WEST BAY LEARNING CENTER

Sangi, Toledo City

(032) 322- 7774

LEARNING MODULE IN TRENDS, NETWORKS AND CRITICAL THINKING

GRADE 12 HUMSS
FOURTH QUARTER, WEEK 5-6
MODULE NO. 4
DEMOCRACY: MODELS, ELEMENTS, PRACTICES, AND INTERVENTIONS
TITLE

LEARNING COMPETENCY

Identify democratic practices (HUMSS_MCT12-llla-c-1)

Explain the importance of participation in democracy (HUMSS_MCT12-llla-c-4)
Differentiate participatory from representative democracy (HUMSS_MCT2-llla-c-4)

OVERVIEW / TO DO LISTS
LEARNER – In this module, you will explain the different models of democracy, analyze the current state of
democracy in the Philippines and illustrate the benefits of democratic participation . For you to be able to do
the activity correctly, read the instruction on every activity. Ask the guidance of your parent in doing the
activity if there are things you can’t understand on the module.
FACILITATOR – Please facilitate your child upon answering or completing this module. Let them do
the task independently.
INTRODUCTION TO THE LESSON
Democracy is one of the forms of government followed by many countries around the world. In this
system, people collectively exercise equal rights to participate in decision-making processes. But is democracy
practiced? What are the different models and elements of democracy? What is the importance of civil society
to democracy? This lesson looks into these important questions.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
 Explain the different models of democracy
 Analyze the current state of democracy in the Philippines.
 Illustrate the benefits of democratic participation
 Share insights the importance of participation in democracy.

WHAT I KNOW
How is democracy manifested in the Philippines
Write your answer using the graphic organizer below.
Topic: What are manifestations or examples of democratic practices in the Philippines?
Manifestations of
democratic practices
LESSON PROPER
REVIEW
We have witnessed the devastating effects and impacts of global climate change on the environment.
What scientists predicted in the past about the global effects of climate change are now happening. We have
heard news about the loss of sea ice, the accelerated rise of sea level, and the lingering and more intense heat
waves in different parts of the world. In general, these array of evidences prove that the damage brought
about by climate change are real and they will continue to occur over time

WHAT I NEED TO KNOW

DEFINING DEMOCRACY
Democracy is derived from two Greek words, namely, demos (people) and kratos (rule) which means
"rule by the people." As a system of government, democracy adheres to the rule of the people. It provides
people the right to exercise "some form of genuine control over government" (Lawson, 1989, 547). Under a
democratic government, the protection of individual liberties, the conduct of free elections, and the assurance
of political equality are safeguarded by the state. In a democracy, people collectively exercise equal rights to
participate in the decision-making processes. Democracy differs from other forms of government like
dictatorship and oligarchy. For example, in a dictatorial form of government, people do not exercise rights in
decision-making. Rather, power is confined to a single individual, called a dictator, who has an autocratic
exercise of political power. In an oligarchic system, power to rule is in the hands of a few people known as
oligarchs (Lawson, 1989, 547 and 550).

DEMOCRACY MODELS
Helena Catt (1999, 5-16) identifies three models of democracy. These are participatory democracy,
direct democracy, and representative or liberal democracy.

Participatory Democracy In a participatory democracy, people rule through the collective discussion of
issues that need to be debated. They discuss and take into consideration as well the possible solutions to the
problem until such time that an arrangement on the best solution or option for the group is achieved. In this
model of democracy, decisions and solutions are agreed upon and made by all members without resorting to a
vote (Catt, 1999, 16). Examples of this form of democracy include members of a cooperative resolving an issue
related to the organization and American political parties organizing conventions to select their presidential
candidate. Catt (1999, 40) enumerates four major components of participatory democracy. These include the
following:

1. All members has the opportunity to raise an issue, provide possible solutions to the problem and take part
in the crafting of the final decision.
2. The issues are discussed during face-to-face meetings.
3. There is much discussion involved in addressing the problem and everyone who wants to join can
contribute to the discussion.
4. Members want consensus.

