7 Examples of fundamental values ​​in a democracy

Democracy, as a modern political system, is a way of living in society, which is only viable if it is based on a set of values, such as freedom, equality, justice, respect, tolerance, pluralism and participation..

These values, which are fundamental to its operation, are the result of the evolution of our societies. Next, we expose you the 7 most important values ​​of democracy.

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Freedom

Freedom is fundamental to a democratic system, since it guarantees the individual the possibility of self-government. This means that a person is not obliged to assume or abide by those obligations or links that he does not accept as valid.

Freedom guarantees the individual to participate voluntarily in the political actions and decisions that concern him. However, freedom cannot be unlimited; it ends where that of the others begins.

In a democracy, freedom, as a form of political and social participation, translates into freedom of expression, thought, assembly, association, demonstration, suffrage, etc.

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Equality

Equality is a principle according to which the State must guarantee that all citizens have the same rights and obligations, without favoring or belittling one or the other individual or group.

In the political and social life of a democracy, everyone's right must be respected regardless of skin color, sex, religion, origin or purchasing power.

In equality, there are no rich or poor, better or worse, entrepreneurs or workers for the State, but only one class of individual: the citizen.

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Justice

Justice, the rule of law, legality and its institutionality, permanence and stability are fundamental to the existence of a democracy, since it cannot exist if there is no respect for the rights and freedoms of citizens.

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Respect

Within a democracy, relationships at the social and interpersonal level must be within a framework of mutual respect. Respect is not only essential for harmonious coexistence, but also so that there is justice, freedom, equality, tolerance and pluralism.

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Participation

Participation is a key element of the democratic system, because thanks to this power resides in the vote, which is a manifestation of popular sovereignty.

In democracy, we all have the right to participate with proposals and ideas and to submit them to consultation to choose, under the principle of the majority and respect for their will, what course to take as a group.

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Pluralism

Pluralism supposes the recognition, respect and appreciation of the diversity and complexity of the individuals and groups that are part of society.

Certainly, before the law and before the State, we are all equal, however, in reality we all have different interests, needs, points of view, beliefs or ideologies.

Pluralism embraces that reality, since it understands that there cannot be a single conception of the world, and that social reality is multiple, like the individuals who coexist in it.

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Tolerance

Tolerance is an essential value in a democratic society because it allows us to live and coexist with plurality in a respectful and harmonious way. In tolerance, the other is an equal whose particularities and differences we respect and value.

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• Tolerance.The 7 basic characteristics of all democracy.