UNIT 2: DEMOCRACY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE
Key Unit Competence:
To be able to analyze and appreciate the role of democracy in enhancing good
governance
Introductory activity 2
1. Research and find out the differences between a state and a nation.
2. Explain the meaning of democracy and good governance.
3. Discuss the role of democracy in enhancing good governance.
2.1. Concept of state
Learning Activity 2.1
Use the internet and make research to find out the meaning of the concept of
State.
A State is an organized political community that is controlled by a government. A
State begins from the family level and is there for the well-being of the family. A
nation, on the other hand, is a bigger community of people who have a common
conscious of sharing similar historical, cultural and religious as well as linguistic
identity and backgrounds.
State is a political organization of society, or the politic body, or, more narrowly, the
institutions of government. The state is a form of human association distinguished
from other social groups by its purpose, the establishment of order and security;
its methods, the laws and their enforcement; its territory, the area of jurisdiction
or geographic boundaries; and finally by its sovereignty. The state consists, most
broadly, of the agreement of the individuals on the means whereby disputes are
settled in the form of laws.
A state is a community of people occupying a definite territory organized under a
government that is supreme over all persons and associations within its territory
and independent from all foreign control or power e.g. the state of Rwanda, Israel,
etc.
State refers to a group of people who are responsible for controlling (leading) a
country or a state. e.g. ministers, members of parliament etc. Citizens have equal
rights according to the laws of the state. States usually exercise judicial, executive
and legislative powers. Additionally, states can be changed in terms of both their
status and their boundaries.
A state comprises people, territory, power and sovereignty: people is population
with a nationality, foreigners living on the territory and phenomenal residents who
are foreigners for short durations; territory is a ground, underground, aerial space
and maritime space; a power is a whole set of controls governed by rules and
regulations of a Nation and sovereignty which is a political organization with a
centralized government that has supreme independent authority over a geographic
area.
In a federal union, the term “state” is sometimes used to refer to the federated
polities that make up the federation. (Other terms that are used in such federal
systems may include “province”, “region” or other terms.)
In international law, such entities are not considered states, which is a term that
relates only to the national entity, commonly referred to as the country or nation.
A state usually has people, territory, boundaries and leadership. This gives a state
the legitimacy that enables it to exercise power within its borders. All states have
laws (written or unwritten) which guide them in their day to-day operations. States
usually go out of their way to protect their interests. More often than not, a state will
strive to protect its sovereignty without which, it ceases to be.
A state is also a polity under a system of governance with a monopoly on force
According Max Weber a German sociologist a “state” is a polity that maintains a
monopoly on the legitimate use of violence. Some states are sovereign (known as
sovereign states), while others are subject to external sovereignty or hegemony,
wherein supreme authority lies in another state.
According to Thomas Hobbes, a philosopher, a state has four manly duties:
• to defend the nation against foreign enemies;
• to preserve peace and internal security;
• to allow subjects to enrich themselves;
• to allow freedom that does not threaten security.
Sometimes, there is a confounding definition between “State” and “Government”
which are often used as synonyms in common conversation and even some
academic discourse. According to this definition schema, the states are nonphysical
persons of international law, while governments are organizations of people.
The relationship between a government and state is one of representation and
authorized agency.
A state can be distinguished from a government. The state is the organization while
the government is the particular group of people, the administrative bureaucracy
that controls the state apparatus at a given time. That is, governments are the
means through which state power is employed. States are served by a continuous
succession of different governments.
Application Activities 2.1
Comment this assertion “I am proud to be a Rwandan citizen’.
2.2. Concept of democracy
Learning Activity 2.2
Use different books in your library, make research, and find out the concept of
democracy.
Introduction
After the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the Government of Rwanda managed
to make a number of achievements in the promotion of democracy. In the area
of democracy, the democratization process culminated into the establishment of
elected institutions both at local and national levels.
In 2003, a new constitution was adopted, presidential and parliamentary were
organized. It also has as focal point the principle of multi-party system and
separation of powers.
In addition, according to the Rwandan Constitution and the principle of power
sharing, a political organization holding the majority of seats in the Chamber of
Deputies cannot have more than fifty (50%) percent of Cabinet members. Moreover,
the rule of law, one of the facets of constitutionalism in Rwanda is respected since
state institutions act in accordance with the law.