DIRECT DEMOCRACY

Political scientists define direct democracy in two ways. First, people decide in an assembly or forum of
citizens, without conducting an election or using representatives. Direct democracy has an element of
proximity because people assemble in a particular venue. It also has an element of directness because people
decide for their community together and directly without the use of formal mediation (Saward, 2003, 54-55).
Example of this model includes sports club or condominium owners who vote on the new sports club or
condominium regulations.
Direct democracy is also shown when referendums are conducted Political scientists call it referendum
democracy. Referendum refers to a vote on a particular issue in which the outcome or decision is reached
directly through people's vote. The decision can be made by representatives of the people or anyone else
aside from the voting citizens. Countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Italy used referendum to decide
contentious and constitutional issues (Saward, 2003, 55).
In the Philippines, referendums are allowed in accordance to Republic Act No. 6735 or the "People's
Initiative and Referendum Act" (1989). In the said law, people under a system of initiative and referendum can
directly propose, enact, approve or reject, in whole or in part, the Constitution, laws, ordinances, resolutions
passed by any legislative body upon compliance with the requirements of the Act." In Section 3 (c) of the said
Act, a referendum is conducted by the electorate to approve or reject a particular legislation through an
election called for the purpose. It has two classifications. First is the referendum on statutes or the petition to
approve or reject an act or law or part thereof that was passed by Congress. And the second is the referendum
on local law is a petition to approve or reject a law, resolution, or ordinance enacted by regional assemblies
and local legislative bodies. To exercise the power or referendum, Section 5 of the Act stated that at least 10%
of the total number of registered voters, of which every legislative district is represented by at least 3% of the
registered voters thereof, shall sign a petition for the purpose and register the petition with the Commission
on Elections.
REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY
Representative democracy requires the election of a few members who are responsible for making the
necessary decisions for the people. These people are chosen by the electorate as their representatives in
government and thus they are answerable to the people for making such decisions. Examples of this model
are the elections held in the parents-teachers' association in schools, the presidential elections, election of
members of the Senate or House of Representatives. In our modern world, representative democracy is the
most common model of democracy followed by governments (Catt, 1999, 16). A representative democratic
political system provides regular constitutional opportunities for changing government leaders and a social
mechanism that allows the majority of the people to influence important decisions by selecting government
leaders from a number of candidates (Roskin, et.al, 1997, 64). Under a representative democracy, people vote
during election time in order to choose a new set of national and local leaders. The newly-elected government
leaders exercise political power. Voting and leaders' exercise of political power must enshrined in the laws of
the land known as the constitution.
DEMOCRACY AND THE EXERCISE OF CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS

Democracy values the people's civil and political rights. These rights serve as the cornerstone of
democratic institutions. In a democracy, people enjoy the freedom of religion, movement, assembly,
association, expression information. They also exercise their rights to personal security, protection against
arbitrary detention, and right to a fair trial. Governments must ensure that the political and civil rights of the
people are protected and exercised. Government accountability to protect the people’s civil and political
rights is considered sacred in democracy. Elected officials are answerable to its electorate to ensure their
reelection Legal philosopher Ronald Dworkin (1990) describes vividly how political and civil rights serve as
important pillars of democracy. He contends that the real concept of democracy is Pt merely "statistical
democracy" which refers to what a majority or plurality ner people wants and considered as legitimate on the
basis of their number. Real democracy, on the other hand, is "communal democracy and it exists in the
legitimate decision was made by a majority within a community of equals." Communal democracy, Dworkin
(1990) explains, does not mean that everyone must be allowed to participate in politics as an equal, through
the vote and through the freedom of speech and protest" (Dworkin, 1990, 35-36 as cited by Beetham, 1993,
23). Rather, communal democracy as a real form of democracy is characterized by the following:

1. Political decisions must be rendered to everyone with equal concern and respect."
2. The basic civil and political rights of every individual person are guaranteed.
3. Civil and political rights of a citizen cannot be taken away from him or her on the basis of a person's
race, morals, or way of life (Dworkin, 1990, 35-36 as cited by Beetham, 1993, 23).

ELEMENTS OF REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY

Representative democracy has several key elements. According to Roskin, Cord, Medeiros, and Jones
(1997, 64-70), these key elements include popular support of government, political competition, alternation of
power, popular representation, majority rule, recognition of rights to dissent and disobedience, political
equality, popular consultation, and free press

1. Popular Support of Government

Popular support is a very important component of democracy because democratic governments
needed legitimacy that is rooted from the support that they received from a majority of votes cast by people
in a free and fair elections. The preservation of popular support of people to their leaders is necessary in a
democratic system. No leader has an Inherent or divine right to rule or to hold political power. Leaders in a
democratic state are constitutionally elected by the people during elections. Under a democratic system,
people can hold their leaders accountable for their actions because there are mechanisms enshrined within
democratic constitutions that provides for the dismissal of elected officials who were found to be inutile or
undeserving for public office or reelection National leaders like prime minister, presidents, senators,
representatives, and local leaders like governors, mayors, vice-mayors, and counselors, can be reelected in a
democratic form of government if voters found their public service satisfactory. If not, they end up not being
reelected by the people during elections. It is through the ballot during election period that voters can express
their support and dismay to their leaders. The electoral process also determine the future directions of
government policies.

