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Private Funding proposal from NGO to Aghakhan Foundation

Introduction

This is a private proposal from a non-profit organization that is community based seeking funding from Aghakhan Foundation to form a new housing management company that is of low income. Slum Upgrading Association (SUA) is requesting a grant from Aghakhan Foundation to strengthen the capability of our organization by financing the anticipated planning of two years, implementation, development, startup and period for expansion for our new company for housing management.

Our successful comparative venture bid to do management of 300 units of low income multifamily homeownership housing, under ownership of the Dhahran city, sets off our management program that is expanded to attract the working families and individuals back to an economic area that is revitalizing, and continue to rebuild and stabilize this community’s economic base (Al-Ankary and Bushra, 2009).

 

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However, the Slum Upgrading Association current structure of the organization does not include the required separate company of housing management prescribed by the city council of Dhahran in order to qualify to sign any municipal contract to manage some properties of the city (Dasgupta et al, 2006). The Association will create subsidiary company for housing management structured to create and develop a private/public partnerships tailored to satisfy the criteria of the city.

Furthermore, the Association will be able to make contracts with the city to manage a section of the 2500 city owned occupied scattered, inadequately maintained and sub standard housing units within the community area we deliver our services. The new company for housing management will also enable the association to effectively and independently manage the buildings that are currently in the Associations ownership and management.

The plan

Project activities

Establishing a new company for housing management will allow Slum Upgrading Association to expand and improve the association’s fast paced housing agenda for two years efficiently, responsibly and effectively. The new company for housing will formulate a reliable mechanism to quickly respond quickly to shifting external and internal circumstances of the market, and coordinate the Associations action plans of the management through the joint ventures (Common Wealth, 2004).

The association will use the Aghakhan Foundation funds to form a company for housing management that will forge public and private company partnerships to manage the 300 controlled or city owned low income homeownership units of housing in the Eastern community. The Aghakahan Foundation funds will improve greatly delivery of services by the competent management to more than 5000 Slum Upgrading Association residents in about 150site buildings that are scattered, an estimate of a small town (McLeod et al, 2009).

Budget

INCOME   EXPENDITURE  
SOURCES AMOUNT ($) USES AMOUNT ($)
Revenue   General operating support  
Government grants and contracts 300,000 Salaries and the fringe  benefits 700,000
Banks and foundations 100,000 Insurance and taxes 600,000
Earned income 2,000,000 consultants 200,000
Fundraising In kind expenses 100,000
Donations 400,000 Supplies and Equipment 500,000
In kind support 200,000 Savings 90,000
TOTAL 3,000,000 TOTAL 3,000,000

Programs and accomplishments

Every year, we do help the residents reclaim their neighborhoods back from decay, crime and drugs. Building by building, the association has developed averagely 70 affordable units of housing for the past three decades (Oxley, 2004).

The current portfolio of housing management represents the whole ladder of housing, ranging from housing the households that were formerly homeless to ownerships of homes for the low income working families. The association’s tremendous growth of ten years attests to the proficiency

In 2009 alone, Sum Upgrading Association completed 30 buildings with 320 apartments, and even started another 160 units in 15 buildings. This is about $50 million for one year in constriction.

The association built housing for the physically handicapped and the elderly on the formerly garbage and heroin dens. Today, there are parks with flowering plants and trees, sitting areas and about 120 beautiful housing apartments housing the senior people in dignity and peace.

Plan for measuring the expected results

The association will measure the housing management project by many housing programs and initiatives for housing management which the association has developed and implemented for the past three decades, and which have significantly impacted already the quality housing management practice in Dhahran community, and which rest as a model to the city.

The association will also submit a report of the project upon completion, funded in part by Aghakhan Foundation. The Association will also keep complete, accurate and detailed records of expenditures made under the Aghakhan Foundation grant, and actively participate in the evaluation of the activities of the projects during the course of the year.

