Separation of Powers and Democracy
The definition that says democracy means dictatorship’s majority does not match with today’s definitions of democracy. Therefore, although decisions in parliament are under the control of the majority, but democracy does not mean the sovereignty of the majority. In democracy, laws, policies and decisions are based on a parliamentary majority, but that does not mean that the majority or the state can do what it intends to do.
Minority Rights and the State of Law
All forms of minority rights are protected in democracy, as guaranteed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Treaties. Therefore, during addressing laws, policies and making decisions, the majority must respect all kinds of minority rights, as stated in the International Treaties. Democracy is neither law nor by individuals nor by wills of individuals, but it’s a system of management that based on cultural side and development in the society.
Why Democracy?
Why we should support democracy? This kind of question has been directed to many democratic theorists and each of them answered accordingly. Dal gave the following answers to the question:
1.Democracy helps preventing to autocratic regimes by considering themselves holy and great.
2.Democracy guarantees basic rights for citizens that cannot be granted in non-democratic regimes.
3.Democracy provides inclusive opportunity to citizens than personal freedom as their own alternatives.
4.Democracy supports people to protect their main interests.
5.Only a democratic government can contribute people the most opportunity to experience freedom of self-determination.
6.Only a democratic government can give the most opportunities to implement moral responsibility in society.
7.Democracy supports human beings more than any other alternative to progress.
8.Only a democratic system provides political equality.
9.Modern democratic representation systems will not face conflicts.
10.Countries with democratic governments are richer than non-democratic governments.
The Criticisms that Are Directed Towards Democracy
However, this popularity of democracy does not mean that it is a criticalness form of governance. Obviously, there is criticism of democracy that is very common in recent days. For example, first of all, there is serious criticism of democratic relations with the capitalist system. Democracy, which has seen significant progress for years within oppressed struggles its popularity has reached top, but today it is criticized as well. Particularly, the use of force in the interest of those in power by distorting values and emptying concepts, criticism and doubts about democracy are promoted. However, the fact that we have not yet seen a better system of democracy and democracy itself is criticized.
