What do you mean by democracy? Describe the essential conditions for a successful democracy.
How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.
1 · Open with the meaning. Democracy is rule of the people (demos, people, and kratos, power): supreme power rests with the people and their elected representatives.
2 · Point 1: a Constitution with rights. A Constitution and laws must vest supreme power in the people and protect fundamental rights such as equality and free expression.
3 · Point 2: universal adult franchise. Every adult citizen votes in regular, free elections and can take part in politics in other ways too.
4 · Point 3: responsible government. The executive answers to the legislature, the legislature to the people, and the judiciary stays independent.
5 · Point 4: parties, pressure groups and a free press. They voice people's needs and keep public opinion informed.
6 · Point 5: social and economic conditions. Equal social status, education for all, social security and a fair share of development for the poor build social democracy.
7 · Close in one line. When both political and socio-economic conditions are met, democracy becomes genuine and complete.
Scoring tip: Name both groups of conditions, political and socio-economic. An answer that stops at elections misses half the marks.
