Citizens' Obedience to the Democratic Government

Abstract

Democracy has consistently been regarded as one of the most complex and contested social concepts throughout history. The concrete and effective manifestation of democracy within a society is realized through the establishment of a democratic state—one that governs based on the foundational principles and elements of democracy. While the classical and prevailing interpretation of democracy emphasizes the rule of the majority, this does not imply that individuals must submit uncritically to the decisions of a democratic government or a state that represents the majority. Contemporary conceptions of citizenship reflect a dual character: it is simultaneously independent from and dependent upon the state. The state’s primary function is to safeguard the rights and welfare of its citizens, while citizens, although subject to the authority of the state, also bear the responsibility of active social and political participation. Nevertheless, the potential for dissatisfaction among citizens remains, which may lead to resistance or non-compliance with governmental decisions, even in democratic contexts. This study aims to explore the nature of citizens’ compliance with democratic governance and to examine the conditions under which non-compliance may arise. Employing a descriptive-analytical method, the research is grounded in a library-based approach.