2. Political Competition
Under a democratic system, the people have several choices when electing officials. Candidates belong
to different political parties and each of them have their own party platform and individual plans of actions for
their constituents. Democratic governments provide for political competition which means that the
constitution allows for at least two candidates to run for a particular public office. In the Philippines, for
example, there are several candidates running for the different government offices. In the last presidential
election in May 2016, there were five presidential candidates who ran for the 2016 Presidential Elections. Each
candidate, belonging to different political parties, has individual platforms and political directions on how to
address the problems of the Philippines. In the local level, there are also a number of candidates who run as
governor, mayor, vice mayor, and counselors in the provinces, towns, and cities throughout the Philippines.

3. Alternation of Power
In a democratic system, government officials, and even the political parties do not always belong to
the majority party Time comes that they will become part of the minority party. This is evident in a democratic
system of government Power is alternated No leader or party stays in power forever nor can they hold the
position for as long as they like. Democratic states exercise alternation of power which means that the reins of
power will occasionally alternate, both in terms of actual officeholders and in terms of prevailing ideas (Roskin,
elal 1997, 65).

4 Popular Representation
People cannot individually tell to the government their respective interests and demands. In
representative democratic governments people vote for legislators and leaders who will serve as their voice in
the national government. They elect representatives and senators in Congress and in the Senate respectively
to promote the welfare and protect interests of their constituents. In the Philippines, at least 200 districts in
the entire country are represented by congressional representatives or a congressman or congresswoman. In
the Senate, there are 24 senators who represent the interests of the Filipinos.

5. Majority Rule
Government decisions are not made under a consensus It is not always 100% acceptable to all parties
concerned During elections not everyone choose a single candidate. So how do representative democratic
governments decide on which policy will be implemented of who will be allowed to govern the country? Well,
the answer is simple. It is through the rule of the majority. Under this democratic element, the decision of the
majority would have to be respected and followed by everyone. Those who got the greatest number of
support or approval will have to be accepted and implemented. Those who got majority number of votes get
elected in public office. It's a Simple procedure that was adopted by the Athenians since the time of ancient
Greece It must be noted, however, that the majority rule system in a democracy must have certain limitations.
Majority rule must not be utilized to coerce, oppress, or trample upon the rights of the minority
When minority rights are not respected, the will of the majority becomes the tyranny of the majority. In a
democracy, it is the duty of the majority block to persuade members of the minority to join them. They should
not be coerced or forced to join the majority. Their right to object or to dissent must be respected and
protected by the state.
6. Recognition of Rights to Dissent and Disobedience.

Democratic governments preserve the rights of people to free expressions and actions As such, people have
the right to resist the orders and policies of the government if they believe that it is against the will of the
people. In contemporary times, right to dissent and disobedience can be seen when people conduct strikes,
rallies, and mass demonstrations to show their displeasure to the policies of the government. The 1986 EDSA
Peoples' Power Revolution is a perfect example of how Filipinos showed their disgust to the government In
February 1986, Filipinos went to EDSA to demonstrate and show their resistance against President Ferdinand
Marcos Filipinos went to the streets of EDSA to show President Marcos and the rest of the world that the
dictator's regime and policies and his unconstitutional reelection in February 1986 were against the will of the
people This nonviolent show of torce of Filipinos and their victory at EDSA when President Marcos let the
country in 1986 showed that democracy in the Philippines is still alive.

7. Political Equality
In representative democratic governments, people have equal rights to run for public office: If a person
satisfies the fundamental requirements to be able to run in a particular government position, then he or she
has the right to be elected. The idea of political equality is criticized by many political scientists because
equality does not really exist in politics. They argue that only those with financial resources, political
connections, and popularity are given chances to be elected in public office. Although this argument is true
most of the time, democratic countries have developed ways to provide marginalized groups and sectors voice
and representation in government. In the Philippines, government has a mechanism for more people to enjoy
political equality. The creation of the party-list system gave proportional representations in the Lower House
(House of Representatives) of the marginalized or underrepresented national regional, and sectoral parties or
organizations in the Philippines. The party-list system lets smaller political parties, marginalized,
underrepresented and financially inadequate sectors to be given a voice in Congress as they represent the
voiceless sectors of society Some of these sectors include the women's sector, labor groups, migrants groups,
teachers, farmers, indigenous groups and the urban poor sector. However, it must be noted that although the
intention of the party-list system is noble, it has been used by some politicians and the elite as a mechanism to
enter government. What usually happens is that politicians who cannot run for reelection in Congress or the
members of the Filipino elite would usually run as a representative of a party list group even if they do not
represent the said marginalized sector or organization. They do not represent the sector because they are not
part of the marginalized or underrepresented sector. This controversy on the party-list system became a trend
in Congress that is why there are moves to abolish the party-list system in the Philippines.

