Introduction
Democracy arises out of the notion that those who are equal in any respect are equal in all respects; because men are equally free, they claim to be absolutely equal.
~ Aristotle
Welcome to Unit 3 Democratic values and structures. In this unit, we explain democracy as both a set of values and a set of institutions and practices. You are asked to grapple first with the question of what reasonable limitations governments can place on individual rights in a democracy; and then with what the relationship should be between rights and duties. We examine democracy as a style of government – including citizen participation, organised opposition, the rule of law, ‘just and honest’ government. Three styles and techniques of democratic decision-making are described. You will learn about some of the ways that the Commonwealth Secretariat works to support and progress democratic culture in member countries. Finally, we look at some techniques for encouraging democracy in youth work. It will take you roughly 6 hours to review and reflect on the material in this unit.