Why is the process of citizen dissent vital to a functioning democracy?

Citizen Dissent, when occurs when a group of people see the need to collectively and intentionally disobey a law or laws designed by the majority whose foundations are unconstitutional and inimical to national growth.

Citizens who dissent are like a "course correction" technology in the gizmo that drives democracy.

Explanation:

To dissent means to disagree with popular opinion. To disagree with the practice, process, procedure, aspirations and methods, of a political entity and or government;

It could also mean taking a position that conflicts directly with the majority or the political entity in question.

History shows that many of the noble quests and some of the ignoble ones which went on to shape our world today are a result of Citizen Dissent.

For example, there was once an Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist, and political ethicist, for successfully used nonviolent resistance in a campaign for India's independence from British colonial rule. His name was Mahatma Gandhi.

George Washington, in March 1776, led the Continental Army that forced the British to evacuate Boston. It was against this backbone that America declare independence from Britain due to its harsh colonial conditions.

In a dysfunctional democracy such as is prevalent in most of Africa, it is possible to have all the elements of colonial rule in force. A democracy means that people have the right to agree or not to. If it is popular, it only means that the majority allowed, it not because it is constitutional, or moral, or the right thing to do.

It is historically correct to state that everywhere in the world where citizens became despondent and unperturbed or dispassionate about errors arising in their polity (especially in a democracy) such a state will soon degenerate into a socio-political organ that favors only those in power.

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