--- Mistral wrote:
Stephen Date wrote:
The term democracy covers a multitude of sins.
Broadly
speaking it should include an elected government,
the
rule of law, some kind of constitutional basis
whether
written (as in most cases) or based on common law
(as
in the UK), respect for the persons and property
of
the governed (human rights) and freedom of speech.
Well, no. You can have any or all of those in a 'democratic form of government', but none of them are intrinsic to a democracy. There is an enormous difference.
Well, don't just stop when it is getting interesting !
Surely the list I have cited above comprise the institutions through which a democracy functions. Without these institutions you can no more have a working democracy than you can have a working car without an engine or wheels.
Stephen.
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