Concept of democracy
The word “democracy” is made up of two different words. Those are Greek words
“Demos” and “Kratos” which respectively translate to “people” and “power”.
Etymologically, the term “Democracy” is defined as a form of government where
power ultimately rests in people’s hands.
Basically, democracy is defined as the government in which the supreme power is
rested in the people. In some forms, democracy can be exercised directly by the
people but in large societies, it is by the people through their elected representatives.
In the memorable phrase of American President Abraham Lincoln, democracy
is the government of “the people, by the people, and for the people”. Therefore,
democracy is simply defined as “A government of the people, for the people and
by the people” government where the citizens directly exercise their power, and
have the right to elect the government representatives who collectively create a
government body for the entire nation (like, a parliament).
Democracy is generally defined as the government of people, by people and
for people. The underlying factor is that people own the sovereignty through
transparently elected representatives by a majority vote. This representation of
people reflects the citizens’ authentic free will. Democracy implies the respect of
the following principles:
– The people’s sovereignty and the government’s (legislative, executive,
and judiciary, each power being independent from the other) respect of the
people’s free will as expressed by their votes.
– The guarantee of fundamental citizens’ rights, legal equality and the strict
respect of law by every citizen;
– The constitution that clearly defines the main principles as well as performances
and limits of political institutions, multiparty system and respect for social
diversity.
In a democratic government, people have certain basic rights that the government
cannot take away from these rights are internationally recognized and guaranteed.
Freedom and democracy are often used interchangeably, but the two are not
synonymous. Democracy is indeed a set of ideas and principles about freedom,
but it also consists of practices and procedures that have been molded through
history. Democracy is the institutionalization of freedom and has different features.
Democracy is against all kind racism; ethnic, religious and regional based ideologies.
It is against any type of coup d’état or any government that does not respect its
constitutional norms. In democracy, all elections must be transparent. The citizens
differ in terms of opinions, beliefs, religion, cultures and aspirations and democracy
must respect this social diversity because it is part of their ‘fundamental rights as
well as their pillars of social dynamism.
In general, two key elements in and topics related to democracy are the
participation of the people and the elections by the people and the transparency of
the government. There are some restrictions in a representative democracy and,
for that reason, participation will be necessary to maintain the connection between
the government and the people. Nevertheless, to have an adequate functioning of
this participation and of the elections, transparency on behalf of the government is
a necessary condition for a democracy.
2.2.1 Basic features of democracy
The main features of democracy are indisputable initial requirements that are
imposed on all participants of political activities in the country. The basic features of
democracy include the following:
Political freedom: this means, a freedom of choice, social order and form of
government. It refers to the right of people to determine and change constitutional
order and ensure the protection of Human Rights.
Equality of citizens: this means equality of all people before the law, equal
responsibility of any committed offense and the right to equal protection before
court. Equality is guaranteed for all citizens. The most important aspect is the
equality of rights and freedom of men and women who have the same opportunities
for their implementation.
Selectivity of state bodies
This implies formation of authorities and local government through the people’s will.
It ensures their ability, control and equal opportunity to exercise electoral rights for
everybody.
Separation of powers
This means that interdependence and mutual restrictions are imposed on different
branches of power: legislative, executive and judicial powers. It serves as a means
of checks and balance in order to avoid the accumulation of powers in the hands
of some individuals who would transform their power into a means of suppressing
freedom and equality.
Pluralism
It refers to the diversity of social phenomena, broadening of the range of political
choice, leading not only pluralism of opinions but also political pluralism, the plurality
of parties, public associations, etc. Only when in conjunction with other principles,
pluralism assumes universal significance for modern democracy.
2.2.2. Different forms of democracy
Forms of democracy
The main forms of democracy every country interprets the meaning of democracy
in its own particular way. With a wide range of different geopolitical atmospheres,
there is a large spectrum of democratic governments in existence around the
globe. These include direct democracy, representative democracy, presidential
democracy, parliamentary democracy, authoritarian democracy, participatory
democracy, Islamic democracy and social democracy. Moreover, to shed light on
the above forms of democracy, the following explanations are provided.
