Question 1
Highlight five features that make democracy the most popular system of government.
Observation
This question was popular among the candidates. The candidates who attempted it performed very well in section A but poorly in section B and scored low marks. However, some candidates deprived themselves good marks by misinterpreting section B. Candidates were expected to provide the following answers to the question.
- A system of electing and replacing government
- Popular participation by citizens in government
- Protection of Fundamental Human Rights/enjoyment of Fundamental Human Rights
- Practice of Rule of Law
- Freedom of Assembly/Association
- Freedom of speech, expression and choice
- Protection of minority rights
- Free, fair and periodic elections
- Multi-party system
- Existence of a constitution
- Separation of Powers/Checks and Balances
- Majority rule
- A system that promotes accountability and transparency in governance
- Existence of free press/Media plurality
- Tolerance of opposition views/opinions
- Supremacy of the constitution
- Existence of institutions for the protection of human rights e.g. Ombudsman
- Fixed/regulated tenure of office
- Existence of independent judiciary
- Existence of universal adult suffrage
- Provision for constitutional amendment