When you talk about independence...are you talking about a country's independence...now a sovereign government...a democratic government...or a sovereign government with a authoritarian/dictator head of state? This is the difference between a sovereign [make sure you know what the term 'sovereign' implies] country, whether it is democratic verses an independent country ruled by an authoritarian or a military head of state.
>Next...what are the personal freedoms of the citizens? By being independent, what freedoms are guaranteed? So basically, are the citizens free? Is there freedom of the press? From a religious organization/church? Or does the military rule the independent country?
>Lastly, are their free elections which allow citizens a voice in choosing the leaders? Those who make the laws? Those who make the courts? Are the rights of citizens guaranteed to all citizens? Or just to some of the citizens? Those who are in power? Those how are well off? Those with the money? Those with the influence?
Something to think about. The United States is an independent sovereign democratic government...as is Mexico, Canada, Pakistan, South Africa, Great Britain, France, Israel, India, Australia and many other countries. Whereas, China, Russia, Iraq, Iran, Cuba, Libya, Saudi Arabia and many others are independent, however they are not democratic.
The first group of countries have some form for democratic or parliamentary government, or even with a form for monarchy, however as it applies to the governing of the country, it is from those elected to do that. Not all are perfect, as because they are human and humans have their own biases or prejudices.
The others listed have authoritarian or autocratic [make sure you understand these terms] with pseudo/false forms of an electoral process...one person running for leadership office and/or the power to remove/kill/silence opposition.