Direct democracy
Direct democracy can only be exercised in areas with few people. A direct
democracy is when citizens get to vote for a policy directly, without any intermediate
representative or parliament. If the government has to pass a certain law or policy,
it goes to the people. The latter vote on the issue and decide the fate of their own
country. Direct democracy is practiced during a referendum. The people can even
bring up issues themselves, as long as they have a substantial consensus on the
matter. When the population is small, educated and mostly homogeneous, a direct
democracy does not seem like a bad idea.
Indirect democracy
Indirect democracy or Representative democracy is practiced in many states in the
world where citizens elect representatives who make decisions or laws that govern
them on their behalf. Indirect democracy is when people choose to vote for who
will represent them in the parliament. This is the most common form of democracy
found across the World. However, most countries are too large and too complicated
for direct democracy to work within their political borders. In those cases, people
prefer to elect representatives on their behalf, rather than vote on every single
issue.
A liberal democracy
Is a democracy that can take on different forms, since different countries have
different needs and different ideologies.
The following types are just a few subsets of representative democracy.
Presidential democracy
Under a presidential democracy, the president of the state has a significant amount
of power over the government. He/she is either directly or indirectly elected by
citizens of the state. The president and the executive branch of the government are
not liable to the legislature, but cannot, under normal circumstances, dismiss the
legislature entirely.
Similarly, the legislature cannot remove the president from his/ her office either,
unless the case is extreme. In a presidential democracy, the head of state is also
the head of the government. Countries like the USA, Argentina, and Sudan employ
this kind of democracy.
Parliamentary democracy
CITIZENSHIP STUDENT’S BOOK, Senior 5 53
Is A democracy that gives more power to the legislature is called a parliamentary
democracy. The executive branch derives its democratic legitimacy only from
the legislature, i.e. the parliament. The head of state is different from the head of
government, and both have varying degrees of power. However, in most cases, the
president is either a weak monarch (e.g. the United Kingdom) or a ceremonial head
(e.g. India).
Participatory democracy
This is the exact opposite of authoritarian form of democracy. There are different
types of participatory democracy, but all of them yearn to create opportunities for
all members of the population to make meaningful contributions to the decisionmaking
process. It empowers the disempowered by breaking up the state into small
networks and prefers to empower community-based grassroots politics. It values
deliberation and discussion, rather than merely voting.
Today, no country actively practices this form of democracy.
Social democracy
Arose as a reaction to neoliberal policies in international economics. Under neoliberalism,
profit-making entities like multinational corporations can easily infiltrate
other political states, thus the power of the political state seems weak. Social
democracy aims at empowering the state in favour of the neoliberal market. There
are as many theories concerned with democracy as there are different governments
in the World.
Application Activities 2.2
Etymologically, the term democracy means power of people, basing on your
own experience and the Rwandan context, attempt another definition but do
not exceed two lines.
2.3. Concept of good governance
Learning Activity 2.3
Make a research in library or use internet and find out the meaning of the term
good governance
2.3.1. What is Good Governance?
The Government of Rwanda defines good governance as: “the exercise of
political, economic and administrative authority to manage the nation’s affairs
and the complex mechanisms, processes, relationships and institutions as well
as leadership behavior through which citizens’ groups articulate their interests,
exercise their rights and obligations and meditate their differences”.
The Government is committed to ensuring good governance at all levels of public
administration. Laws were passed by the National Assembly that created checks
against the abuse of executive power, mismanagement and corruption. This was a
marked departure from the 1962-1994 era.
Institutions were created and given constitutional powers with which to ensure
accountability and transparency. These institutions include the RPPA that ensures
transparency in the award of government tenders; the Office of Auditor-General
which audits all government accounts and expenditure; the Rwanda Revenue
Authority which is a semi-autonomous body charged with tax collection.
In addition, the National Assembly was empowered as never before to take up
its role as a check against the abuse of power, corruption and mismanagement.
Government ministers and Directors General of institutions were to justify their
ministry budgets and account for expenditure to the national assembly.
Governance as the normative sense has given the concept of ‘Good Governance’.
