Describe the basic features of a democratic state.

Answer Details

A democratic state is one in which supreme political authority resides in the people, who exercise it directly or through freely elected representatives. Such a state displays the following basic features.

1. Popular sovereignty: Ultimate power belongs to the people, who are the source of governmental authority and who choose and can remove their rulers.
2. Periodic free and fair elections: Governments are chosen through regular elections conducted on the basis of universal adult suffrage, secret ballot and equal value of votes.
3. Rule of law: Everyone, including those in government, is subject to the law; the law is supreme, and no one is above it or punished except for a breach of established law.
4. Fundamental human rights: The rights and freedoms of citizens, such as freedom of speech, association, movement and religion, are guaranteed and protected by the constitution and the courts.
5. Constitutional and limited government: Government operates within the limits set by a constitution, and its powers are defined and restrained to prevent arbitrary rule.
6. Separation of powers and checks and balances: The legislative, executive and judicial functions are shared among distinct organs that check one another to prevent the abuse of power.
7. Existence of an independent judiciary: The courts are free from executive or legislative control and can interpret the law and protect citizens' rights impartially.
8. Multi-party system and political freedom: Citizens are free to form and join political parties and to organise opposition, providing choice and a check on the government.
9. Freedom of the press and public opinion: A free press and freedom of expression allow the free flow of information and enable citizens to criticise the government and form informed opinions.
10. Political equality and majority rule with respect for minority rights: All citizens are equal before the law and in political participation, decisions are taken by the majority, but the rights of minorities are respected.
11. Accountability and responsible government: Those in power are answerable to the people for their actions and can be removed through constitutional means.

Where these features are present, a state can properly be described as democratic.