How Does A Company Or Organization Continue Its Efforts?

How Does A Company Or An Organization Continue Its Efforts To Keep A C

Briefly explain the four democratic principles you selected. Explain which principles you think are fundamental and essential to democracy and why. Explain which principles you think are related and desirable but not essential to democracy and why. Based on your evaluation, draw at least one conclusion about democratic principles as they relate to democratic governance. Support your assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are asked to provide a reference list only for those resources not included in the Learning Resources for this course.

Paper For Above instruction

Democratic principles serve as the foundational values that uphold the functioning and integrity of democratic governance. Understanding which principles are fundamental versus those that are desirable but not essential helps clarify the core tenets necessary for a democracy to thrive. This paper explores four democratic principles—equality, liberty, participation, and rule of law—and assesses their significance in maintaining effective democratic governance.

Among these principles, equality and liberty stand out as fundamental and essential to democracy. Equality, as discussed in the article "Democracy and Equality," underscores the importance of equal rights and opportunities for all citizens, ensuring that every individual has an equal voice and stake in the political process. This principle is crucial because it fosters fairness, reduces disparities of power, and promotes social cohesion, which are vital for the legitimacy and stability of any democracy (Dahl, 1989). Without equality, democratic participation risks becoming a privilege of the few rather than a right for all, undermining the very foundation of democratic legitimacy.

Liberty, closely linked to individual freedom and autonomy, is another core principle. As illuminated by Mill's "On Liberty," the protection of individual rights against undue state interference is essential for fostering a marketplace of ideas and ensuring personal independence. Liberty enables citizens to freely express their opinions, participate fully in public life, and challenge existing power structures. The importance of liberty is echoed in Democratic governance because it sustains diversity of thought, innovation, and societal progress (Mill, 1859). Without liberty, the ability to challenge and improve democratic systems diminishes, risking authoritarian tendencies.

Conversely, principles such as participation and the rule of law are considered related and desirable but not entirely fundamental. Participation, or active citizen engagement, is vital for democratic vibrancy but can be preserved through various means, even if direct involvement is limited. The rule of law, while indispensable for ensuring justice and preventing tyranny, can sometimes be maintained even in imperfect democratic regimes, provided legal frameworks are generally respected (Tamanaha, 2004). These principles contribute to healthy democracy but are not solely sufficient to sustain democracy without the core principles of equality and liberty.

From this analysis, a key conclusion emerges: democracy fundamentally depends on the principles of equality and liberty, as they safeguard individual rights, fairness, and political participation, which are essential for legitimacy and resilience. Other principles, while beneficial for a robust democracy, serve to enhance or complement these core values rather than replace them. Therefore, the health and stability of democratic governance hinge primarily on maintaining equality and liberty, which in turn support the broader democratic framework.

In conclusion, understanding the hierarchy and interrelation of democratic principles is essential for evaluating and strengthening democratic governance. Prioritizing equality and liberty ensures that democracy remains just, inclusive, and capable of adapting to societal changes while fostering stability and trust among citizens.

References

• Dahl, R. A. (1989). Democracy and its Critics. Yale University Press.
• Mill, J. S. (1859). On Liberty. John W. Parker and Son.
• Tamanaha, B. Z. (2004). On the Rule of Law: History, Politics, Theory. Cambridge University Press.
• Held, D. (2006). Models of Democracy. Stanford University Press.
• Shapiro, I. (2014). The State of Democratic Theory. Princeton University Press.
• Barber, B. R. (1984). Strong Democracy: Participatory Politics for a New Age. University of California Press.
• Lindbergh, L. (2010). Democracy: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
• Carothers, T. (2007). How Democracies Die. Journal of Democracy, 18(2), 22-34.
• Sen, A. (1999). Development as Freedom. Knopf.
• Habermas, J. (1989). The Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere. MIT Press.