Author: David Beetham
Kevin Boyle/
Publisher: National Book Trust
Year: 2014
Language: English
Pages: 116
ISBN/UPC (if available): 9788123717715
Description
What is democracy? Why should we value it? What is the relation between democracy and individual rights? Is majority rule always democratic? Why do we have political parties?
Are some electoral systems more democrat than others? What is the relation between nationalism and democracy, or democracy and a market economy? How can democracy be maintained and improved? What difference does it make to ordinary people? What is its future?
These are only some of the questions addressed in this book. Its authors were specially commissioned by UNESCO to assemble eighty of the most pressing questions about democracy in the world today, and to provide clear and authoritative answers to them.
The result is a masterpiece of succinct exposition, which will be of value to all those who to know more about democratic theory and practice, whether as students, interested citizens, political activists or employees in the public service; and whether they live in established or developing democracies.
The questions are systematically arranged in six sections: basic concepts and principles: free and fair elections; open and accountable government; individual rights and their deference; democratic or civil society; the future of democracy. The book forms an outstanding introduction to what is, perhaps, the most important concept in politics. It can be used as a textbook or as a work of basic reference.
Contents
Introduction
Authors Preface
1. Basic Concepts and Principles
2. Free and Fair Elections
3. Open and Accountable Government
4. Individual Rights and Their Defence
5. Democratic or Civil Society
6. The Future of Democracy