Democratization
Definition
Democratization refers to the process of transitioning a government or society from an authoritarian or non-democratic system to one that is democratic, where power is held by the people and there are free and fair elections.
Analogy
Imagine a school where the principal makes all the decisions without consulting the students. Democratization would be like when the students come together, vote for their representatives, and have a say in how things are run.
Related terms
Authoritarianism: Authoritarianism is a form of government characterized by strong central power and limited political freedoms for citizens.
Civil Society: Civil society refers to organizations and institutions outside of the government that play a role in shaping public opinion and advocating for various causes.
Political Participation: Political participation involves citizens engaging in activities such as voting, protesting, or joining interest groups to influence political decisions.
"Democratization" appears in:
Study guides (4)
Additional resources (2)
Practice Questions (3)
- Which country is described as an emerging democracy where the multiparty system symbolizes democratization?
- Which of the following factors is NOT typically associated with the process of democratization?
- Which of the following is a primary goal of democratization?
Resources
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