Office of Democracy & Governance: Focus Areas
 The Office of Democracy and Governance organizes its work and thinking around four key concepts that it considers to be the building blocks of democracy: rule of law, elections and political processes, civil society, and governance. These concepts are not meant to be the best or only ways to approach democracy, and they are certainly not mutually exclusive. In fact, the categories serve practical management reasons in addition to offering a conceptual framework. The DG Office also engages in many activities that cross-cut the four sectors, including programs aimed at increasing women's full and effective political participation.
Rule of Law
Democracies require a stable structure of law, an impartial judicial system, and clear ways for ordinary citizens to get legal protection. In the rule of law area, USAID often works on several fronts. Encouraging legal reform may involve everything from drafting new constitutions to training judges. Training needs of prosecutors, inhumane prison conditions, outdated commercial codes, and the absence of published legal opinions are problems USAID has tackled as well. Giving women and the disadvantaged better access to justice is another priority for USAID and the DG Office. (...more)
Elections and Political Processes
Elections and political processes afford citizens an opportunity to organize peacefully for political change. USAID, together with its non-governmental partners, helps assure that elections are well administered and that citizens have an opportunity to participate actively in the electoral process. The Agency and its partners also help political partners develop the organizational capacity to represent popular concerns, present relevant programs, and function responsibly in or out of power. (...more)
Civil Society
Civil society is the political “space” where citizens can debate, join groups, and mobilize for change without being threatened or intimidated. USAID encourages the expansion of civil society by supporting stronger NGOs, free and independent labor unions, women’s groups, business associations, civic efforts of religious entities, and an independent press. Legitimate governments can extend their legitimacy by being accountable to civil society, which is often the ultimate check on the abuse of power. (...more)
Governance
The mere act of governing is not democratic unless the institutions and individuals charged with governance are accountable to the people, manage transparent operations, and are accessible to everyone. USAID programming in the governance area ranges from helping parliaments modernize to strengthening local and regional governments as a way to decentralize power. Anti-corruption initiatives and programs to solidify civilian control of the military are relatively new areas of activity in this sector. (...more)
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