Module 1 (1st year) (What is democracy + principles of democracy)

Question 1

What is democracy?

Answer 1

Democracy is a form of government in which supreme power is vested by the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodic free elections.

Question 2

Brainstorm some terms which come to mind when you hear the word “democracy”

Answer 2

Human rights
Referendums
Elections
Freedom
Equality
Liberty
Government
European union : the europoean union consists of MEPs (members of european parliament)

They work together and discuss laws and policies for Europe

Question 3

After how many years does a general election take place in Malta

Answer 3

Every 5 years

Question 4

Where are laws made?

Answer 4

Parliament

Question 5

Where does the word democracy come from?

Answer 5

demos which means rule of the people

Question 6

What referendums did take place in Malta? mention 2 examples

Answer 6

spring hunting and divorce

Question 7

How many principles of democracy are there?

Answer 7

14

Question 8

Mention some principles of democracy

Answer 8

Human rights,rule of law,regular free and fair elections,Accountability,Bill of rights,Transparency,equality,,controlof abuse of power,political tolerance

Question 9

Explain some of the principles

Answer 9

1) Equality : In a democracy all individuals are valued,equally have equal oppurtunities and may not be discriminated against because of their race,religion,sexual orientation,ethinicity,or gender

(freedom of choice,expression,speech,religion,opinion,movement etc)

2)Rule of law: this principle states that everyone is equal infront of the law irrespective of their social status,political idealogy,life style or status. Everyone has a right of fair trial.

3) Regular free and fair elections: one way citizens express their will is by electing officials to represent them in a government. In a democracy,elections are held regularly,usually every few years.

4) Political tolerance: Democratic societies are politically tolerant. This means that while the majority of the people rule in a democracy,the rights of the minorities must be protected and taken into consideration always. (In fact there are certain laws and rights to protect them)

(some examples of minority groups include: LGBTQI, people who suffer from disabilities or gender (gender identity bill)

5) Human rights: Fundamental rights and freedoms inherent to all individuals regardless of nationality. (UNIVERSAL) (usually protected by international agreements like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proposed by the UN

Ex: Malta provides free education and free healthcare for all

6) Bill of rights: A list of specific rights and freedoms for the citizens of a particular country.

Question 10

What does COLA stand for and define it?

Answer 10

cost of living adjustment

How expensive it is to live in Malta?
Very expensive
Ex: property is very expensive

(Standard of living) :food,property,wages,

The government is actually planning to increase the minimum wage from 800 euros to 1100 euros in 5 years.

Question 11

Link and relate some of the principles together.

Answer 11

Equality,regular free and fair elections,and Political tolerance

Control of abuse of power and rule of
law

Abuse of power happens when the governmnet decides that it is above the law. Ex: corruption. When oublic money is trnasferred to corrupt leaders or their friends. (Illegal money)

There are dofferent mechnaisms proposed so abuse of power is not done,for example the independent judiciary is divided into different systems

Human rights + Bill of rights

Question 12

Independent judiciary. Explain

Answer 12

The independent judiciary is a crucial component in preventing and addressing abuses of power.

The judiciary acts as a check on the power of the other branches by ensuring that laws are interpreted and applied fairly and impartially. It also has the authority to review the constitutionality of laws and government actions, providing a check against abuses of power
Separation of power:

Legislative branch: where laws are made (parliament)

Judiciary: court

(Cabinet )Executive: prime minister + president + minsters

Question 13

Mention some articles of human rights.

Answer 13

Article 3: everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of a person
Article 4: No one should be held in slavery or servitude
Article 6: everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.