UNIVERSITY FOR DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

FACULTY OF EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCE
EDUCATION

INDEX NUMBER: SSE/0066/21

COURSE CODE: EHP 407

COURSE TITLE: Third World Politics

QUESTION: Democracy is the Most Successful Political

System in the World. Discuss.
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DEMOCRACY
Democracy is a political system in which power is vested in the people, who exercise it
either directly or through elected representatives. It is rooted in principles such as
equality, freedom, and participation, ensuring that citizens have a voice in the decisions
that affect their lives. Democracy has evolved over centuries, with notable examples
from ancient Athens to modern constitutional governments around the world. As
Abraham Lincoln famously described it, democracy is "government of the people, by the
people, for the people."
One of the defining features of democracy is its emphasis on representation and
accountability. Through regular elections, citizens select leaders who are expected to
govern in their interests. If these leaders fail to perform, voters have the power to
replace them. This mechanism ensures that governments remain responsive to the
needs of their populations. As John Locke emphasized, "The end of government is the
good of mankind."
REASONS WHY DEMOCRACY IS SUCCESSFUL
The success of democracy as a political system can be attributed to several factors. Such
factors include:
Protection of Rights: Democracies prioritize individual freedoms, including freedom of
speech, religion, and assembly. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by
the United Nations in 1948, states that "everyone has the right to take part in the
government of their country, directly or through freely chosen representatives" (Article
21). Legal frameworks, such as constitutions, safeguard these rights, preventing abuse of
power.
Political Stability: Democratic systems provide structured avenues for addressing
grievances, reducing the likelihood of conflict. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s
Democracy Index underscores that democracies score higher in stability than
authoritarian regimes.
Power transitions are peaceful, as leaders step down after losing elections. As former
U.S. President Jimmy Carter noted, "The experience of democracy is like the experience
of life itself; always changing, infinite in its variety, sometimes turbulent, and all the
more valuable for having been tested by adversity."
Economic Growth: Many democracies foster market-oriented economies, encouraging
innovation and investment. Nobel laureate Amartya Sen argued that "democracy has
intrinsic value for the human life and instrumental importance in political decisions and
economic prosperity." Policies are often influenced by public needs, leading to
investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Social Inclusion: Democracy allows diverse groups to participate in governance,
promoting equality. Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan stated, "Democracy is not
just about voting; it is about meaningful participation." Minority rights are protected,
creating a sense of belonging.

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Adaptability: Democratic systems evolve over time, incorporating reforms to address

emerging challenges. Examples include expanding suffrage, adopting new technologies
for voting, and implementing checks and balances. As Winston Churchill remarked,
"Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have
been tried from time to time."
CHALLENGES OF DEMOCRACY
Democracy is not without challenges. Some of the challenges of democracy include the
following:
Inefficiency: Decision-making can be slow due to the need for consensus. The
Federalist Papers, written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay,
acknowledged that democratic processes require deliberation, which may prolong
decision-making.
Populism and Polarization: Leaders may exploit public sentiment, undermining
democratic norms.
Corruption: While democracies have mechanisms to combat corruption, they are not
immune to it.
HISTORY OF DEMOCRACY FROM THE 5TH CENTURY TO THE 20TH CENTURY
Origins in Ancient Greece
Democracy traces its origins to ancient Greece, specifically in the city-state of Athens
around the 5th century BCE. Democracy, originating from Greek words "demos" (people)
and "kratos" (power), meaning "rule by the people." Its evolution spans centuries,
marked by significant developments and philosophical contributions.
In 5th century BCE Athens, democracy emerged as a pioneering system where citizens
directly participated in governance. The Athenian Assembly, comprising male citizens,
convened to debate and vote on laws. Pericles, a prominent leader, stated, "Our
constitution is called a democracy because power is in the hands not of a minority but of
the whole people." However, this inclusivity was limited; women, slaves, and non-
citizens were excluded from participation.
Roman Influence
The Roman Republic (509–27 BCE) introduced a representative system with elected
officials and a Senate acting on behalf of citizens. Cicero, a Roman statesman,
emphasized, "The welfare of the people is the highest law." This structured governance,
with checks and balances, laid foundational principles for modern republics.
The Roman constitution was a complex blend of democracy, oligarchy, and monarchy.
Consuls held executive power, the Senate represented the aristocracy, and the
Assemblies embodied the democratic element. This mixed constitution influenced later
political thought, notably the framers of the U.S. Constitution.