It refers to the welfare in governance and improving the quality of governance. It
enables the government to provide equal opportunities and fair delivery of goods
and services to the people who are most marginal in society.
Good governance refers to mobilizing the people of a country in the best direction
possible. It requires the unity of people in society and motivates them to attain
political objectivity. In other words, it ensures proper utilization of all the resources
of the state for its citizens that ensures sustainable development.
The term ‘Good Governance’ is very popular in the field of Public Administration
as well as social sciences during the last decade. However, the concept of good
governance is very old, like human civilization.
Good governance is a legal concept and a cornerstone of the modern state. It is
the most modern of the three cornerstones of the state, whereas the rule of law and
democracy concepts are the more classical yet still lively cornerstones.
Good governance is a term used to describe how public institutions conduct their
affairs in the management of their activities and resources. It should be witnessed in
all types of governance; public, state, corporate and global. Governance analyses
‘what is’ and good governance analyses ‘what ought to be’. Therefore, individuals
entrusted with responsibilities should be held responsible and accountable for
ethical and moral consequences of their actions.
Another way to think about good governance is through outcomes. Since governments
carry out with goals like the provision of public goods to its citizens, there is no
better way to think about good governance other than through deliverables, which
are precisely the one demanded by citizens, like security, health, education, water,
the enforcement of contracts, protection to property, protection to the environment
and their ability to vote and get paid fair wages
Similarly, good governance might be approximated with provision of public services
in an efficient manner, higher participation given to certain groups in the population
like the poor and the minorities, the guarantee that citizens have the opportunity
of checks and balances on the government, the establishment and enforcement
of norms for the protection of the citizens and their property and the existence of
independent judiciary systems.
According to UNDP, “Good Governance is, among other things, participatory,
transparent and accountable. It is also effective and equitable. In addition, it
promotes the rule of law. Good governance ensures that political, social, and
economic priorities are based on broad consensus in society and that the voices
of the poorest and the most vulnerable are heard in decision making over the
allocation of development resources”.
In international development, good governance is a way of measuring how
public institutions conduct public affairs and manage public resources in a preferred
way. Governance is «the process of decision-making and the process by which
decisions are implemented or not implemented. Thus, Governance in this context
can apply to corporate, international, national, or local governance as well as the
interactions between other sectors of society.
The concept of “good governance” thus emerges as a model to compare ineffective
economies or political bodies with viable economies and political bodies. The
opposite of good governance, as a concept, is bad governance.
According to the World Bank report in 1992, “good governance is central to creating
and sustaining an environment which fosters strong and equitable development
and it is an essential complement to sound economic policies”.
Governance needs some parameters to make it good. From the above definitions,
it can be said that good governance has some Characteristics or indicators for
the establishment of sound economic management and ensuring the relationship
between the state and civil society. According to the United Nations, GoodGovernance is measured by the eight factors which are mentioned below.
These are mentioned below:
Participation requires that all groups, particularly those most vulnerable, have
direct or representative access to the systems of government. This manifests as
a strong civil society and citizens with the freedom of association and expression.
Rule of Law is exemplified by impartial legal systems that protect the Human
Rights and civil liberties of all citizens, particularly minorities. This is indicated by an
independent judicial branch and a police force free from corruption.
Transparency means that citizens understand and have access to the means and
manner in which decisions are made, especially if they are directly affected by such
decisions. This information must be provided in an understandable and accessible
format, typically translated through the media.
Responsiveness simply involves that institutions respond to their stakeholders
within a reasonable time frame.
Consensus Oriented is demonstrated by an agenda that seeks to mediate between
the many different needs, perspectives, and expectations of a diverse citizenry.
Decisions need to be made in a manner that reflects a deep understanding of the
historical, cultural, and social context of the community.
Equity and Inclusiveness depend on ensuring that all the members of a community
feel included and empowered to improve or maintain their well-being, especially
those individuals and groups that are the most vulnerable.
Effectiveness and Efficiency are developed through the sustainable use of
resources to meet the needs of society. Sustainability refers to both ensuring
social investments carry through and natural resources are maintained for future
generations.
Accountability refers to institutions being ultimately accountable to the people
and one another. This includes government agencies, civil society, and the private
sector all being accountable to one another as well.
