Essential Principles of Democracy

 Essential
Principles of Democracy

Not all democratic governments look alike;
however, they all share certain fundamental principles. Majority rule, liberty,
equality, and rule of law are a few of the universal principles generally
shared across democracies. Some principles form the foundation of democracy and
are absolutely essential to sustaining democratic governance. Still others are
worthwhile but not essential to democracy. Contemplate how democratic
principles relate to democratic governance and contribute to a democratic
society. As you think about democratic principles for this Assignment, weigh
those that are most important to democracy as you understand it. Perhaps your
evaluation might help you answer the following question: Exactly which
democratic concepts and principles make a government democratic?

To prepare for this Assignment:

· 
Review the article
“Democracy and Equality” in this week’s Learning Resources. Consider whether
you think equality is a fundamental democratic principal.

· 
Review the article
“Mill’s Moral and Political Philosophy” in this week’s Learning Resources.

· 
Consider the
democratic principle of liberty as it relates to democratic governance.

· 
Think about the tenets
of John Stuart Mill’s conception of democracy and whether you agree or disagree
with the ideas he proposed.

· 
Select at least two
democratic principles that you consider fundamental and essential to democracy.

· 
Select at least two
democratic principles that you consider related and desirable but not essential
to democracy.

· 
Think about what
conclusions might be drawn about democratic principles as they relate to
democratic governance.

The Assignment (1–3 pages):

· 
Briefly explain the
four democratic principles you selected.

· 
Explain which
principles you think are fundamental and essential to democracy and explain
why.

· 
Explain which
principles you think are related and desirable but not essential to democracy
and explain why.

· 
Based on your
evaluation, draw at least one conclusion about democratic principles as they
relate to democratic governance.

Resources:

Readings

· 
Post, R. (2006). Democracy and equality.The
ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science,603(1),
24–36.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

· 
Brink, D. (2007). Mill’s moral and political philosophy. In E.
N. Zalta (Ed.),The Stanford encyclopedia of
philosophy(Fall 2008
ed.). Retrieved fromhttp://plato.stanford.edu/entries/mill-moral-political/

· 
Machan, T. (2005). The right to private property. InInternet
encyclopedia of philosophy. Retrieved fromhttp://www.iep.utm.edu/property/

· 
The United Nations. (1948).The Universal Declaration of Human
Rights. Retrieved fromhttp://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/

· 
Waldron, J. (2004). Property. In E. N. Zalta (Ed.),The
Stanford encyclopedia of philosophy(Spring 2012 ed.). Retrieved fromhttp://plato.stanford.edu/entries/property/