Democratization: Challenges and Opportunities in the 21st Century - Essay Sample

Introduction

Democratization procedures over the last three decades have created a myriad of chances for public participation in political life (International IDEA, 2017). More people today have the opportunity to choose their leaders through electoral systems. Nevertheless, many nations deal with challenges to democracy contributing to the acuity that democracy is slowly declining or has experienced stagnation. Most of these challenges relate to issues of corruption, socio-economic inequality, social exclusion, and high levels of partisan division in the United States (International IDEA, 2017). These are future perils that dent the positive aspects of democracy such as enhancing equality and giving citizens basic rights and freedoms such as to participate in voting. Therefore, this paper addresses the advantages and future perils of democracy.

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Democracy is one of the most efficient political systems that recognizes and protects the interests of citizens. Citizens who live in a democratic nation have the chance to express their say on political, social and economic matters mainly through voting for right representatives such as governors, legislators and the president (Center for American Progress &Center for Strategic and International Studies n.d). It is important to note that nations which embrace democracy have a significant chance of creating a good circle of enhanced security, robust financial growth, and sturdy alliances.

Democratic systems enhance accountability and equitable allocation of resources to all citizens. Investments in democracy and good leadership via the U.S. government's foreign assistance budget has played a pivotal role in enhancing security in America (Ayres, 2016). Democracy also incorporates the sense of responsibility towards the citizens in expressing their interests through public participation and voting. It also enhances the revolution without having to resort to any form of violence. Democracy also plays a key role in preventing "monopoly" of power since the citizens have the chance to elect the leaders who will impact on the change they need.

Democracy creates a robust level of patriotism as each person has the chance to pursue their dreams, and even contribute positively to shaping our moral decayed society. Nations that embrace democracy are less likely to be involved in armed conflicts with their rivals instead they will result in peace treaties and agreements to solve the current standoff (Ayres, 2016). Democratic political systems are more centric than extremist. This is because the citizens have an opportunity to express to the ideas, projects they want through public participation. Democracy also helps to stem the problem of corruption where certain political figures accrue resources and funds to benefit themselves instead of promoting equality (Ayres, 2016). It does that, through enhancing accountability which keeps the government in check on different areas such as allocation of resources.

In the future, there are many perils of democracy that are likely to emanate. For instance, dangerous democratic tendencies come up as a result of lack of love for freedom, materialism, individualism, excessive drive for equality, disproportionate legislative power, among others. However, it is important to note that problems of democracy propagate from societal tendencies and attitudes (Traub, 2018). Looking at the legislature, it is comprised of people directly chosen by the will of the people. Similarly, the government tends to give all branches in the government equal power. When there are no sufficient checks on this power, the entire body becomes tyrannical hence weakening the executive while giving the legislature more power. The president, therefore, can run for re-election and at the same time he cannot make decisions on his own instead, he is forced to bow to the whims of the people by constantly trying to make them happy. Based on the independent actions, judgment, and decisions, there is likely to be a danger in the future democracy due to the tyranny of the majority.

Another danger that is likely to face future democracy is the excessive love for equality (Traub, 2018). The problems are as a result of symptoms democratic people tend to have, that is, the doctrine of people and public opinion having a mindset that democracy has power for equality. The fact is, if all people are equal, then nobody should have a right to claim ruling over others. The only way democracy can run is basing decisions on what the majority says. Yet, there is also a problem with as it can easily result in despotism if there are no checks on the power of the majority to influence the government. Perhaps, it is more insidious since the minority will be helpless to resist. As a result, there is a likelihood of abandoning freedom since the opinion held by the majority is not the best one for all people. Going contrary to the opinion of the minority people who are many in society is contradictory to the principle of equality and therefore, a peril to the future democracy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, democracy in the United States can be examined through the opinions of the people in order to bring mutual tolerance and freedom to the people. If the constitutional and electoral rules are favoring the majority, individuals can create parties of their own and also a champion for representation in the branches of the government. When democracy norms die, people in the future are likely to experience threats to freedom and socio-economic justice.

References

Ayres, C. (2015). 16 Significant Advantages and Disadvantages of Democracy. Green Garage. Retrieved from: https://greengarageblog.org/16-significant-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-democracy

Center for American Progress &Center for Strategic and International Studies. Why Promoting Democracy is Smart and Right. Retrieved from: https://www.americanprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/StatementofPrinciples-2.pdf

Traub, J. (2018). Democracy Is Dying by Natural Causes. Foreign Policy. Retrieved from: https://foreignpolicy.com/2018/03/01/democracy-is-dying-by-natural-causes/

International IDEA. (2017). The Global State of Democracy: Exploring Democracy's Resilience. Retrieved from: https://www.idea.int/gsod/files/IDEA-GSOD-2017-REPORT-EN.pdf