2.3.2. Importance of Good Governance
Economic Development
Without good governance in a state, the economic development of that state is not
stable. All elements of economic development, such as production, distribution,
investment, and even consumption, face various obstacles. If good governance
is established, such obstacles will be removed and the fair distribution of state
resources will be possible.
Social Development
Good governance is essential for social development. The role of it does not end
only with economic development. The result of development ensures that every
class of people in society enjoys the basis of fairness. People of different religions,
castes, and classes live in a society. Now, if there is no fair distribution of wealth
among all these people, social discontent will increase. Again, the proper distribution
of wealth is not enough. We have to make arrangements so that the minority people
can walk without fear. In the same way, various reform laws have to be enacted to
reduce the gap between men and women in society.
Political Development
Its relationship with political development is quite important. If the political leaders
of a country are not active in establishing good governance, then its establishment
in that country is not possible. Its success depends largely on the sincerity of the
political leadership and adherence to the rules and regulations of the political
establishment.
The constructive cooperation between the political institutions and the political parties
and the formulation of programs for the welfare of the people play an important role
in establishing good competition and good governance among themselves. For
example, in a democracy, mutual cooperation between the government and the
opposition helps to establish it in the country.
2.3.3.The link between good governance and Human Rights
Good governance and Human Rights are mutually reinforcing. Human Rights
standards and principles provide a set of values to guide the work of governments
and other political and social actors. They also provide a set of performance
standards against which these actors can be held accountable. Moreover, human
rights principles inform the content of good governance efforts: they may inform the
development of legislative frameworks, policies, programs, budgetary allocations,
and other measures.
On the other hand, without good governance, Human Rights cannot be respected
and protected in a sustainable manner. The implementation of Human Rights
relies on a conducive and enabling environment. This includes appropriate legal
frameworks and institutions as well as political, managerial, and administrative
processes responsible for responding to the rights and needs of the population.
The links between good governance and Human Rights can be organized around
four areas:
1. Democratic institutions
When led by Human Rights values, good governance reforms of democratic
institutions create avenues for the public to participate in policymaking either
through formal institutions or through informal consultations. They also establish
mechanisms for the inclusion of multiple social groups in decision-making processes,
especially locally. Finally, they may encourage civil society and local communities
to formulate and express their positions on issues of importance to them.
2. Public service delivery
In the realm of delivering state services to the public, good governance reforms
advance Human Rights when they improve the state’s capacity to fulfill its
responsibility to provide public goods, which are essential for the protection of a
number of human rights, such as the right to education, health, and food. Reform
initiatives may include mechanisms of accountability and transparency, culturally
sensitive policy tools to ensure that services are accessible and acceptable to all
and paths for public participation in decision-making.
3. Rule of law
When it comes to the rule of law, human rights-sensitive good governance initiatives
reform legislation and assist institutions ranging from penal systems to courts and
parliaments to better implement that legislation. Good governance initiatives may
include advocacy for legal reform, public awareness - raising on the national and
international legal framework, and capacity-building or reform of institutions.
4. Anti-corruption
In fighting corruption, good governance efforts rely on principles such as
accountability, transparency, and participation to shape anti-corruption measures.
Initiatives may include establishing institutions such as anti-corruption commissions,
creating mechanisms of information sharing, and monitoring governments’ use of
public funds and implementation of policies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, good governance is the proper management of the state, society, and
resources. It seeks to protect the interests of people from all classes. It emphasizes
on public sector management, the legal framework for development, accountability,
transparency, and free flow of information.
When good governance is established in a state, people can easily guess it by some
of its characteristics. Then characteristics of good governance like Participation,
Rule of Law, Transparency, Responsiveness, Consensus Oriented, Equity and
Inclusiveness, Effectiveness and Efficiency, Accountability can be easily noticed.
There is good governance for political, economic, and social development. Good
governance and development complement each other. It protects the social,
economic, and political rights of citizens irrespective of race, religion, caste, gender.
As a result, a country’s development index tends to go up.
Application Activities 2.3.3
1. Describe the achievements the government of Rwanda has made to
improve Good governance in service delivery.
