NB: This
continues an overview on Civic Education Vol. 1 on “Democracy and Elections for
Everyone, General Editor: Patrick Harrington, Published by Pauline
Publications, Nairobi.
CHAPTER TWO
Principles for a Successful Democracy
“The common good consists of three essential
elements: respect for all, and promotion of the fundamental rights of the
person; prosperity, or the development of the spiritual and temporal goods of
society; the peace and security of the group and its members” (Catechism of the
Catholic Church, 1925)
In Chapter Two the Civic Education 1 on
Democracy and Elections for Everyone, the general editor Right Rev Patrick
Harrington SMA, Bishop Emeritus of Lodwar Diocese, Kenya, looks at three main
principles which can help to create a culture of democracy. looks at the following topics:
1.
The Principle of Subsidiarity
2.
The Principles of Solidarity
3.
The Principle of
Responsibility
1.
The Principle of Subsidiarity.
Bishop Harrington explains that the
Principle of Subsidiarity refers to “the right of every citizen to play an
active part in the social and political administration of public affairs”. In
the order of governance, there ought to be consideration for decisions to be
made at the local level and not the larger or centralized body/authority of
governance to made all decisions for the local level.
The principle of
subsidiarity is opposed to all forms of collectivism. It sets limits for state
intervention. It aims at harmonizing the relationships between individuals and societies”
In a democracy, this is important in the
sense that it promotes local and individual responsibility in the manner of
executing authority. In the language of today, this principle of subsidiarity
has to do with decentralization or devolution of powers or control. This promotes
sharing of responsibilities, ownerships of tasks and empowers individual
responsibility.
2.
The Principle of Solidarity.
Bishop Harrington defines solidarity as “unanimity of attitude or purpose”. That
is, a firm and steadfast commitment to
the common good of all. The Principle of Solidarity highlights the
following:
-
A human being is social by
nature.
-
Awareness that individual and
peoples are interdependent.
-
The need and willingness to recognize the strong ties that unite people and social groups among themselves.
It is from this understanding that “a commitment to concrete action for the
good of all” comes from. This is the basis for unity, sharing of needs, recognizing the dignity of others and commitment to defending the fundamental
rights of all.
In this regard, all citizens of the land
and especially leaders of any society, must ensure that food, justice,
education, health care and fundamental rights are available to all and are
respect. In this way ensure peace, unity, development and happiness for all.
3.
The Principle of
Responsibility.
The author looks at the Principle of
Responsibility by stating that in a democracy, “Citizens must consciously take
upon themselves to act or not to act, and to be answerable for their decisions.
… Citizen must remember their personal and social responsibilities”. They must have regard for the rights of
others, do their duties in relation to others and seek the common good of all.
The public authorities are supposed to
establish structures of governance, a
judicial system and cultural environment that can help citizens to fulfill their
responsibilities without undue suppression of their rights and duties.
It is on these three Principles and pillars
of governing a society that a culture of democracy at various levels of
governance can be founded. It applied together in a reasonable and regular
manner; they can help to build a society
wherein all citizens will feel valued, appreciated, happy and free.
Questions for
Reflection and/or Discussion:
- Are clear principles necessary for a true democracy?
- It is true that higher authorities, the more removed they are from people, the person just becomes just a number?
- How can “the authorities” defend and promote the common good of the citizens?
Source: AMECEA Pastoral Department.
Original Text: Pauline Publications Africa.
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