Response to Diamond and Morlino Elements of Democracy - Assignment Example

When political equality is leveraged in the institution of the governments then, it means that the government has an all-inclusive government that takes everybody in its chores (Diamond & Morlino, 25). In such an arrangement, the greater percentage of the populace will have to get a pie of the national cake. More so, competition can only thrive when there is equality. Equality is the only component that calls for contestants on the same ballot. Therefore, competition as an element is misplaced or repetitive.

However, this dimension has no difference at all when "participation" as a dimension is factored in. Participation according to many pundits means involving decision-making, sharing the national cake, and the appointing of key governmental jobs. If there is a new understanding of the word "Participation", then it could be different or function differently with equality (Diamond & Morlino, 23). It is only with the presence of equality that participation can thrive. A claim that participation and equality are two different pillars of democracy is myopic at its best and redundant at its worst.

Secondly, the duo, have mentioned vertical accountability and horizontal accountability. They have gone ahead and mentioned responsiveness. The two are interrelated. It is only that responsiveness is complex and takes into account many things including vertical accountability. The political environment that enables responsiveness is similar to those that support responsiveness and are all enshrined in democracy (Diamond & Morlino, 26). The two, therefore, are the same.

In addition, the mention of respect and rule of law as different is perfect. Rule of law is nonsense where respect is non-existent. Rule of law brings a fair playing ground for the entire nation, and it takes respect and humility of the mighty to be the same as the poor who are viewed on the lenses of being under the law (Diamond & Morlino, 26). It's only respect that will lead to rule of law and allowing no to be so mighty to be over the law or so small to be beneath the very law.

In conclusion, there are other important elements other than the repetition that Diamond and Morlino have presented in the eight-fold. Elements such as human dignity, informing the public political freedom, and the common good could have added more value to the meaning of democracy.