Liberal Democracy Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Liberal Democracy - Coursework Example Statutory laws and controlled institutions are relied upon to guarantee the liberal and constitutional rights of the citizens (Kukathas 2004, p. 45). According to Held (2006, p.73), liberal democracy is well supported by the political theory of pluralism, which allows individuals and groups reach for their interests in the political process, hence, decisions are arrived at through compromise to accommodate the interests of all stakeholders and interest groups. One of the main elements of a liberal democracy is the constitution. The constitution in liberal democracies starts with the assumption of sovereignty, vesting the ultimate power in the people. The democracy presupposes that people can control their destiny and that they make moral judgments and practical decisions in their daily lives (Wallace 2007 pg. 7). It requires a decision-making system based on majority rule, with the protection of minority rights; seeks to protect in  judgments while controlling the majority (majoritarianism) by trying to face out the practice of majority rule (Dunn 1994, pg 11). The constitutions of liberal democracies mostly uphold the four main concepts of democratic creed namely: individualism, liberty, equality and fraternity. Individualism states that the prime objective of democratic government is to protect citizens so that each individual in the state can achieve the highest level of personal development (Marlman 2009, pg13). Liberty is in essence allowing individuals the highest degree of freedom that is consistent with order and natural justice. Equality states and maintains that all people are equal in creation have equal opportunities and rights (Mueller 2007, p.41).