Democracy Fundamentals: Principles, Constitution, and Governance Models

Democracy: Core Principles and Policies

Democracy is a system where power belongs to all citizens. This power is not absolute but is limited by a Constitution, which, among other provisions, ensures the division of power and protects citizens' rights.

Access to political power is achieved through open and peaceful competition among a plurality of political forces. In a democratic regime, those who exercise power do so for a defined period. Citizens' rights are protected by the Constitution and laws.

The National Constitution

The National Constitution is a written document. It is considered rigid because its reform requires a special procedure, distinct from the common process for amending ordinary laws.

Objectives of the Constitution

The Constitution's primary aim is to ensure that decisions taken are respected. It also serves to prevent those in positions of power from abusing it, as the Constitution prevents the concentration of power by establishing the separation of powers.

National Constitution as Supreme Law

The National Constitution is the highest legal standard, superseding all other rules. Therefore, no other rule may contradict what is established in the National Constitution.

Procedure for Constitutional Reform

1. The National Congress decides the need for constitutional reform.
2. The Executive must call an election for the people to vote and elect the members of the constituent congress to reform the Constitution.
3. The Constituent Congress meets and decides on the constitutional reform.

Parts of the Constitution

• Organic Part: This section provides for the organization of political power.
• Dogmatic Part: This section embodies the values, principles, and rights that guide the relations of citizens among themselves and with the state.

Types of Democracy

Direct Democracy

Direct democracy is a system in which voters directly elect their own authorities, rather than electing representatives who then choose or become the authorities (as in modern democracies).

Indirect Democracy

Indirect democracy is a system in which the people do not deliberate nor govern directly, except through their representatives.

Semi-Direct Democracy

Semi-direct democracy is a form of democracy in which citizens are more involved in making policy decisions than a traditional representative democracy allows. It is a political model that provides citizens the ability to associate and organize so that they can exert a direct influence on public decisions.

Understanding Authority

Authority is the nature of a communication (an order) within a formal organization, under which actions are accepted by an individual.

Defining Authoritarianism

Authoritarianism is a system of government and a doctrine in which all activities of a society are subject to centralized leaders and the totalitarian ideology of the State.