Comprehensive Catalog 2016

F OUNDAT I ONS O F D EMOCRAC Y

The benefits of democracy can be found in all corners of the world. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union and its communist ideology in 1991, democracy has been touted as the only real answer to the world’s challenges. At the same time, the true meaning and character of democracy has never been so extensively tested: are human rights for all more important than cultural tolerance of minorities? Is economic freedom necessary for political freedom? How are the rights of the media best balanced with national security concerns? Whether it comes to defining citizenship,

protecting civil rights, defending free speech, or fighting corruption, the democratic process is always fluid and never uncomplicated. THE NEW SERIES, FOUNDATIONS OF DEMOCRACY, WILL TAKE A GLOBAL VIEW OF THE FUNDAMENTAL CORNERSTONES OF THIS FORM OF GOVERNMENT THAT WINSTON CHURCHILL FAMOUSLY CALLED “THE WORST POLITICAL SYSTEM EXCEPT FOR ALL THE OTHERS.”

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Actual Text Size ts existed mainly to benefit a small group power. These elites used governments owerful. Rulers were often corrupt and er. However, the rise of democracy as ccountable to their citizens. Through al or disapproval of their government’s ed officials had to be responsive to the acy spread, people demand d more

Corruption and transparenCy

Chapter One: What Is GOOd GOvernanCe?

G overnments are institutions created tomake and enforce decisions on awide varietyof issues.These decisions range from establishing aminimum age for marriage towhether ornot to declarewar on anothernation.Governments also gather and distribute resources and regulate aspectsof everyday life.For instance, governments collect taxes anduse thatmoney to pay forprograms such as education. They alsodecidehow long aperson should attend school. Formuch ofhumanhistory, governments existedmainly to benefit a small group of eliteswhoheld all ormost of the political power.These elites used governments to increase theirwealth and becomemore powerful.Rulerswere often corrupt and dishonest.They used force to remain in power.However, the rise of democracy as a political systemmade governmentsmore accountable to their citizens.Through elections, peoplewere able to express approval or disapproval of their government’s decisions and performance.Therefore, elected officialshad to be responsive to the needs and desires of voters.Also, as democracy spread, people demandedmore accountability from their elected officials.Citizenswant a government that is open and honest, and that serves theneeds of the community. principles of Good Governance All citizens of a country have a right to good governance . This does notmean that a governmentwill alwaysmake decisions that its citizens agreewith. Instead, itmeans that the institution should use the best system to actuallymake those decisions—one inwhich all policy choices are considered, and inwhich decisions are designed to provide themost benefits for themost people. Good governancemust be based on openness; this openness is often described as transparency. People should be able to easily understand how andwhy a decision wasmade.They should be allowed access to the same information, data, and advice thatwas used by governments to enact choices.Citizens should also have an opportunity to participate in the process by expressing their opinions and

Supporters of Ireland’s same-sexmarriage law celebrate inDublin onMay23,2015. Irelandwas thefirst country in theworld to passmarriage equality via a referendum.

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