10 Major Difference Between Military And Democratic Government. In This Blog Post You Will Discover The 10Major Difference Between Military And Democratic Government.
Difference Between Military And Democratic Government, Are you wondering why armed forces sometimes intervene in politics? Or may you wants to know what distinguishes the military Government from the Democratic government?
Well, search no more because right here in this article, we will walk you through the answers to the questions in your head. So let’s dive into!!
What is a Military Government
Military government refers to a system of government where the military holds power and controls the governing of a country. It usually occurs when the military takes control of the government through a coup or other means.
Nigeria, and some other countries like Myanmar, Egypt, Pakistan, and Thailand has experienced military rule . It’s important to note that political situations can change, and countries can transition from military rule to civilian governments.
Military governments are known for their strict control and authority over the country.
What is a Democratic Government
Democratic government is a system of government where the power lies with the people. It allows citizens to participate in decision-making processes through voting and electing representatives.
In a democratic government, individual rights and freedoms are protected, and there is a separation of powers among different branches of government. This system aims to ensure equality, accountability, and the well-being of the people. It’s a pretty cool system that allows citizens to have a say in how their country is governed.
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10 Major Difference Between Military And Democratic Governments
With a comparison between Military and Democratic governments, here are 10 major features that distinguishes Military from Democratic governments.
- Rule Of Law
- Transparency
- Civil Liberty
- Decision Making
- Leadership
- Power Source
- Political Participation
- Transition Of Power
- International Relation
- Economic Policies.
1. Rule Of Law
Rule of law implies supremacy of the law thus, military governments operates under martial law or emergency powers, thereby bypassing the regular legal system, while democratic governments uphold the rule of law and due process.
2. Transparency
Military governments tend to be less transparent in their decision-making processes, whereas democratic governments aim for transparency and openness.
3. Civil Liberty
Military governments often restrict civil liberties, such as freedom of speech and assembly, whereas democratic governments prioritize protecting and upholding these rights.
4. Decision Making
Military governments make decisions based on the interests and priorities of the military, while democratic governments make decisions based on the will of the people through elections and public participation.
5. Leadership
Military governments are typically led by military officials or dictators, whereas democratic governments are led by elected representatives or presidents.
6. Power Source
In a military government, power is derived from the military itself, while in a democratic government, power comes from the people.
7. Political Participation
Military governments limit or suppress political participation, while democratic governments encourage citizen engagement and participation in the political process.
8. Transition Of Power
Military governments often have a history of abrupt transitions of power through coups or military interventions, whereas democratic governments have peaceful transitions of power through elections.
9. International Relation
Military governments may have strained relationships with other countries due to their lack of democratic legitimacy, while democratic governments engage in international relations based on diplomatic norms and principles.
10. Economic Policies
Military governments may implement economic policies that prioritize military spending over social welfare, while democratic governments aim for balanced economic policies that benefit the overall population.
Law Made By Military Is Called
The laws made by a military government are often referred to as “decrees” or “military decrees.” These decrees are typically issued by the military authorities and carry the force of law during the military government’s rule.
Military Government In Africa
Military governments have had a significant presence in various African countries throughout history. In some cases, military governments have come to power through coups or other means, often with the aim of restoring stability or addressing perceived political or economic challenges.
One notable example is Nigeria, which experienced several periods of military rule. From 1966 to 1979 and again from 1983 to 1999, Nigeria was under military rule for a significant portion of its history.
During these periods, military governments implemented various policies and faced both praise and criticism for their actions.
It’s important to note that military governments in Africa, as in other parts of the world, have faced criticism for human rights abuses, limitations on civil liberties, and lack of democratic processes.
However, it’s also worth mentioning that not all military governments are the same, and the experiences and impact can vary widely depending on the specific country and context.
Five Features of Military Government
Here are five key characteristics of the military government:
- Concentration of Power
- Suspension of Civilian Rule
- Restriction of Civil Liberties
- Lack of Democratic Processes
- Emphasis on National Security
Problems of Military Government
Military governments can face several challenges and problems. Some common issues include:
- Lack of Democratic Governance
- Human Rights Abuses
- Economic Instability
- Lack of Civilian Expertise
- Legitimacy and International Relations
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Types Of Military Government
There are different types of military governments that can be observed in different countries. Some common types include:
1. Junta: This refers to a military government where a group of military officers takes control of the government and exercises power collectively. Juntas often rule by decree and may suspend or dissolve existing political institutions.
2. Single Military Leader: In this type of military government, power is concentrated in the hands of a single military leader who assumes control over the government. This leader may hold the title of president, chairman, or another similar position.