The association will also provide, upon request, an audited financial statement of the expenditure and income related to the grant by a qualified public accountant who is self sufficient as documentation that the money from the grant is spent on the provided purposes. Furthermore, evaluation of the Slum Upgrading Association overall effectiveness is measured by satisfaction of the residents, and the level of tenant services that are provided and successful. The tenants serve as board of directors and are closely involved in the management, programs and oversight (Common Wealth, 2004).

Conclusion

The community we serve is a collection of numerous sub communities including variety of new and old mixed use residential buildings, small and retail manufacturing firms, and many elevator–type public housing that are conventional. Approximately half of the community’s land and housing is city owned. Furthermore, the area is a blend of ethnic groups, most of whom have median household of $15,000 and poor (Al-Ankary et al, 2009).

The need for housing that are affordable is a matter of urgency that what the data of census reveals. This under reporting can be attributed largely to illegal aliens, many public housing residents and language barrier, which makes official reporting of census very difficult.

Slum Upgrading Association is a recognized nonprofit champion in affordable housing management and development in Dhahran city, with $2 million budget for operations and management portfolio of 150 buildings of 2500 units. According to Dasgupta et al (2006), the city also has a commitment of privatizing buildings management. The low income housing future in this community will be effectively be answered through private-public partnerships, with backing and support of the community, and the producing capability and managing the community housing of the low income residents.

A grant from Aghakhan Foundation will provide Slum Upgrading Association the opportunity to form the private-public partnership with the city to effectively manage 300 low income cities’s owned home ownership housing units in the community. Furthermore, it will continue to improve, preserve and dignify the community’s fabric.

References

Al-Ankary, K. M., & Bushra, -S. (2009). Urban and rural profiles in Saudi Arabia. Berlin: G. Borntraeger.

Common Wealth (Political Party). (2004). Housing & planning. London: C.W. Pub., Ltd.

Dasgupta, B., Lall, S. V., & World Bank. (2006). Assessing benefits of slum upgrading programs in second-best settings. Washington, D.C: World Bank, Development Research Group, Infrastructure and Environment Team.

McLeod, R., Case, L., & United Nations Human Settlements Programme. (2009). Guarantees for slum upgrading: Lessons on how to use guarantees to addresss risk and access commercial loans for slum upgrading. Nairobi: UN-HABITAT.

Oxley, M. (2004). Economics, planning, and housing. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan.

5/5 - (3 votes)

Understanding GASB Requirements for Investment Trust Fund Accounting

7-8. Describe GASB requirements for accounting for Investment Trust Funds:

(a) A discussion of when the use of investment trust funds is essential when receiving the Government’s contributions particularly in form of an investment’s pool (Copley, 2014).

(b) The investments to be included and excluded; Copley (2014) states that the external share of the investment compromises the Government assets. Whereas, the internal share of the investment is simultaneously under the County funds report.

 

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(c) The basis at which investments are to be reported; According to Copley (2014), investments under the investment trust funds should be reported in accordance to the focus on the measurement of the utilized economic resources, as well as effective accounting on an accrual basis.

(d) Reporting of realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments; Copley (2014) explains that both the realized as well as the unrealized gains together with losses are accordingly reported in the operating statements as revenues.

(e) Financial reporting (i.e., financial statements); As per Copley (2014), Investment Trust Funds are generally reported and defined as fiduciary funds, therefore utilizing both the Statement of Changes in Fiduciary Net Position as well as Statement of Fiduciary Net Position as the vital and the primary financial statements.

7-10. What are the required financial statements for a pension trust fund? What are the required supplementary information schedules?

According to Copley (2014), a pension trust fund essentially requires two main financial statements. Firstly, the Statement of changes in plan net assets and secondly the Statement of plan net assets. Copley (2014) further states that the essential supplementary information schedules utilized are the schedule of the employer as well as funding progress.

