracy
Representative Democracy
It is the empowerment of people to effectively involve themselves in creating structures, designing
policies and programs that serves that interest of all.
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Direct democracy has an element of proximity because people assemble in a particular venue. It also
has an element of directness because people decide for their community together and directly
without the use of formal mediation (Saward 2003, 54-55)
Representative democracy requires the election of a few members who are responsible for making the
necessary decisions for the people. These people are chosen by the electorate as their representatives in
government and thus they are answerable to the people for making such decisions.
5. Elements of Representative Democracy
a. Popular Support of Government
b. Political Competition
c. Alternation of Power
d. Popular Representation
e. Majority Rule
f. Recognition of Rights to Dissent and Disobedience
g. Political Equality
h. Popular Consultation
i. Free press
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6. Democracy and the Exercise of Civil
and Political Rights
Democracy values the people’s civil and political rights. These rights serve
as the cornerstone of democratic institutions. In a democracy, people enjoy
the freedom of religion, movement, assembly, association, expression, and
information.
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7. Referendum in the Philippines
• When did the referendum take place?
• How was the referendum held?
• Where did the referendum take place?
• Who are the people involved in the referendum?
• Why is the referendum held?
• Can we consider the said referendum as a clear manifestation or
example of a direct democracy in the Philippines?
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