2. Analyze the characteristics of Good governance
2.4. State governance and the three powers
Learning Activity 2.4
Explain the roles of various actors of state governance in Rwanda
A state is an organized political community acting under a government. States differ
in sovereignty, governance, geography, and interests. States may be classified as
sovereign if they are not dependent on, or subject to, any other power or state.
States are considered to be subject to external sovereignty, or hegemony, if
their ultimate sovereignty lies in another state. A federated state is a territorial,
constitutional community that forms part of a federation. Such states differ from
sovereign states, in that they have transferred a portion of their sovereign powers
to a federal government.
The concept of the state is different from the concept of government. A government
is the particular group of people that controls the state apparatus at a given time. In
other words, governments are the means through which state power is employed;
for example, by applying the rule of law. The rule of law is a legal maxim whereby
governmental decisions are made by applying known legal principles. The rule of
law is rule not by one person, as in an absolute monarchy, but by laws, as in a
democratic republic; no one person can rule and even top government officials are
under and ruled by the law.
The concept of the state is also different from the concept of a nation, which refers
to a large geographical area and the people therein who perceive themselves as
having a common identity. The state is a political and geopolitical entity; the nation
is a cultural or ethnic entity. The nation state is a state that self-identifies as deriving
its political legitimacy from serving as a sovereign entity for a nation as a sovereign
territorial unit.
State structures (state institutions) are the visible embodiment (picture) of the idea
of the state: The Ministries, agencies and forces created to act on the instructions
of the individuals who have gained political decision making power (governments).
State institutions include:
– Legislatures, like the Rwandan parliament, to make laws
– Judicial Systems, like the Rwandan court systems, to interpret laws
– Executive agencies, such as the ministries and others, to administer the laws
which control the domestic economy, education, trade, and diplomacy, for
example
– Police and military forces, to provide security
A state can be distinguished from a government. The state is the organization while
the government is the particular group of people, the administrative bureaucracy that
controls the state apparatus at a given period of time. That is, governments are the
means through which state power is employed. States are served by a continuous
succession of different governments. States are immaterial and nonphysical social
objects, whereas governments are groups of people with certain coercive powers.
Each successive government is composed of a specialized and privileged body of
individuals, who monopolize political decision-making, and are separated by status
and organization from the population as a whole.
Application Activities 2.4
Explain different state institutions and give an example for each.
Learning Activity 2.5
2.5 Separation of powers in interdependence in a State
Search and discuss the separation of powers in in interdependence in a State
The notion of separation of powers in interdependence can be understood as
the separation of government decision-making into the legislative, executive,
and the judicial functions and their interdependence and collaboration. This aims
at reinforcing constitutional protection of individual liberties by preventing the
concentration of such powers in the hands of a single group of government officials.
It must be noted that arrangements of checks and balances among the three
organs allow an independent judiciary to hear and determine matters involving the
interpretation of constitution, a legislature to scrutinize both primary and secondary
legislation and having overseeing the activities of the executive.
However, it must be noted that the over sight of the activities of the executive by the
legislature implies that the President of the Republic is responsible to the legislature
in the political sense because political responsibility implies a day to day relationship
between the executive and the legislature. Furthermore, the impeachment process
enforces juridical compliance with the constitutional letter of the law and is quite
different from the exercise of political control over the President’s ordinary conduct
of his or her office.
In Rwanda, the separation of powers is the principle that is explicitly guaranteed in the
Constitution. Interestingly, the Constitution of Rwanda goes further by emphasizing
that the judiciary is both independent and separate from the executive and the
legislature. Furthermore, the separation of powers is enhanced by the principle of
checks and balance, and thus it is important to note that the Constitution of Rwanda
provides for checks and balance between the executive, the legislature and the
judiciary. The power sharing arrangement does not stop the Parliament from having
an over sight role over the activities of the executive. The Parliament of Rwanda
is bicameral and is made up of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. The
Government is obliged to provide the Parliament with all the necessary explanations
on questions put to the Government concerning its management and activities.
