Status and Use of Principle of Democracy through Wordings in accordance with Political Signs: Social Science Aspect

Abstract

This study was conducted purposely to explore and understand the status and use of the principle of democracy through wordings in accordance with political signs within the social science aspect. To complete this work, the researcher used documentary research to study relevant theories, ideas, legal philosophy, political institutions, political communication, and semiotics or semiology. Besides, the researcher used research interviews to gather opinions from experts and student leaders in the social sciences field.

The findings show six points regarding the status and use of the principle of democ- racy through wordings, in accordance with political signs. These includes (1) the principle of democracy is a sign expressing ideas and theories, (2) the principles of democracy is a sign indicating legal status, (3) the principle of democracy is a sign justifying social phenomena, (4) the principle of democracy is a sign showing discourse, (5) the principle of democracy is a sign reflecting social popularity, and (6) there are issues that must be considered, including the complexity of sign meanings, sign interpretation, sign explanation, the intention of sign user, and the feasibility of trouble-causing situation from the use of political signs.

This study proposes that (1) curricular in social sciences should include lessons on semiotics or semiology, sign interpretation, sign explanation, observation of signs, and attitudes toward signs, and (2) further studies should be conducted to study other forms of the status and use of the principle of democracy through wordings in accordance with political signs, including the effects caused by political signs in legal studies and/or other fields related to the social sciences.