THE ROLE AND RIGHTS IN A DEMOCRACY

THE ROLE OF THE CITIZEN IN A DEMOCRACY. 

1. The key role of citizens in a democracy is to participate in public life.

2. Citizens have an obligation to become informed about public issues, to watch carefully how their political leaders and representatives use their powers, and to express their own opinions and interests.

3. Voting in elections is another important civic duty of all citizens.

4. But to vote wisely, each citizen should listen to the views of the different parties and candidates, and then make his or her own decision on whom to support.

5. Participation can also involve campaigning for a political party or candidate, standing as a candidate for political office, debating public issues, attending community meetings, petitioning the government, and even protesting.

6. A vital form of participation comes through active membership in independent, non-governmental organizations, what we call “civil society.”

7. These organizations represent a variety of interests and beliefs: farmers, workers, doctors, teachers, business owners, religious believers, women, students, human rights activists.
8. It is important that women participate fully both in politics and in civil society.
9. This requires efforts by civil society organizations to educate women about their democratic rights and responsibilities, improve their political skills, represent their common interests, and involve them in political life.
10. In a democracy, participation in civic groups should be voluntary. No one should be forced to join an organization against their will.
11. Political parties are vital organizations in a democracy, and democracy is stronger when citizens become active members of political parties.
12. However, no one should support a political party because he is pressured or threatened by others. In a democracy, citizens are free to choose which party to support.
13. Democracy depends on citizen participation in all these ways. But participation must be peaceful, respectful of the law, and tolerant of the different views of other groups and individuals.

The Rights of Citizens in a Democracy
1. In a democracy, every citizen has certain basic rights that the state cannot take away from them.
2. These rights are guaranteed under international law.
3. You have the right to have your own beliefs, and to say and write what you think.
4. No one can tell you what you must think, believe, and say or not say.
5. There is freedom of religion. Everyone is free to choose their own religion and to worship and practice their religion as they see fit.
6. Every individual has the right to enjoy their own culture, along with other members of their group, even if their group is a minority.
7. There is freedom and pluralism in the mass media.
8. You can choose between different sources of news and opinion to read in the newspapers, to hear on the radio, and to watch on television.
9. You have the right to associate with other people, and to form and join organizations of your own choice, including trade unions.
10. You are free to move about the country, and if you wish, to leave the country.
11. You have the right to assemble freely, and to protest government actions.
12. However, everyone has an obligation to exercise these rights peacefully, with respect for the law and for the rights of others.