CSL2601
ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 1 YEAR 2022
, QUESTION 1
Critically discuss the features regarded as indispensable to a democratic
government.
Answer
A study of the constitutional text will reveal that there are several different conceptions
or understandings of democracy that can be identified, namely direct democracy,
representative democracy (such as a multiparty democracy), participatory democracy
and constitutional democracy. These conceptions of democracy are discussed below.
Direct democracy
Direct democracy means a system of governance that entails direct participation on
the part of the citizenry, rather than elected representatives, in the rule and decision
making of their political community. Historically, direct democracy is generally
regarded as the ‘purest’ form of democracy that comes closest to achieving the rule of
the people. Direct democracy demands a vote on every piece of legislation by every
eligible member of society. Prevailing democratic systems of governance usually
comprise elected legislatures whose rule is premised on a mandate from the citizenry
who periodically confer the power to decide on their behalf to selected political
ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 1 YEAR 2022
, QUESTION 1
Critically discuss the features regarded as indispensable to a democratic
government.
Answer
A study of the constitutional text will reveal that there are several different conceptions
or understandings of democracy that can be identified, namely direct democracy,
representative democracy (such as a multiparty democracy), participatory democracy
and constitutional democracy. These conceptions of democracy are discussed below.
Direct democracy
Direct democracy means a system of governance that entails direct participation on
the part of the citizenry, rather than elected representatives, in the rule and decision
making of their political community. Historically, direct democracy is generally
regarded as the ‘purest’ form of democracy that comes closest to achieving the rule of
the people. Direct democracy demands a vote on every piece of legislation by every
eligible member of society. Prevailing democratic systems of governance usually
comprise elected legislatures whose rule is premised on a mandate from the citizenry
who periodically confer the power to decide on their behalf to selected political