In application of the principle of checks and balance, the President of the Republic
after consultation with the Prime Minister, the President of the Senate, the Speaker
of the Chamber of Deputies and the President of the Supreme Court may dissolve
the Chamber of Deputies. Elections of Deputies shall take place within 90 days
after the dissolution. By consulting the Speaker of the Chamber of the Deputies,
the power sharing arrangement is activated in so far the Speaker of the Chamber of
the Deputies is not from the same political party with the President of the Republic.
However, as previously noted, the Constitution of Rwanda does not specifically
exclude the possibility of the President of the Senate belonging in the same political
party with the President of the Republic.
Nevertheless, as far as the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies is consulted, power
sharing becomes effective. The Constitution of Rwanda complies with the concept
of the separation of powers.
Advantages of separation of powers in interdependence
The principle of separation of powers in interdependence enables the government
to function smoothly. The following are advantages of having the three powers of
the government.
– It makes coordination and administration easy.
– Facilitates division of labour and reduces concentration of power in a single
arm.
– Reduces or eliminates the possibility of abuse of power.
– Enhances efficiency and smooth functioning of the government.
– Promotes the principle of checks and balances.
– Engenders transparency and accountability in the operations of government.
– Provides quality service to the people.
– Eliminates or reduces incidences of corruption in the management of public
affairs.
Application Activities 2.5
Assess how the three powers of government are able to promote transparency
and accountability in their operations.
2.6. The role of democracy in promoting individual citizenship
Learning Activity 2.6
1. Give the meaning of the term citizenship.
2. Using the Constitution of Rwanda, explain ways of becoming a citizen.
There is no democracy without the engagement of citizens. Engagement is thus both
a right and a responsibility of citizens in establishing, developing, and sustaining
democracy. Democracy is important and is popular sovereignty. As a ” government
of the people, by the people and for the people”. At its heart is the concept of the
population choosing a government through regular, free, and fair elections. As
crucial in all systems of administration, Democracy plays a big role in promoting
individual citizenship. Citizenship is more than voting or fulfilling public obligations.
It is not only choosing officials and using the governmental system; citizenship
involves making and shaping the system’s structures and rules and citizenship
are helpful for advocacy. Democracy, in theory at least, provides a mechanism
for some form of rule by proportionate representation, with citizens empowered to
bring about change through participation and persuade the powerful to act for the
greater good. Democratic governments have time to make changes that are in the
interests of everyone.
The roles of the government and the citizens need to be integrated to ensure
accountability, transparency, effectiveness, and good quality provision of public
services to the citizens. Citizenship is the legal right to belong to any country in this
regard, citizens have rights, duties, and responsibilities to their country.
Citizens are expected to obey the laws of their countries. Democracy is crucial in
promoting individual citizenship in the following ways:
Respect for the rule of law: In a democratic society, respect for the rule of law is
vital. By abiding by the law, one avoids conflict with people. A good citizen does not
violate the law one of the principles of democracy.
Enables individuals to exercise their rights and fundamental freedoms:
Democracy allows an individual to exercise his or her rights and freedoms.
Democracy also enables citizens to respect the rights and freedoms of each other.
This improves the quality of one’s citizenship.
• Creates a bond of unity: Democracy promotes unity among all individuals
in a country. This enables them to help one another when the need arises. It
also contributes to social justice in society. In a democratic government, all
people respect one another, obey the rule of law and actively participate in
nation building activities.
• Enables peaceful coexistence: Democracy enables peaceful coexistence
among individuals. This enables them to respect the opinions and decisions
of other people.
• Allows for individual participation in various activities: Active participation
of individuals in their day-to-day activities is possible where democracy
thrives. Therefore, individuals are able to promote the wellbeing of society in
both socio-political and economic sectors.
• Promotion of gender equity and equality: In a democratic country,
Democracy promotes gender equity and equality among citizens. Both men
and women should be given equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities
so that no citizen should trample on the rights and freedoms of others.
• Promotion of equity and equality in the society: In a democratic state, all
citizens are equal and are entitled to equal rights and equitable privileges.
Individuals are thus able to enjoy various services while at the same time
carry out their responsibilities. Democracy gives no room for discrimination
of individuals.
• Observance of honesty and integrity: Democracy is anchored on high
integrity and honesty. Based on respect for the rule of law, democracy
develops integrity and honesty in all individuals.
