By Max Tallberg
When examining what constitutes a good society, certain fundamental questions inevitably arise—whether viewed from a historical, contemporary, or future perspective. These questions are tied to considerations of truth, freedom, justice, equality, and power. Perhaps the most central observation is that humans are inherently social beings, and the vast majority of people wish to live their lives in community with others. Thus, the ultimate question of humanity is this: How can we live well together, ensuring individual well-being while also fostering a sense of community and collective welfare? While we cannot live in isolation, living together brings many complex questions that we must solve collaboratively.
In previous blog posts, we have explored the comprehensive societal solutions that have historically been proposed for how society should be organized. These solutions also reflect visions of what constitutes a just society. Human rights, for instance, can be seen as one such solution. However, when examining these solutions from both historical and contemporary perspectives, one stands out as perhaps the most central: democracy. In my upcoming posts, I will explore this concept, highlighting its essence, its benefits, as well as its challenges and potential areas for improvement.
Democracy: Power and Freedom
When it comes to democracy, the most prominent questions revolve around power and freedom. Democracy’s response to the issue of power is that it should rest with the people. The term “democracy” itself derives from the Greek words demos (the people) and kratos (power). In ancient Greece, democracy took the form of direct rule by the people, though participation was limited to free men. Today, however, representative democracy is the prevailing form, where citizens elect decision-makers to act on their behalf.
Regarding freedom, modern liberal democracies emphasize individual liberties. In such systems, state power is constrained, and individual rights and freedoms are safeguarded through constitutions and other institutions. However, it is important to recognize that the meaning of democracy has evolved over time, and it has been the subject of debate throughout its existence. This ongoing discourse suggests that democracy can continue to evolve and adapt to address the challenges of the present and the future.
Defining Modern Democracy
How else is democracy defined today? Political theorist Robert Dahl identified five key features:
- Effective Participation: Before a policy is implemented, all individuals affected by it should have an equal opportunity to express their opinions.
- Equality in Voting: All citizens should have an equal right to vote, and all votes should carry the same weight.
- Informed Understanding: Individuals must have access to information about different policy options, including their potential consequences, to make informed decisions.
- Control of the Agenda: Citizens should have the power to influence what issues are addressed, ensuring transparency and openness in decision-making.
- Inclusion: All adult members of the democratic society should enjoy equal rights and protections.
These criteria primarily focus on decision-making processes and ensuring participation and functionality. In modern democracies, a key task for citizens is selecting their representatives and revoking their mandate if their performance is unsatisfactory. This is one way democracy empowers citizens. Democracy can also be described as a tool for collective decision-making, ensuring equal participation for all citizens affected by a given decision.
A vital insight here is that those impacted by a decision should have the opportunity to engage in the discussions and decisions concerning it. This model is argued to best protect individuals’ rights and interests. Moreover, it is said to encourage civic engagement, enlightened discourse, and the strengthening of moral values. Scholars have also noted that democracy offers a way to treat individuals equitably when collective decisions are necessary but consensus is unattainable.
The Separation of Powers
Another central concept in democratic governance is the separation of powers, a theory developed by Enlightenment philosopher Montesquieu. This model divides power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Legislators (e.g., parliaments) create laws, the executive branch (e.g., governments) implements them, and the judiciary ensures adherence to these laws. This system, popular in many democratic nations, prevents power from being concentrated in the hands of a few. Additionally, democracies often incorporate a system of checks and balances, where different societal actors monitor and limit one another’s use of power. This approach is especially prominent in constitutional democracies.
Democracy as Governance and Ideal
Democracy is both a practical system of governance and an ideal. These aspects can be difficult to separate, though it is often argued that the ideal of pure democracy has never been fully realized in practice. Democracy is also deeply tied to values such as equality, freedom, justice, individual development, participation, and security. It must also uphold human rights. At the same time, sustaining and strengthening democracy depends on various societal institutions.
In my next blog post, I will examine these institutions and their roles in upholding democratic principles.
Sources:
Dahl, R. A. (2020). On Democracy. Yale University Press.
