the most useful indicator of the degree of democracy reached by a politcal society is whether it has a:
a)civilan goverment
b)formal method wherby people can effect the change in goverment policy
c)system of checks and balances
d)two house legislature
The origin of the word "democracy" means "the common people." Abraham Lincoln emphasized this concept in his Gettysburg Address. The last words were "that government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from this earth."
Which of your answers emphasizes people?
i choosse c am i correct?
I don't see the word "people" in c.
b is correct?
The most useful indicator of the degree of democracy reached by a political society is whether it has a system of checks and balances. To understand why this is the case, let's examine all the options provided:
a) Civilian government: While having a civilian government is an essential characteristic of a democracy, it alone is not sufficient to gauge the degree of democracy. Many non-democratic systems also have civilian governments, so it's not a definitive indicator.
b) Formal method whereby people can affect change in government policy: This is an important aspect of a democracy, as it implies that the citizens have a voice and influence on government decisions. However, the presence of such a method does not guarantee a fully democratic system. For example, even in authoritarian regimes, there might be limited mechanisms for people to express their opinions, but the government still holds ultimate power and can ignore public sentiment.
c) System of checks and balances: A system of checks and balances is a fundamental feature of a democratic society. It refers to the separation of powers among different branches of government, such as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. This division of power ensures that no single entity can become too dominant and abuse its authority. It promotes accountability, transparency, and an effective system of governance, which are all central to a democracy.
d) Two-house legislature: While a two-house legislature, such as a bicameral system, is often associated with democratic countries, it is not a defining characteristic of democracy. There are diverse legislative structures worldwide, ranging from unicameral (single-chamber) to bicameral legislatures. The number of legislative houses doesn't exclusively determine the democratic nature of a political society.
In summary, among the given options, the most useful indicator of the degree of democracy reached by a political society is the presence of a system of checks and balances. This ensures the fair distribution of power and prevents any one branch of government from becoming too strong or authoritative.