8. Popular Consultation
Governments serve the interests of the people. But does government learn about the needs and interest of
the people? This is done through consultation Government must be responsive to the demands and needs of
its constituents. They must learn from public opinion the different ways on how a government can best serve
its people. There are different ways on how government consults with its people. Public opinion can be taken
through survey polls Mass media act as an important conduit of government so that it can understand the
grievances and needs of the people. Town hall meetings, press conferences, and other related strategies are
employed by the national and local governments to get the sentiments of the people.

9. Free Press
Democratic institutions treasure the proliferation of free press. It means that members of the media have the
right to express, say, or write what they think or feel. Free press informs people, raises people’s awareness,
and tells people how effective or ineffective government is. Absence of freedom of the press creates an
environment for dictatorship. Like what happened in the Philippines during the Martial Laws years (1972-
1981), President Marcos suppressed free press Media was shut down and only the pro-Marcos propaganda
were allowed to circulate in the news. The abolition of free press during the Marcos dictatorship proves the
absence of democracy during the Martial Law.

CIVIL SOCIETY AND DEMOCRACY

The presence of civil society is also necessary in a democratic state. Civil society is defined as
intermediate organizations in between the primary units of society that includes individuals, families, clans,
ethnic groups, and the governmental agencies and institutions. The network of private organizations including
political parties and the different private voluntary organizations can be considered as part of civil society Chel
society is an important condition but its presence is not enough to say that democracy really exists For
democracy to exist, civil society must have the freedom express their sentiments as individuals or collectively
in matters pertaining to both political and nonlocal issues and topics. The nature and structure of civil society
differs in many countries It must be noted that a healthy democratic state must have independent civil society
institutions (Samarasinghe, 1994, 13). Recently, the emergence of global civil society has been prominent in
the international arena. These organizations have become global because these civil society organizations and
their respective agenda are no longer confined to a particular geographic territory All these organizations
operate around the world and organize "cross border social activities, business, and politics outside the
borders of government structures" (Keane, 2003, 9). Global civil society has reached an international audience
and its influence has been global as well. The rise of global civil society can be attributed to the increasing
threats of nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare to humanity.
The worldwide dangers of disasters, diseases, political and social Injustice, discrimination,
environmental degradation, and poverty became the primary reasons for the formation of global civil society
groups and organizations (Axtmann, 2003, 85). Some of these organizations that has tuned global include
Amnesty International, Transparency International, Indigenous Peoples Bio-Diversity Network, Shack/Slum
Dwellers International and others John Keane (2003, 8-9) describes global civil society as nongovernment
structures and activities composed of individuals households, profit-seeking businesses, not-for-profit NGOS,
coalitions social movements, linguistic communities and cultural identities Global civil society also includes aid
organizations, think-tanks, famous individuals. Campaign and lobby groups, trade unions, and independent
media (Keane, 2003. 8-9)

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED

Directions: Identify the term or concept described below. Write your answer on the line.
_______________ 1. Organizations that operate around the world and organize cross-border social activities
outside the borders of government.
_______________ 2. In this model of democracy, people rule through the collective discussion of issues that
need to be debated.
_______________ 3. In this model of democracy, people vote during election time in order to choose a new
set of national and local leaders.
_______________ 4. These are intermediate organizations in between the primary units of society that
include individuals, families, clans, ethnic groups, and the governmental agencies and
institutions.
_______________ 5. The Laws of the Land that people and its government follow.
_______________ 6. Democratic rights of the media to freely express what he or she thinks or feels as means
to inform and make people aware of the actions of government.
_______________ 7. Democratic practice that allows the electorate to approve or reject a particular
legislation through an election called for the purpose.
_______________ 8. System of government that allows the individuals and groups to exercise equal rights in
participating in different decision-making processes.
______________ 9. A real form of democracy wherein the vital civil and political rights of every individual
person are ensured.
______________ 10 .Element of representative democracy that was exercised by the Athenians during ancient
times.

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

Name:__________________________________________________________________________________
Grade and Section:__________________________________________________Date:__________________
Direction: Answer the following questions based on you critical thinking.
1. How would you explain the similarities and differences of the three models of democracy. Use the
Venn diagram to explain your answer.
2. Why is free press important in a democratic state?
3. How does global civil society operate across borders?

REFLECTION
How is political equality exercised in a democracy?

REFERENCES
MELC (Most Essential learning Competency)
Trends, networks, and Critical Thinking in 21st Century Culture by Arliegh Ross D. Dela Cruz
Cecile C. Fadrigon and Napoleon M. Mabaquiao