Representative and accountable government

A government is democratic when representatives and leaders

reflect the character of the people who chose them, and listen to

and address the needs and concerns of the citizens. If leaders and

representatives fail to do this, then a democratic government gives

citizens the rights and the means to choose others who they feel

will do a better job.

This can be seen in practices and institutions such as:

• Free and fair elections

• Strong political parties (both in government and in opposition)

• Strong laws against corruption and abuse of power

Source: Teehankee, Jolio C. (2005). Liberalism: A Primer. Published by National Institute For Policy Studies. Manila.