

It means that the political powers of a state should not be concentrated in one single hand. Separation of power: Separation of power is a political concept by Charles-Louis de Secondat, baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu, an 18th century French social and political philosopher. See the difference type of constitutionĥ.Differences between Rigid and Flexible constitution.Advantage and disadvantages of an unwritten constitution.Differences between Unitary and Federal system of government.The people must be allowed to choose and change their leaders because they are supreme. It is pertinent to note that periodic elections is a very essential feature of democracy because, where there is one particular leader administering the affairs of a state for eternity, that state cannot be said to be a democratic state. In Nigeria, the president is to stay for four years in office after which another election will be conducted. In the United States of America for instance, the president of the United States is elected indirectly to a four-year term, with a term limit of two terms. This is to make sure that the political powers of the state is not concentrated in a single hand. Periodic election: Since the people are the supreme in a democratic state, there is usually a fixed tenure for conducting elections. This postulates that in a democratic state the people are very key.Ĥ. Apparently, this is why Abraham Lincoln said that democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people. This is usually done by voting and it is recognized by the law which the people have consented to. Here, the people will unanimously agree on who will administer their political affairs. I explained earlier that in a democratic state, the people are allowed to select who to govern them.

People have to participate in politics either directly or through a representative which is legitimately recognized by them. From the definition of democracy explained above, it is clear that any system which does not encourages people to participate in the political decision making of the government is not democratic.Ĭonsequently, popular participation is not just a feature of democracy, it is an essential part of the system. Popular participation in politics: One the most important features of democracy is popular participation in politics. In a democratic society, the constitution usually state how these institutions functions.Ģ. On the other hand, infomal institutions are those which discharge informal responsibilities such as the political parties and the press. Formal instructions are those which discharge formal functions such as the three arms of the government. It is imperative to note that there are two types of institutions namely: Formal and informal institutions.