7-11. About current GASB standards for pension reporting:

  1. Distinguish between (1) defined contribution plans and (2) defined benefit plans.

An effective contribution plan functions by paying out specifically the total amount accumulated per employee (Copley, 2014). Copley (2014) states that an effective benefit plan functions by paying out a particular benefits level, not putting into consideration the total amount of accumulation.

  1. Distinguish between (1) agent and (2) cost-sharing multiemployer plans.

According to Copley (2014), a well efficient agency plan functions by deliberately assigning each employer with a separate and distinct account, moreover assuming the responsibility of assuring their contributions are kept updated. Nevertheless, Copley (2014) describes cost-sharing plans as statewide, where it effectively functions by ensuring all their employers share a particular account. Therefore, any forms of deficit that may arise will be fully recovered state-wide, moreover, all employers under the cost-sharing plans face extra charges to right the wrong, and balance the ledger (Copley, 2014).

  1. Define the following terms: (1) plan fiduciary net position and (2) net pension liability.

Copley (2014) defines a plan fiduciary net position as the specific excess or surplus of the resources available, divided by the calculated total benefits that are payable to the firm’s retired employers. On the other hand, Copley (2014) describes the net pension liability as the total difference calculated between both the net position as well as the pension liability of the pension fund.

d. Distinguish between reporting for employers for (1) general government employees and for (2) enterprise fund employees.

Copley (2014) states that the general government employees are accordingly reported annually within the general, or a different governmental fund, whereupon there are financial resources limited as per the total liquidated amount. Whereas the enterprise fund employees are entirely defined and directed according to each of their species as well as different types of contribution plans (Copley, 2014).

References

Copley, P. A. (2014). Essentials of accounting for governmental and not-for-profit organizations.

5/5 - (5 votes)

Analysis of Private Health Insurance and Caesarian Section Rates in Chile

Introduction

The study was conducted to explore the factors and circumstances that explain the linkage between the insurance cover of the private health and the caesarian section of high rates in Chile. The study applied both qualitative and quantitative analysis in the research design. In the qualitative analysis, the study analyzed the interviews with pregnant women and obstetricians. Similarly, on the quantitative analysis, the study analyzed the data from the postnatal on the women who in the previous 24 to 72 hours had given birth.

 

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 Protection of participants

The study tools applied in the study included face to face interview survey and audiotaped interviews with the participants. Furthermore, medical records were reviewed to obtain data on the care management and experiences of women in labor care. To protect the participants and to be ethical, the researcher obtained approval from the Chile health ministry before conducting the study. Furthermore, agreement to be involved in the study was gotten from the director of every study site

Data collection methods

The methods of data collection included face to face interview survey and audiotaped interviews with the participants. The study also applied the maximum variation opportunistic sampling approach to the obstetricians to make sure an extensive range of demographic attitudes, work contexts, experiences, and characteristics to the caesarian section. A similar method was applied to postnatal women to ensure a wide range of parity, age, and socio-economic status. This was believed to eliminated biases and ethical since the information was confidential

Problem statement

Why private health insurance is linked to the caesarian section’s high rate

Data analysis and data management of the quantitative study

The quantitative part of the study was done on 540 postnatal women whom the article will analyze. The semi-structured questionnaire about the expectations of the women and their experiences during the childbirth was administered 24 to 72 hours after the delivery by the researcher.

The results indicated that the views of the women on private women care with their private obstetricians chose a doctor through a relative or a friend recommendation (64% of the participants surveyed from the private clinic, and 80% from the university and public hospitals) (Murray, 2000). Among the women surveyed, the data also indicated that a higher percentage of women preferred private clinic than the university or public hospital because they believed the clinical care and personal care was better and also because it was the condition of the health insurance.

On the other hand, the postnatal women were also interviewed on the preference of delivery method.  When asked during the survey whether they had wanted a caesarian section at any point in their pregnancy, about 6% to 32% of the postnatal women receiving private care from their obstetricians reported that they had. Moreover, the resulted from the private clinic where about 70% of the surveyed women had undergone a caesarian section before, only 18% showed that they had wanted a caesarian section (Murray, 2000).

