AN EVALUATION OF THE DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM OF GOVERNANCE AND ITS INFLUENCE ON A NATION'S ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study Reaching a universal consensus on the definition of democracy has long posed a challenge. However, its foundational idea is widely traced back to Athens in the 5th century BC. According to the Webster New Encyclopaedic Dictionary (1995), democracy refers to a form of governance in which ultimate authority resides with the people, who may exercise this power either directly or through elected representatives. Lindell and Scott (1999) explain that the term originates from the Greek word demokratia, coined in the 5th century BC from demos (meaning "people") and kratos (meaning "power" or "rule"). It is important to note that the democratic framework of ancient Athens was limited to a select group of free men, excluding both women and slaves from participation. In a lecture titled What is Democracy?, Lutz (1994) outlined four essential elements that define a democratic system: (i) the mechanism for selecting and replacing government officials through free and fair elections; (ii) active participation of citizens in political and civic life; (iii) safeguarding of fundamental human rights for all citizens; and (iv) the rule of law, where all individuals are treated equally under the law. Popper, as cited in Javie (2006), defines democracy as the antithesis of tyranny or dictatorship, emphasizing the capacity of the people to hold leaders accountable without resorting to violence or rebellion. Popper’s interpretation aligns with the reality that democracy manifests in various forms today. One such form is direct democracy, where all citizens actively participate in decision-making. Another, more prevalent form, is representative democracy, where sovereign power resides with the people, but authority is exercised by elected representatives. This concept has evolved through historical epochs such as the Middle Ages, the Reformation, the Enlightenment, and pivotal political revolutions like those in America and France (Encyclopaedia Britannica). In a representative democracy, Dahl, Shapiro, and Cheibib (2003) assert that every citizen’s vote carries equal weight, there are no arbitrary restrictions on who may seek elected office, and rights and freedoms are constitutionally protected. An example of such a system is the Westminster model in the United Kingdom, which includes a constitutional monarch, parliamentary governance, and judicial independence. This contrasts with the U.S. model, which is rooted in the separation of powers among the executive, legislature, and judiciary. Representative democracy facilitates competitive elections that uphold equality and transparency, ensuring electoral rules are predetermined and non-discriminatory. Kelsen (1955) and Barak (2006) further argue that freedom of expression, political communication, and a free press are vital democratic elements that enable citizens to make informed choices aligned with their interests. Nussbaum (2000) posits that democracy’s core lies in the full and free participation of citizens in shaping their society, while Diamond (2006) emphasizes that democratic governance grants every eligible individual an equal voice in legislation. The evolution of Nigeria’s political system began with the establishment of political parties, starting with the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) founded by Herbert Macaulay in 1922. This marked the beginning of the struggle for decolonization, self-rule, and ultimately, independence. Nigeria’s constitutional development evolved from the 1914 amalgamation through a series of constitutions—the 1922 Clifford Constitution, the 1946 Richards Constitution (which introduced regionalism), the 1951 Macpherson Constitution, and the 1954 Lyttleton Constitution, which legally instituted a federal system with three regions: Northern (Kaduna), Eastern (Enugu), and Western (Ibadan). By 1939, the Southern Protectorate had been split into Eastern and Western regions, while the North remained largely unchanged under colonial administration. The relationship between democracy, politics, the economy, and national development continues to be a central theme in comparative political economy and development studies. Interpretations of this relationship depend significantly on how "development" is defined. Scholars who support Sen’s (1999) concept of development as "freedom"—including social opportunities, political rights, transparency, and protective security—argue that democracy inevitably fosters development. Supporting this view, Lawal and Olukayode (2012) posit that democracy enhances development, suggesting that communities with strong democratic norms experience more sustainable progress. According to Lepset (1959), democratic principles promote performance and developmental outcomes by embedding values such as honesty, transparency, accountability, and peaceful coexistence within governance. This line of thought suggests a reciprocal relationship: democratic achievement fuels national growth and vice versa. While democracy and national development possess unique features such as inclusivity, capacity building, and freedom (Mazrui, 2002), democratization functions as an independent variable determining the level of development a nation can attain. Nevertheless, Osaghae (1995) warns that democracy’s potential to drive development depends heavily on the surrounding political and social context. The duration and maturity of democratic practices also influence developmental outcomes. A key component of both democracy and national development is popular participation, which refers to enabling citizens to partake in governance, policy-making, and agenda-setting in a way that reflects the collective interests of society. Zack-Williams (2001) asserts that without democracy, development cannot thrive. He argues that democracy empowers citizens to demand accountability and transparency, thus placing a check on governance through peaceful, institutionalized mechanisms. Azra (2003) supports this view, stating that the absence of core democratic tenets—such as civic responsibility, participatory governance, and institutional accountability—undermines national progress. On the other hand, Bellinger and Acre (2010) suggest that democracy shapes the societal response to economic reforms. They argue that a democratic setting fosters a conducive environment for civic engagement and economic transformation. Similarly, Goldstone (2004) advocates for encouraging, rather than stifling, collective political participation as a means of enhancing development. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Democracy is not an event but a gradual process that paves the way for meaningful progress. The more a society embraces democratic values, the greater its prospects for achieving sustainable economic and political development. As Lepset (1959) noted, without the internalization and adherence to democratic principles by leaders and public officials, the benefits of governance and growth remain elusive. Rodrik (2000) underscores the importance of establishing robust socio-political and economic institutions as a prerequisite for national development. These include greater civic involvement, institutional compromise, and participatory governance. Echoing this view, Dahl (2003) contends that effective development hinges on an institutional framework that aligns political incentives with the goals of economic advancement and social well-being. Given these perspectives, it becomes essential to investigate how the democratic form of governance influences both the economic and political development of a nation. 1.3 Objective of the study The primary objective of the study is as follows 1.        To examine what democratic system of government is all about. 2.        To evaluate the challenges of running a democratic system of government. 3.        To investigate if democratic principles affects economic and political growth of Nigeria. 4.        To find out how democratic system of government can be sustained in other for economic and political growth. 1.4 Research Questions The following questions have been prepared for this study 1)        What is a democratic system of government? 2)        What are the challenges of running a democratic system of government? 3)        Does democratic principles affects economic and political growth of Nigeria? 4)        how can democratic system of government be sustained in other for economic and political growth? 1.5 Research hypotheses H0: democratic system of government does not have an impact on the economic and political growth of a nation Ha: democratic system of government have an impact on the economic and political growth of a nation 1.5 Significance of the study This study focuses on democratic system of government and its impact  on the economic and political growth of a nation. Hence the study is significant to the Nigerian government and the several political parties as they will see the need to work hand in hand in other to sustain Nigeria s democracy. The study is significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature. 1.6 Scope of the study The study will  evaluate the Democratic System of Governance and Its Influence on a Nation's Economic and Political Development.  Also, the study will evaluate the challenges of running a democratic system of government. The study will further investigate if democratic principles affects economic and political growth of Nigeria. Lastly, the study will find out how democratic system of government can be sustained in other for economic and political growth. Hence the study will be delimited Nigeria. 1.7 Limitation of the study This study was constrained by a number of factors which are as follows:  just like any other research, ranging from unavailability of needed accurate materials on the topic under study, inability to get data Financial constraint , was faced by  the researcher ,in getting relevant materials  and  in printing and collation of questionnaires Time factor: time factor pose another constraint since having to shuttle between writing of the research and also engaging in other academic work making it uneasy for the researcher 1.8 Definition of terms Democracy:  a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.