3. Military Council: A military council is a form of military government where a group of military leaders forms a council or committee to collectively govern the country. The council may have a hierarchical structure with a chairman or president.
4. Revolutionary Military Government: This type of military government arises from a military coup or revolution, where the military takes control of the government to implement political, social, or economic changes. Revolutionary military governments often aim to overthrow an existing regime.
5. Transitional Military Government: A transitional military government is established during a period of political transition, such as after a civil war or the collapse of a previous government. The military assumes temporary control until a new political system is established.
Best Paying Jobs In Military Government Technical
In military government technical roles, some of the best paying jobs can be in areas such as engineering, cybersecurity, and intelligence analysis.
These roles often require specialized skills and expertise, and they play a crucial role in supporting the military government’s operations and national security.
Why Democratic Government Is Better Than Other Governments
Democratic government is often considered better than other forms of government for several reasons. First, it allows for the participation of citizens in decision-making processes through voting and elections, giving them a voice in shaping policies and choosing their leaders. This promotes accountability and ensures that the government represents the interests of the people.
Second, democratic governments typically uphold individual rights and freedoms, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and expression. This allows for a more inclusive and diverse society where people can freely express their opinions and beliefs.
Principles Of Democratic Government
In a democratic government, there are several key principles that guide its functioning:
1. Popular Sovereignty
2. Rule of Law
3. Political Equality
4. Protection of Individual Rights
5. Separation of Powers
6. Transparency and Accountability
Democratic Government In Nigeria
Democratic governments in Nigeria are based on the principles of democracy, where power is vested in the people and exercised through free and fair elections. Nigeria operates a federal system of government, with three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial.
The executive branch is headed by the President, who is elected by the citizens through a popular vote. The President serves as the head of state and government, and is responsible for implementing policies and overseeing the affairs of the country.
The legislative branch consists of the National Assembly, which is made up of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. Members of the National Assembly are elected by the people to represent their constituencies and make laws.
The judicial branch is responsible for interpreting and applying the law. The Supreme Court is the highest court in Nigeria, and it ensures the protection of individual rights and the constitutionality of government actions.
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Advantages Of Democratic Government
Here are five advantages of democratic government:
1. Freedom of Expression
2. Protection of Individual Rights
3. Peaceful Transitions of Power
4. Accountability and Transparency
5. Economic Prosperity
Disadvantages Of Democratic Government
Her are some disadvantages of democratic government:
1. Slow Decision-Making
2. Majority Rule vs. Minority Rights
3. Political Polarization
4. Influence of Money in Politics
5. Lack of Expertise in Decision-Making
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FAQs About Difference Between Military And Democratic Government
1. What is the best definition of a democratic government?
Democratic government is best define as the government of the people by the people and for the people. In this system people elect their representatives through voting.
2. What is called democratic government?
The word “democracy” is derived from the Greek words “demos,” meaning “people,” and “kratos,” meaning “power” or “rule.” So, democracy literally means “rule by the people.” It originated in ancient Greece and has since become a widely used term to describe a form of government where power rests with the citizens.
3. Who is the father of democracy?
The father of democracy is often attributed to Cleisthenes, an ancient Athenian statesman. He is known for his significant role in the development of democratic reforms in Athens around 508 BCE.
Cleisthenes introduced various democratic principles, such as equal political rights for citizens and the establishment of the Council of Five Hundred. His reforms laid the foundation for the democratic system that we recognize today.
4. What are the top 3 forms of government?
The top three forms of government are democracy, monarchy, and dictatorship. In a democracy, power rests with the people who elect representatives to make decisions.
A single ruler, such as a king or queen, holds power in Monarchy system of government.
In a dictatorship, power is vest in the hands of one individual who exercises absolute authority. Each form of government has its own characteristics and implications for how decisions are made and how to distribute power.
5. What are the 7 roles of government?
7 basic roles of the government includes:
- Providing Public Goods and Services
- Maintaining of law and order
- Protecting the Environment
- Managing of the Economy
- Promoting Social Welfare
- Ensuring National Security
- Fostering International relations.
Conclusion
Military governments often prioritize national security and may have a more centralized and hierarchical structure. They may also have restrictions on civil liberties and limited political freedoms. In contrast, democratic governments prioritize individual rights, freedoms, and the rule of law. They provide opportunities for citizens to participate in governance, express their opinions, and hold their representatives accountable.
It’s important to note that each form of government has its own strengths and weaknesses, and their effectiveness can vary depending on the specific circumstances and context. It’s also worth mentioning that many countries have transitioned from military to democratic governments over time.
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