Discussion/interpretation of findings and suggestions offered

In a critical analysis of the study results, it is clear that the healthcare financing policies in Chile have influenced maternity care management and the outcomes in many unforeseen ways. To begin, in Chile, the private health insurance cover normally requires the maternity care primary provider to be an obstetrician, and the women having private obstetricians indicated higher rates of caesarian section compared to those of the public and university hospitals. This according to Murray (2000) cannot be explained as a reflection of the choice of a patient in the private sector. Murray (2000) asserted that the choice of the patient is always a complex issue, but there exist few grounds for the patients’ choice being the sole explanation of the high caesarian sections in the private sector in Chile.

The question being raised from the quantitative findings is whether the high rates of caesarian section in the private sector is simply a reflection of the consensus in the establishment of the obstetric in Chile, that this is the belief in Chile that because of advances in fetal wellbeing monitoring, the caesarian section should the optimal delivery method for most women. However, Murray (2000) contrasts that school of thought with statistics from one of the most exclusive hospitals in Santiago, Clínica Las Condes. From 1991, the hospital has reported a continuous steady decline in the caesarian section rates.

To discourage caesarian section high rates, the insurance schemes in Chile for the five years before the study had not paid more the obstetricians for performing caesarian sections in comparison to the vaginal deliveries. In the private sector also, the care package is standard irrespective of the delivery type. However, the caesarian section is opted for because it provides maximum efficiency in time use and to offer private care to other patients. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the results of the study indicated that insurance covers of private health required that the primary provider of maternity care to be an obstetrician. However, in the postnatal survey, the women with private obstetricians showed high rates of caesarian section consistently compared to those cared for by the doctors on duty or midwives in university or public hospitals. Patients often incur extra costs from after the surgery and therefore hospitals benefit. Obstetricians also do private work to increase their income since the health insurance demands that their clients to have an obstetrician 

References

Murray, S. F. (January 01, 2000). The relation between private health insurance and high rates of cesarean section in Chile: qualitative and quantitative study. BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.), 321, 7275, 1501-5. 

5/5 - (5 votes)

Understanding Postpartum Depression: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Introduction

The birth of a new-born baby can result facilitate the development of powerful emotions. These range from joy, excitement, anxiety and fear. However, there are situations where this can result to depression especially to the mothers (The New York Times, 2014). Most of the new mothers tend to experience depression after their childbirth and is mainly characterized by mood swings and crying periods that tend to fade quickly. There exist some mothers that tend to experience severe and a long lasting form of depression commonly referred as Postpartum Depression. It is important to note that the Post-Partum Depression is neither a weakness nor a character flaw. Depression on the other hand refers to a mental illness that tend to affect a person’s mood and the way the individuals think about themselves and their relations with others.

There are certain traits or symptoms of depression that are vividly evident from the observation of a patient or mother (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2014). Some of these signs include; feeling sad and hopelessness. Individuals that tend to suffer from this form of depression tends to make it very hard to even remember information and it is very hard for the patient to concentrate on matters that affect the relationship. The mothers with this kind of depression can affect any individual. However, despite being common among women, it can easily affect any parent of the born child and is not only limited to the mothers. Parents who adopt children can also suffer from the postpartum depression.

 

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Major Depression

The episodes of a major depression tend not be experienced for over a period of 20 years. The symptoms experienced by mother, is significantly different symptoms experienced by the child. Some of the symptoms include low energy, persistent boredom, and inability to enjoy the favourite activities (The New York Times, 2014).

The Depression can mainly be categorized into three main groups; typical depression, Dysthymia and the seasonal affective disorder (The New York Times, 2014).

