Democracy

Democracy is a normative political concept that refers to the governing of state affairs by the people. It is a highly contested abstract concept which Heywood describes as "vague," and Sartori similarly stated that it is a "provocative," concept. According to De Baecque democracy is the "self government in a society made up of free and equal citizens," and Goodwin agrees and states that it is "some form of constitution which limits the power of government." Abraham Lincoln summarised democracy commenting that is the "government of the people by the people and for the people." Many scholars agree with this and say that the emphasis in democracy is on the role of the people in government which. As a result democracy is closely linked to equality and freedom. This has positive connotations and however equality and freedom are in themselves conceptually broad terms and it is therefore necessary to outline democracy's relevant spheres of analysis and evaluation.