• Free flow of information: Democracy enables citizens to make well-informed
decisions because there is free flow of information. It also gives room for and
encourages open debates
• among the people. Individuals are able to give and share their opinions with
other people.
• Commitment to negotiation: Democracy uses a give-and-take or win-win
approach that helps individuals to develop negotiation skills. These skills are
exercised when dealing with issues that confront people in their day-to-day
lives.
Application Activities 2.6
1. Justify how democracy enables peaceful coexistence among citizens
2. Examine the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a country
2.7. The role of democracy in enhancing good governance
Learning Activity 2.7
Assess the benefits of having the three powers of the government
Democracy is a key corner element in promoting good governance in a state. The
following are ways in which democracy promotes good governance.
1. Allows for checks and balances in administration of the state
The three powers of government ensure there are checks and balances in their
administrative duties. Through these measures, abuse of power and misuse of public
resources is minimal. Therefore, those in power will exercise their responsibilities
with the interest of their citizens at heart.
2. Promotes transparency and accountability
Democracy ensures that those entrusted with responsibilities observe high levels
of transparency and accountability. Consequently, good governance is greatly
improved.
3. Encourages efficiency in service delivery
Democracy ensures those entrusted with various responsibilities do their best
in service delivery. Failure to do so means citizens will hold them accountable.
Therefore, every effort is made to accomplish the set tasks.
4. Respect for the rule of law
Democracy is founded on the rule of law. No individual is above the law. This
promotes development in a country as members of the society adhere to the laws
of a country.
5. Involvement of citizens in decision-making processes
Democratic government has an integrative function, where citizen’s participation
contributes to the improvement of public virtues, citizens’ feeling of being free
citizens, giving a sense of belonging to their community. Therefore, democracy
ensures that people are directly involved in decision-making on issues that affect
them. Where elected leaders underperform in a country, democracy grants citizens
an opportunity to remove such leaders through free and fair elections.
6. Encouragement of private initiative
Democracy encourages private initiative. This enables an individual to exploit his
or her potential to the optimum. Consequently, it improves the lives of citizens by
eradicating poverty and promoting growth and development.
7.Promotion of equity and equality
In most places, affirmative action has been accepted as a feature of democracy.
It is meant to achieve uniform development by targeting the vulnerable members
of the society. Their voices are heard and their interests are catered for during the
allocation of development resources. This reduces marginalization in society.
Human beings, regardless of the differences in them, are all the same. This is
because they are equal and possess the same rights and social status. This
demands that all people be treated similarly at all times. Democracy does not
encourage segregation of persons. It advocates that we should all treat people
uniformly despite the differences in us.
8. Creation of an enabling environment for development
Democracy creates an enabling environment for development that positively
influences good governance. Such an environment is useful in stimulating various
programs that ultimately promote growth and development.
9. Facilitation of open communication
Democracy encourages open communication. As people express their views freely
and exchange information, they are bound to be actively involved in the governance
process. They articulate their interests, mediate their differences and freely exercise
their rights and obligations.
10. The concept of decentralization:
Political decentralization refers to the transfer of political decision-making
authority to local structures, usually occupied by elected officials. Thus, political
decentralization aims to increase the voice of citizens by deciding who leads them
through free, democratic regular vote. The National Decentralization Policy is based
on the Government of Rwanda’s commitment to empowering people to determine
their own future. The policy also has its foundations in the fundamental laws of the
country as well as in the political and administrative reforms the government hasalready implemented.
Leadership has been dispersed closer to the population; the people participate
in choosing their leaders and in deciding on activities of their interests. Those
local administrative entities start from the village upwards; they take decisions
after consulting the people and have to provide them with quality services
regarding their mandates and responsibilities.
Application Activities 2.7
3. Examine the different ways in which democracy allows for checks and
balances in the government.
4. Assess the relationship between powers and the impact of impunity.2.8. End Unit Assessment
End of unit assessment
1. Explain the following concepts:
a) State
b) Democracy
c) Good governance
d) Transparency
e) Accountability
2. What are the main characteristics of good governance
3. Suggest different requirements behavior of the state that contribute to the
success of democracy.