2: Just and Democratic Governance

Promote and strengthen effective democracies and move them along a continuum toward democratic consolidation.

Other Information:

The United States supports just and democratic governance for three distinct but related reasons: as a matter of principle; as a contribution to U.S. national security; and as a cornerstone of our broader development agenda. First, the U.S. political system and national identity are grounded in the belief that all people share fundamental rights that are best exercised and guaranteed by capable and democratic governance. Second, as outlined in the President’s Freedom Agenda and the National Security Strategy, good governance and democracy promotion are central to U.S. national security and the global war on terror. Failed and authoritarian states that do not respond to the needs of their people or respect international human rights and democratic norms pose a long-term threat to the security of the United States and other democracies. Finally, U.S. support for anti-corruption, good governance, and democratization reinforces our development and transformational diplomacy goals of working with partners to help them build their own sustainable institutions of democratic governance. The U.S. Government goal is to promote and strengthen effective democracies and move them along a continuum toward democratic consolidation. Strategies and programs that support the Strategic Goal of “Governing Justly and Democratically” take into account the challenges and opportunities presented by each country category as outlined in Appendix I. In restrictive countries, the emphasis will be on building political parties and supporting civil society to challenge closed regimes, sustaining the work of human rights defenders, and supporting independent media. In rebuilding countries, the emphasis will be on promoting government that is effective and legitimate, while protecting human rights and supporting civil society. In developing countries, we seek to strengthen the rule of law and good governance, advance anti-corruption measures, build the capacity of political parties, and expand the growth of civil society. In transforming countries, the focus will be on institutionalizing democracy and good governance, while sustaining a healthy civil society. The need for this assistance in sustaining partner countries varies according to the level of democratization in each country, and our efforts here could range from supporting nascent civil society organizations to training civil servants in key institutions.

Stakeholder(s):

• Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG): BBG communicates democracy and human rights promotion messages abroad.


• Department of Labor: Labor monitors labor conditions around the world, including child labor, and provides technical assistance to promote labor rights and standards.


• Department of Justice: Justice provides expertise in police and judicial reform.


• Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC): MCC encourages good governance by rewarding countries that govern justly with economic assistance.


• Department of Commerce: Commerce supports the sustainable development of transparent and accountable business practices overseas.

Objective(s):

2.1: Rule of Law and Human Rights

2.1.1: Constitutions, Laws, and Legal Frameworks

2.1.2: Judicial Independence and Impartiality

2.1.3: War Crimes, Genocide, and Crimes Against Humanity

2.1.4: Justice

2.1.5: Human Rights

2.2: Good Governance

2.2.1: Legislative, Lawmaking, and Legal Reform Processes

2.2.2: Corruption and Accountability

2.2.3: Decentralization, Reforms, and Training

2.2.4: Security and Human Rights Standards

2.2.5: Millennium Challenge Account

2.2.6: Partnerships

2.2.7: UN Convention Against Corruption

2.3: Political Competition and Consensus Building

2.3.1: Elections and Political Processes

2.3.2: Political Parties

2.3.3: Citizen Awareness

2.3.4: Consensus-Building

2.4: Civil Society

2.4.1: NGOs

2.4.2: Media Freedom

2.4.3: Citizen Participation and Oversight

2.4.4: UN Democracy Fund

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