The Importance of Democracy
Democracy is a powerful system of governing that depends on the consent and participation of citizens. Yet, it can be weakened when people do not uphold the principles of democracy or when they use its institutions for their own selfish or partisan gain. Democracy also needs constant vigilance by citizens and leaders who are willing to protect its fundamental freedoms even when they may disagree with the results of democratic decisions.
Democracy can take on many different forms, including direct democracy, participatory democracy, and representative democracy. Each of these arrangements has its advantages and disadvantages, but the fundamental feature shared by all democratic forms is the sharing of power and responsibility between the people and those who govern them.
The word “democracy” derives from the Greek words demos (people) and kratos (power or rule). The concept of democracy is as old as human society itself, although its definition continues to evolve. Historically, the idea of democracy has been defined in terms of a system of government where people have the ability to freely discuss ideas and issues and make laws. This is a major difference between democracy and other forms of governance, such as monarchy or aristocracy.
In addition to allowing the expression of different opinions, democratic governments must be free from censorship, oppressive practices, and coercion. In a democratic state, the rule of law is paramount and there must be equal protection for all citizens regardless of social class or gender. This is a principle that underpins most democratic theories and has been the basis of many of the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including the right to assembly and association, freedom of expression, and freedom of religion and belief.
The legitimacy of democracy can be assessed along two different dimensions: instrumentally, in terms of the outcomes it produces compared with other methods of political decision-making; or intrinsically, in terms of its positive effects on the characters of those who participate. Many philosophers have endorsed democracy on both counts, arguing that giving citizens the means to influence political decisions cultivates their character and encourages them to stand up for their values.
However, recent polling indicates that many people worldwide are dissatisfied with the state of their democracy and believe that elected officials do not care what they think. This is a challenge that cannot be overcome by a single generation, and it will require a lifetime of work to ensure that democracy continues to provide people with the opportunities they need. This is why it is important to teach students about the value of democracy from an early age, and why it is essential that they take part in the ongoing process of democracy. This can be done through voting, protesting, forming interest groups or even running for office themselves. This will help them become good citizens and contribute to the development of a strong, healthy democracy.
Democracy is a powerful system of governing that depends on the consent and participation of citizens. Yet, it can be weakened when people do not uphold the principles of democracy or when they use its institutions for their own selfish or partisan gain. Democracy also needs constant vigilance by citizens and leaders who are willing to protect its fundamental freedoms even when they may disagree with the results of democratic decisions. Democracy can take on many different forms, including direct democracy, participatory democracy, and representative democracy. Each of these arrangements has its advantages and disadvantages, but the fundamental feature shared by all democratic forms is the sharing of power and responsibility between the people and those who govern them. The word “democracy” derives from the Greek words demos (people) and kratos (power or rule). The concept of democracy is as old as human society itself, although its definition continues to evolve. Historically, the idea of democracy has been defined in terms of a system of government where people have the ability to freely discuss ideas and issues and make laws. This is a major difference between democracy and other forms of governance, such as monarchy or aristocracy. In addition to allowing the expression of different opinions, democratic governments must be free from censorship, oppressive practices, and coercion. In a democratic state, the rule of law is paramount and there must be equal protection for all citizens regardless of social class or gender. This is a principle that underpins most democratic theories and has been the basis of many of the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including the right to assembly and association, freedom of expression, and freedom of religion and belief. The legitimacy of democracy can be assessed along two different dimensions: instrumentally, in terms of the outcomes it produces compared with other methods of political decision-making; or intrinsically, in terms of its positive effects on the characters of those who participate. Many philosophers have endorsed democracy on both counts, arguing that giving citizens the means to influence political decisions cultivates their character and encourages them to stand up for their values. However, recent polling indicates that many people worldwide are dissatisfied with the state of their democracy and believe that elected officials do not care what they think. This is a challenge that cannot be overcome by a single generation, and it will require a lifetime of work to ensure that democracy continues to provide people with the opportunities they need. This is why it is important to teach students about the value of democracy from an early age, and why it is essential that they take part in the ongoing process of democracy. This can be done through voting, protesting, forming interest groups or even running for office themselves. This will help them become good citizens and contribute to the development of a strong, healthy democracy.