- Define democracy
- List its essential institutions
- Explain why each matters
How Democracy Works
Ancient Athens voted — but only free men, and it executed Socrates. Modern democracy means much more than majority rule.
Definition: Rule of law
The rule of law means everyone — including rulers — is subject to publicly known laws, applied equally and independently judged. Without it, elections are theatre.
Key points
- Free, fair, regular elections with universal suffrage.
- Rights: speech, press, assembly — so opposition can organise.
- Rule of law: independent courts, no one above the law.
- Separation of powers: legislatures, executives and judiciaries checking each other.
Why courts matter as much as ballots
When a government loses an election challenge in court and accepts it, that’s the rule of law working — power changing hands because institutions, not force, decide.
Practice
Why isn’t majority voting alone enough for democracy?
51% vs 49%.
Without rights and the rule of law, a majority could vote away minorities’ freedoms — the ‘tyranny of the majority’.
Name two institutions that check executive power.
Lawmakers and judges.
An independent judiciary and a legislature (parliament/congress) with real oversight powers.
Key takeaways
- Democracy = elections + rights + rule of law + checks.
- Rights protect minorities from majorities.
- Independent courts make power transfers peaceful.
- Each institution guards the others.