A liberal democracy is a representative democracy with elected representatives limited by a constitution protecting individual freedoms, equality, and minority rights. Constitutional rights are guaranteed through supervised institutions and laws. Some liberal democracies have referendums, and criticisms include limitations on freedom and the potential for an oligarchy.
A liberal democracy is a form of representative democracy in which elected representatives who hold power are limited by a constitution that emphasizes the protection of individual freedoms, equality, and the rights of minority groups. Among the many freedoms that could be protected are freedom of speech and assembly, freedom of religion, the right to private property and privacy, as well as equality before the law and due process under the rule of law. These constitutional rights, also called liberal rights, are guaranteed through various supervised institutions and statutory laws. Furthermore, the constitutions of most contemporary liberal democracies forbid majoritarianism, which is governed by the will of the majority, when it harms minorities.
Elected representatives
All liberal democracies are representative democracies, or governments in which representatives are elected by the people through free and fair elections. Some may, however, be constitutional monarchies or federal republics rather than full democracies. In a constitutional monarchy, the notional head of government is often determined by inheritance, but members of the legislature and other officials, such as a prime minister, are elected by the people. In a federal republic, the power of the national government is somewhat limited, and power is also divided among the regional governments.
The reference system
Some liberal democracies have additional systems of referendums – or public votes on proposed measures – to give eligible citizens the ability to overrule the elected legislature’s decisions or even make decisions without giving the legislator a voice. Political systems in other countries have referendums to a lesser extent. The use of referendums in the political system of a liberal democracy could prevent it from evolving into an oligarchy.
criticisms
Many people would argue that a liberal democracy is not democratic or liberal. They would argue that a liberal democracy does not respect the will of the people except when citizens are asked to vote for their representatives and that freedom is limited by the constitution or precedent. Critics would argue that by denying citizens the right to vote on all issues – especially serious issues like going to war or constitutional amendments – a liberal democracy is a precursor to an oligarchy or government controlled by a few elites. Others would argue that only a liberal democracy can guarantee the individual freedoms of its citizens and prevent development into a dictatorship. Unmoderate majority rule could, in their view, lead to the oppression of various minority groups.
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