  • Dysthymia- This is unique and chronic form of depression that tend to affect three to six per cent of the general population. The symptoms of the disorder are relatively less intense and at the same time tend to last for a much longer time.
  • Typical Depression- 33% of the total Postpartum Depression states are in the United States. This is further accompanied with unique types of symptoms and they include; sensitivity to rejection, over feeding and the leaden paralysis.
  • Seasonal Disorder- the season affective disorder, commonly referred to as SAD is mainly characterized by the annual episodes of depressions. Some of the other common types of symptoms of the Seasonal affective disorder include; tendency to over eat and fatigue. Seasonal change tends to affect an individual for over 5 months especially for the individuals that are located in the north.

Causes

In order to come up with the best cures for the Post-partum depression, it is very important to determine the main causes of the disorder. Some of the main causes include; biological factors, genetic factors and environmental factors (Stuart, 2012).

Genetic factors-

Over the years it has been determined that post-partum depression tends to run in the family lineage. The data from the adoption, twin and the genetic studies have sufficient information to link Post-partum depression to the genetically make up on individual or family. The studies have further shown that the relatives of the patients with this type of depression are between 2 to 6 times more likely to develop Post- Partum depression, compared to individuals whose family is not associated with the disorder.

Biological Factors

It is important to understand that the biological factors tend play a significant role in increasing the chances of a new mother and the baby to be able develop Post-Partum depression. The most basic causes of the Post-partum disorder are strongly attributed to the abnormal link to specific neurotransmitter. Some of the neurotransmitters include; serotonin and the other neurotransmitter serotonin is one of the most important neurotransmitters in Depression among other important functions.

Environmental Factors

The medications prescribed to the patients play a significant role in affecting the brain chemicals and hence triggering depression among the new born mothers and children. The medications include certain types of drugs that are used for high blood pressure, acne, contraception, inflammation, Parkinson disease and other conditions.

All these factors discussed above play a role in facilitating the post-partum depression among the mothers and the new-born babies.

Postpartum depression can at times be a very difficult experience, when becoming a new parent is a tough experience, and the challenges attributed to the depression may seem significantly overwhelming. It is therefore vital to note that there is no such as an experience as a perfect pregnancy, perfect baby, perfect birth or even perfect parent and thus the one should always aim at doing her best in parenting.

How to treat Postpartum Depression

Over the years there have been contention, on the best mode of treatment of the postpartum depression. Both the Natural cures and drug prescription, or a combination have worked best for the patients across the globe and has significantly helped them recover from the postpartum depression.

Natural Cures

There exist certain natural cures that can significantly assist the parents and the new-born babies over the postpartum depression. Natural cures are the best alternatives for individuals that do not prefer medication as an option to their condition. It is also important to note that the patient has the right to choose the best form of medication that she prefers, not unless advised otherwise by their doctors.

One of the best forms of natural cures is counselling and Support. This refers to a type of counselling known as cognitive behavioural therapy that is very common in the treatment of postpartum depression. This is one of the best treatments to start with especially for milder symptoms. The cognitive behavioural therapy teaches one on how his or her thoughts, behaviours and feelings work together. It further involves teaching important skills such as the problem solving skills, stress management, realistic thinking and relaxation (Canandian Mental Health Association, 2014).

The other type of counselling refers to the interpersonal psychotherapy that mainly focuses on the relationships and can help individuals to adjust to their changing roles in the relationship. The support groups are also very crucial. The postpartum depression and the parenthood role tend to isolate the parents from all the other individuals and thus the isolation may lead to the formation of feelings of depression. The support groups therefor offer and many opportunities to share personal experiences learn from the others and get a chance to connect with the other parents who have had similar experiences in the past and thus understand effectively what one is going through now (Canandian Mental Health Association, 2014).

The other way is through taking care of one’s wellbeing. This is very crucial; however, it may be very difficult for a new parent. As a result, it may be important to recruit loved ones or on the other hand see what is available so that one can take some time for personal needs. Regular exercises are also one of the best ways to manage stress and boost one’s moods. Ensuring that one sleeps well and have enough sleeping time can also be very helpful. Finally, it is also important to spend time in activities that one enjoys find out the relaxation strategies that work for either of you and spend time with people who makes one feel better (Canandian Mental Health Association, 2014).

