法治是民主的基石

Rule of Law is the Cornerstone of Democracy

民主是人类社会的大势所趋,但不同国家可以选择不同的路径。民主的要义是民为官主,民主的要务是治官限权。民主的实现不能依赖于政府官员的道德约束,而应建立在法律规制的基础之上。法治是治官限权的有效途径,也是人民主权的有效保障。

Democracy is the grand trend of human societies. However, different countries may choose different routes. The main idea of democracy is that people are masters of public officials,and the main task of democracy is to regulate officials and to restrain the power. The realization ofdemocracy cannot rely on ethical binding, but on legal regulation. Rule of law is an effective way toregulate officials and to restrain the power, and also an effective safeguard for the sovereignty of the people.