Democracy and human rights Flashcards
Public participation
To be involved with others in doing something
You participate publicly when you
Stand for elections
Vote in elections
Pay taxes
Protest and petition
Public participation is important because
- It makes sure leaders don’t abuse their power
- It helps to see things get done
- It helps to inform the government about people’s needs and concerns
Petition process
A written document that people sign to show that they want a person or organisation to change or do something
-Its an informal request asking the government to do something about a matter
Governance
The way that a country is controlled by the people who run it
Good governance
- Is transparent
- Delivers basic human rights
- is efficient and effective
- Is accountable for its actions
Representation
Through elections, people are voted in to represent a certain group of people
Proportional representation
-Parties gets a certain amount of seats in parliament according to the percentage of votes they get at an election
Constituency-based representation
- Country is divided in voting areas
- A constituency is represented by one member of a party voted for by the people
Rule of law
- A government thats accountable
- An absence of corruption
- Security, order and fundamental rights
- An open government that enforces laws and regulations
- Access to justice
National government
The supreme law-making body in RSA
- It ensures that funds are spent to improve lives
- Debate issues
Provincial government
Bound by the laws and policies passed at national level but can develop their own laws within the framework to suit the specific needs of their provinces
Local government
Consists of municipalities that provide for local communities according to their needs.
Ensure the provision of services to communities and to promote social and economic development
Political leaders
They form the platform where people can take part in the elections
Traditional leaders
They make sure the cultures and values are in place in the communities
Human rights violations
-Denying people moral entitlement
Ways the community can help the victims to deal with human rights violations
-They can provide their basic needs to help them get by until they are back on their feet
-Help the victims to report the incident to the police so that the law can take course
-Help the victims get medical assistance for those that they were injured
Strategies the South African government can implement to address human rights violations
-Ensure unbiased media to report and educate on the matters of human rights violations
-Teach Ubuntu in schools in order to raise empathy amongst citizens
-Create more jobs for people to minimise criminal activities
Ways the Bill of rights assists in preventing human rights violations
-It ensures that all citizens enjoy the benefit of the law
-It ensures social order in the country is upheld at all times
-It ensures that the rights of all people are protected at all times
How the youth can contribute to the success of the community campaigns intended to promote safe living environments
-Develop a positive attitude towards community campaigns they would be more likely to participate in these campaigns which may help to accelerate the changes everybody whishes to see in society and this may ensure the desirable living conditions they may be able to secure for future generations
-Influence their peers to participate in such community campaigns as many young people could be mobilised for this cause which may help to intensify the fight for all people to enjoy safe and healthy living and this may inspire more young people to ensure safer living environments
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