There are activities that may seem small but are very crucial in ensuring that the postpartum depression is reduced. Some of these steps include; setting goals, getting a routine, exercising, eating healthy and having enough sleep (WebMD, LLC, 2014). It is important to state that natural cures require discipline and commitment to ensure that they achieve 100% healing (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2014).

Medication

Unlike the natural cures, there are certain types of medications that have been developed over time that assist those who suffer from postpartum depression heal fast. The most common type of medication that is utilized so as to tackle the postpartum depression are the antidepressants. The antidepressants exist in different levels and each type of antidepressant act differently. Whereas, most mothers can take antidepressants while breast-feeding, it is important that the mother seek professional advice from their doctors for the possible risks and the benefits of the medication. The medication can also help with some symptoms such as sleep, appetite and the energy levels. However, it is important to recognize the fact that the medication cannot get rid of some of the thoughts that mainly facilitate the depression. Thus most individuals that use medication, are advised to supplement it with counselling (Daley, Macarthur, & Winter, 2007).

The other form of medication is the hormone therapy. The hormone therapy involves estrogen replacement thus may help counteract the rapid drop in the estrogen that is as a result of the child birth, which in turn eases the signs and symptoms of the postpartum depression in some type of women (Daley, Macarthur, & Winter, 2007).

Analysis

From the analysis above, it is vivid that the natural cures of the postpartum depression are the best form of medication. This is because the natural cures tend to deal with the route course of the depression by offering counselling sessions, understanding the main cause of the depression, tackles on how to solve, and how to emerge from it to a stronger person. The medications on the other hand are mainly tackling the symptoms and not the route course of the postpartum depression. The medications mainly tackle factors such as headaches, insomnia, stress, appetite among so many other factors. This will have the effect of only hiding the building pressure into the depression and may even lead to a worse problem that may end up affecting the patients. It is therefore vivid that the natural medication serves as a better form of medication for the postpartum depression. However if both are used then the patient is likely to recognize significant improvements.

References

Canandian Mental Health Association. (2014). Postpartum Depression. Retrieved November 30, 2014, from http://www.cmha.ca/mental_health/postpartum-depression/#.VHo91PmSzWE

Daley, A. J., Macarthur, C., & Winter, H. (2007). Midwifery Womens Health. 56-62.

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2014). Postpartum depression. Retrieved November 11, 2014, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/basics/symptoms/con-20029130

Stuart, S. (2012). Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Postpartum Depression. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 14-140.

The New York Times. (2014). Postpartum Depression In-Depth Report. Retrieved November 10, 2014, from http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/post-partum-depression/print.html

WebMD, LLC. (2014). Depression Health Center. Retrieved November 30, 2014, from http://www.webmd.com/depression/features/natural-treatments

5/5 - (5 votes)

Exploring the Impact of Institutions on the Success of Democracy

Democracy generally implies to a system of government where power lies in the hands of the majority. It is a kind of governance in which power is vested in the hands of the common citizens. Democracy marks a power that lies in the hands of ordinary citizens to elect leaders of their choice that represent them.  Since many governments have adopted democratic system of governance, democracy is accredited achievement of the 20th century. Institutions contribute to the success of democratization by presenting several advantages.

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To begin with democracy is credited for protecting the interests of the common citizens. The supreme power remains in the hands of citizens through their elected representatives. These elected representatives carry with them the political social and economic interests of the common citizens who elected them (Rakner & van de Walle, 2009).

Democracy on the other hand bases on the rule of equality. According to the laws of democracy, members of the country or the state are considered equal before the law. Each and every individual l have an equal guaranteed right to enjoy and participate on social, economic and political affairs of the nation. The state or any other authority is not allowed to discriminate along sex, gender or racial lines (Rakner & van de Walle, 2009).

