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Functional, Partial And Full Democracy: What Is At Stake And Why Should We All Take Issue With Such “Trivial” Matters? 

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Is there more to democracy than systems, states, organization and parliamentary government, non-dictatorship? 

Is functional democracy settling for more or less? 

Is it useful, practical, handy, efficient, well0deisnged, service-able and worthy operation and organization of society is a firm foundation and rationale for functional democracy. 

There are several levels and layer, conditions and ratings of ‘democracy’ worldwide. Countries vary. 

Take The Economist rating system or Democracy Index for example, with scores between zero and ten.

There are full (8-10), flawed ( 6-7.9), hybrid (4-5.9), or authoritarian governance (below 4). 

Questions regarding functional democracies according to the following criteria might cast some light on what is and what is not a ‘democratic’ society. 

Democracies offer (i) Free and fair national elections, (ii) Safety and security of voters (iii) Foreign powers and influences on government (iv) Implementation of policies efficiencies, processes and resources.

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Compromise/Commitment – Dangers and Risks

Functional democracies, advocate efficiencies and complete comprehensive, accountable governing practices and structures, for public trust, even if it is not yet full or perfect.

It needs to work be and do what it is supposed to, protecting its population, people, groups, minorities, rights, freedoms and civil liberties, right to life, freedom, equality. 

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Imperatives and Incentives

Improvement culture and dedication, work ethic and adherence to democratic principles, compliance shapes and guides all that is decided and done. 

How control and society is run and operated, in/between and across the executive, legal/judicial, levels of government, local, state and federal, national and international sets the tone, pace and screening, qualifying criteria for performing, optimized functional democracy. 

To illustrate, the declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776), words this fundamental functional democracy principle very well, as the rule of thumb: All men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. 

Being fully engaged, involved, participating, right to vote, voice, education, health, access and equality has to be in place and maintained. 

So what about poverty and minority rights – does it qualify or disqualify countries and governments as functional, flawed or full democracies? 

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A Final Thought…

Even with regular elections, fundamental rights (guaranteed),even if only in principle it might not always be diligently safeguarded.

The real question then becomes, if citizens do not have, taste, share and enjoy the liberties of stable, practical and sustainable democracy, development and differentiation. 

Can and do they have an influence on the course of policy-making, or even a say in some of those very administrative or political practices and agendas, that so often and easily can lead to abuse of power and public office?

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