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Decline and Revival

Following the decline of ancient democracies, autocratic and feudal systems prevailed
during the Middle Ages. Democratic ideals resurfaced during the Renaissance and
Enlightenment. John Locke's social contract theory advocated governance based on the
consent of the governed, asserting, "The liberty of man, in society, is to be under no
other legislative power but that established by consent." The Magna Carta (1215) in
England marked an early move toward constitutional democracy, limiting monarchical
power and setting precedents for individual rights.
Philosophers like Montesquieu further developed the concept of separation of powers,
arguing in "The Spirit of the Laws" for dividing government authority among legislative,
executive, and judicial branches to prevent tyranny.
Spread to Modern Nations
The Glorious Revolution (1688) in England established parliamentary democracy. The
American Revolution (1775–1783) led to the U.S. Constitution, rooted in democratic
ideals, with Thomas Jefferson proclaiming, "All men are created equal." The French
Revolution (1789–1799) advanced principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
These revolutions were influenced by Enlightenment thinkers like Rousseau, who in
"The Social Contract" wrote, "Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains,"
advocating for direct democracy and collective sovereignty.
Global Expansion
In the 19th and 20th centuries, democratic principles spread further with the abolition
of monarchies and decolonization. Winston Churchill observed, "The empires of the
future are the empires of the mind." Post-World War II independence movements in Asia
and Africa led to the creation of democratic states. India, the world’s largest democracy,
adopted its constitution in 1950. Jawaharlal Nehru remarked, "Democracy is good. I say
this because other systems are worse."
The latter half of the 20th century also witnessed the third wave of democratization, as
described by political scientist Samuel P. Huntington, where numerous countries
transitioned to democratic governance.
BIGGEST NATIONS PRACTICING DEMOCRACY
Among the countries practicing democracy, some of the largest and most populous
nations stand out for their significant contributions to the global political landscape.
Furthermore, the widespread adoption of democracy highlights its global appeal, even
as challenges persist.
India: India holds the title of the largest democracy in the world by population, with
over 1.4 billion people. It operates as a federal parliamentary democracy, where the
President serves as the ceremonial head of state, and the Prime Minister leads the
government. India’s democratic journey began in 1950 with the adoption of its

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constitution, which provides a comprehensive framework for governance, citizen rights,

and judicial processes. Elections in India are a massive exercise in inclusivity, with
millions of voters participating regularly.
United States: The United States is a leading example of democracy, recognized for its
federal presidential system. With over 330 million people, it is one of the most
influential democracies globally. The U.S. Constitution, adopted in 1787, is a cornerstone
of democratic governance and one of the oldest functioning governing documents.
Regular elections, a strong emphasis on the separation of powers, and the protection of
individual rights characterize American democracy.
Indonesia: As the largest democracy in Southeast Asia and the third-largest globally by
population, Indonesia plays a significant role in promoting democracy in the region.
With over 275 million people, Indonesia practices a unitary presidential democracy. Its
transition to democracy in the late 20th century marked a significant milestone, as the
country embraced reforms after decades of authoritarian rule.
Brazil: Brazil, the largest democracy in South America, operates as a federal
presidential republic with over 220 million people. Known for its vibrant political
culture, Brazil has faced challenges in maintaining political stability but continues to
uphold democratic values.
Nigeria: Nigeria, with over 220 million people, is Africa’s largest democracy. It functions
as a federal presidential system and plays a critical role in advancing democracy on the
continent. Despite challenges such as corruption and electoral irregularities, Nigeria
remains committed to strengthening its democratic institutions.
European Union Democracies: Many European nations, including Germany, France,
and the United Kingdom, are prominent democracies with significant global influence.
These countries have well-established democratic institutions and histories of political
stability. In addition, Scandinavia - comprising Norway, Sweden, and Denmark -
consistently ranks among the world’s top full democracies, according to the Economist
Intelligence Unit.

THE PRACTICE OF DEMOCRACY AROUND THE WORLD

Democracy is practiced in many forms across the world. The Economist Intelligence
Unit’s 2023 Democracy Index assesses 167 countries based on their political systems. Of
these, approximately 90 countries are categorized as either full or flawed democracies.
These nations uphold democratic governance to varying degrees, reflecting the
adaptability of the system to different cultural, economic, and social contexts.
Globally, about 46% of the world’s countries practice some form of democracy. This
includes both full democracies, characterized by free elections, political freedoms, and
effective government functioning, and flawed democracies, where certain democratic
principles may be compromised. Around 20% of countries are considered full
democracies.

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GLOBAL TRENDS IN DEMOCRACY

Democracy is particularly prevalent in Europe, the Americas, and parts of Asia and
Africa. European nations, especially in Scandinavia, lead in democratic rankings,
showcasing robust institutions, inclusive policies, and high levels of political
participation. In the Americas, countries like Canada and Uruguay also exemplify strong
democratic practices.
In Africa, nations like Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, and Senegal have made significant
strides in adopting and sustaining democratic systems. Post-independence movements
in these countries have often centered around the ideals of representation and
accountability, demonstrating the universal appeal of democracy. Meanwhile, in Asia,
countries like Japan and South Korea have established themselves as leading
democracies, reflecting the system’s adaptability to diverse cultural and historical
contexts.

CONCLUSION
Democracy has proven to be the most successful political system globally, practiced by
almost half of the world’s countries. Its success lies in its commitment to protecting
individual rights, fostering political stability, encouraging economic growth, and
promoting social inclusion. As Winston Churchill famously remarked, “Democracy is the
worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from
time to time.” This adaptability and focus on public welfare make democracy
unparalleled.
When compared to other political systems, the advantages of democracy become even
clearer. Authoritarian regimes often suppress freedoms and concentrate power, leading
to corruption and inefficiency. Monarchies, while stable in some cases, deny citizens the
right to choose their leaders, as leadership is hereditary. Oligarchies and theocracies
exclude large segments of the population, fostering inequality and discontent. As
Amartya Sen argued, democracy offers "intrinsic value for the human life and
instrumental importance in political decisions and economic prosperity," ensuring a
governance system that responds to the needs of its people.
By ensuring accountability, inclusivity, and adaptability, democracy surpasses systems
that prioritize power and privilege over the well-being of the populace. As former UN
Secretary-General Kofi Annan noted, “Democracy is not just about voting; it is about
meaningful participation.” This enduring appeal and capability to evolve with the times
firmly establish democracy as the most successful political system in history.