Democracy is recommended for its governance is based on dedication and responsibility .under democratic governance, people discuss issues thoroughly in order to reach concrete agreements that would yield the ultimate benefit for the larger public population

Democracy on the other hand promotes change in the government without violence. This provides citizens with an ideal sense of participation. Despite the advantages enjoyed by democracy, democratic governments have with them various shortcomings. Democracy is prone to wastage of resources and time (Brysk, 2000). A lot of time is spent in taking public accounts on issues that affect governance .on the other hand, huge sums of money are spent in election procedures while huge  risks lies on the possibility of being ruled by irresponsible leaders wo are very likely to embezzle public funds (Rakner & van de Walle, 2009).

There is high possibility of making wrong choices in selection of leaders. Not all individuals in democratic nation understand social, political and economic needs of their societies. May be because of their popularity, the public are likely to make wrong choices in electing logical leaders who understand their needs. Lastly on the disadvantages, democracy gives emphasis on quantity rather than quality (Rakner & van de Walle, 2009).

Although legislatures are essentially creations of democracy, legislature has a major role as an institution in either promoting or hindering democracy. The legislature plays a significant role in the life of a democratic nation. Legislation can be defined as the process of making the laws by an authorized body. Legislation is responsible for promoting democracy through its acts. The acts of the legislature that create laws protecting human rights and limiting powers that might lead to exploitation of the citizens. The representative election into the legislative assembly is an obvious strategy of promoting democracy. On the other hand, having a powerful legislature that oversights the use of national resources and ensuring equitable distribution of resources I an effective way through which the legislature promotes democracy

On the other hand however, legislature may hinder the development of proper democracy. Through creation of selfish laws and act that serve interests of particular group of people, the legislature automatically and directly hinders democracy (Brysk, 2000).

Party system affects the quality of democracy in various ways. Democracy exist and grows in   a non-institutionalized party systems. Multi-party system yield the highest quality of democracy. Multi-party system refers to the government system where multiple political parties have the capability to be in control of government and government offices either in coalition or individually. The parties have the ability to hold government offices due to stiff competition among themselves. Multi-party system provides the opportunities for those dissatisfied by the functionality of the current government to criticize the government and challenge the government in holding the office.  Various parties oversight the functions of the governments and provide opportunity for citizens to choose the best party that they feel present their interests  and common good .on the other hand single party system is a threat to democracy. The single-party system does not give citizens opportunity to choose the kind of party that presents their concerns. Single-party system vests political monopoly on one party and limits competition thus hindering the democratic rights of citizens (Brysk, 2000).

The electoral system on the other hand tell more about democracy. Voting for example has been applied as a democratic feature in politic since 4th century. A democratic electoral system gives votes equal value and gives citizens opportunity to choose leaders of their choice whom they feel hold ad cherish their interests. Democratic electoral system takes into consideration the interest of the minority groups with high level of participation. On the other hand, an electoral system that do not give every individual opportunity to participate in electing their leaders hinders democracy (Howard, 2002).

Political parties play significant role in improving democracy. With different policies various political parties give opportunities to identify with the parties that present their interests. On the other hand, the political parties provide an arena through which the citizens can raise their concerns. Different political parties provide oversight to the government and ensure that the government is on toes in protecting people’s rights and ensuring that the needs of citizens are logically attended to by the state. However, political parties may be very disastrous and can hinder democracy if they are aligned along ethnic, racial or cultural lines (Howard, 2002).

Social and civil movements on the other hand promote democracy. They provide oversight to the government and put the operating government on check. Social and civil movements on the other hand provide an arena through which people can air their views especially those concerning g the government

References

Brysk, A. (2000). “Democratizing civil society in Latin America.” Journal of Democracy 11 (3), 151-165.

Howard, M. (2002). “The weakness of post-communist civil society.” Journal of Democracy 13 (1), 157-169.

Rakner, L. & van de Walle. (2009). “Opposition weakness in Africa.”  Journal of Democracy 20 (3), 108-121

5/5 - (1 vote)