Operating Principles of a Liberal Democracy

Question 1

1. Political Participation

Answer 1

Liberal democracy occurs when people are involved in their government by exercising their political rights and freedoms.

Examples:
1. Right to vote in elections
2. Understand and debate political issues with others
3. Involvement in pressure groups and political parties

Question 2

2. Political Freedom

Answer 2

Liberal democracy occurs when individuals have the ability to make choices free of intimidation, coercion, or oppression from those with power.

Example:
1. Absence of compulsion (e.g. economic compulsion)

Question 3

3. Majority Rule

Answer 3

Liberal democracy occurs when the principle - the greater number should exercise the greater power is implemented.

Question 4

4. Equality of Political Rights

Answer 4

Liberal democracy occurs when everyone is empowered with equal rights regardless of ethnicity, gender, age.

Political rights enable political participation in government.

Examples:
1. Right to trial by jury
2. Right to vote
3. Right (freedom) to practice religion