Democratic
Interventions
Lesson 5
Trends, Networks and Critical
Thinking in the 21st Century
What is Democracy?
• System of government
that provides the people
the right to a certain form
of genuine control over
the government
What is Democracy?
• Δημοκρατία - “rule of the people”
• “…rule of the people, for the
people and by the people”
– Abraham Lincoln
What is Democracy?
• Individual liberties, free elections and the
assurance of political equality safeguarded by
the state
• People exercise right to participate in
decision-making for the state
Participatory
Democracy Direct
Models
Representative
Participator
y
Democracy
Participatory Democracy
People rule thru collective
discussion of issues
Decisions and solutions are agreed
upon without resorting to a vote
Participatory Democracy
Components
• All members can raise an issue, provide solutions
to problems and/or take part in crafting a
solution
• Face-to-face meetings
• Discussion is open to everyone
• Consensus instead of majority
Participatory Democracy
Examples
• Cooperative
• Group activities
• Classrooms
Direct
Democracy
Direct Democracy
• People make decisions without need for
elections or using representatives
• Manifested in the Philippines thru referendum
Referendum
• Vote on a particular issue in which the
outcome or decision is reached directly
through people’s vote
Referendum
• RA 6735 – People’s Initiative and Referendum
Act (1989)
– Referendum on statutes - petition to approve or
reject a particular legislation
– Referendum on local law - petition to approve or
reject a law, resolution, or ordinance
Referendum
• How to trigger a referendum?
– at least 10% of the total number of the registered
voters, of which every legislative district is
represented by at least 3% of the registered
voters thereof, shall sign a petition for the
purpose and register the same with the
Commission [on Elections] (Art. 1 Sec. 5 paragraph
A.)
Referendum
• Why do referendum?
– Empowers national public often passive or
excluded in decision-making
– Prods political elites who may be complacent in
their power to do a better job
– Ensure broad political base of support for a
controversial decision
Referendum
Referendum vs. Plebiscite
• Referendum - the power of the electorate to
approve or reject a legislation through an
election called for the purpose.
• Plebiscite - the electoral process by which an
initiative on the Constitution is approved or
rejected by the people
Representativ
e Democracy
Representative Democracy
• Election of
representatives of the
people who will be
making decisions for the
people
• Chosen by the electorate,
and are thus answerable
to them
Representative Democracy
Elements
• Popular support of
Government
• Political competition
• Alternation of power
• Popular
representation
• Majority rule
Representative Democracy
Elements
• Recognition of rights
to dissent and
disobedience
• Political equality
• Popular consultation
• Free press
‘FIXING’
DEMOCRACY
Undemocratic Practices
Corruption, lack of public accountability, & impunity
Partisan propaganda and disinformation
Electoral fraud and voter suppression
Marginalization of minorities and vulnerable groups
Q: How do we improve our
democracy?
Rule of Law and Public
Accountability
What
Makes a Educated and motivated citizens
Healthy Healthy discussion of national and
Democracy local issues
? Respect for minority rights and
concern for vulnerable sectors
Democracy Index, 2020
