Democracy

Requirements for a Healthy Democracy

People living in countries considered to be democratic will naturally feel their system of government is best. However, democracies have many requirements in order to be effective.

A democratic nation cannot function with a population that’s lazy, apathetic, selfish/greedy, self-centered (egotistical), uneducated, unmotivated, unethical, and uninformed (or easily manipulated).

For a democracy to work effectively, all citizens must have access to a quality education that goes from preschool and kindergarten, through grade school, up to and including a college education that ensures they can earn a livable wage.

Participation

In a democracy, if citizens aren’t motivated to vote and run for office, then powerful special interests will take over a country. Narrow agendas and viewpoints will take over, and these won’t serve the interests of the people. Even the greedy and powerful don’t always serve their own best long-term interests if they are being short sighted.

Ethics

If ethics and morality are not broadly taught and individually internalized, the entire system will be corrupt. In such conditions, it won’t be long before greedy and oppressive elitists will rise to power and oppress the masses. It makes no difference whether a system is a democracy or dictatorship, capitalist or communist. Every system of government relies on having ethics and morality permeate all levels of society.

Examples From Scripture

The saying “two heads are better than one” sums up the basic premise behind the effectiveness of a democratic form of governance.

Decisions collectively made by educated and well informed people will generally be good decisions.

The book of Proverbs provides the guidance below with regard to successful governance.

“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” Proverbs 11:14 (NIV)

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)