What Is Democracy?
Democracy is the government of the people and, therefore, is supposed to be a system that puts the power in the hands of citizens. It is a political form that allows for the peaceful transfer of power and the inclusion of all views in public discourse. It is also a process that requires compromise and trust from its citizens.
The word “democracy” comes from the Greek words demos, meaning people, and kratos, meaning rule or power. The Greeks first coined the term in the 5th century bc to describe the systems of government that existed in some city-states, notably Athens. The term was then extended to the broader concept of people-controlled governance in general.
A definition of democracy is a complex matter. Some have suggested a minimum list of components: broad participation, elected rulers, freedom to express one’s opinions in the media, and socioeconomic equality. These are all essential, but they do not adequately capture the many different facets of democracy.
For example, the idea of a democratic society also includes an economy that is free and open to global trade, with rules governing capital and labour markets that do not discriminate against women or minorities. It also involves a commitment to sustainable development and an environment that provides opportunities for all, including young people. These facets are often in conflict. For instance, revolutionaries want to release social and national energies from the shackles of capitalism and colonialism, while liberals call for the rational pursuit of interests and satisfaction of needs.
In a healthy democracy, citizens must understand and value these different demands, as well as respect and support them. They must engage in robust discussion and debate to help develop the best solutions. And they must participate, whether that means voting, protesting or running for office.
Nevertheless, the democratic principle that all human beings are equal is not always respected. Some governments oppress their populations or interfere with their rights. And, on a global scale, some democracies are threatened by war, genocide and other forms of violence.
Ultimately, it is the people’s will that determines democracy’s health and longevity. The most important way that citizens can contribute to this process is by becoming involved in their local community, starting with their own neighbourhood. They can join environmental groups, take action against corporate exploitation, or campaign against war and child labour. They can start a dialogue with their school or workplace and encourage the voices of young people to be heard. They can become informed about the issues that are affecting them, and speak up to protect democracy in their communities and internationally. It takes a lot of work to ensure the continued success of democracy, but it is worth the effort. The future of the world depends on it.
Democracy is the government of the people and, therefore, is supposed to be a system that puts the power in the hands of citizens. It is a political form that allows for the peaceful transfer of power and the inclusion of all views in public discourse. It is also a process that requires compromise and trust from its citizens. The word “democracy” comes from the Greek words demos, meaning people, and kratos, meaning rule or power. The Greeks first coined the term in the 5th century bc to describe the systems of government that existed in some city-states, notably Athens. The term was then extended to the broader concept of people-controlled governance in general. A definition of democracy is a complex matter. Some have suggested a minimum list of components: broad participation, elected rulers, freedom to express one’s opinions in the media, and socioeconomic equality. These are all essential, but they do not adequately capture the many different facets of democracy. For example, the idea of a democratic society also includes an economy that is free and open to global trade, with rules governing capital and labour markets that do not discriminate against women or minorities. It also involves a commitment to sustainable development and an environment that provides opportunities for all, including young people. These facets are often in conflict. For instance, revolutionaries want to release social and national energies from the shackles of capitalism and colonialism, while liberals call for the rational pursuit of interests and satisfaction of needs. In a healthy democracy, citizens must understand and value these different demands, as well as respect and support them. They must engage in robust discussion and debate to help develop the best solutions. And they must participate, whether that means voting, protesting or running for office. Nevertheless, the democratic principle that all human beings are equal is not always respected. Some governments oppress their populations or interfere with their rights. And, on a global scale, some democracies are threatened by war, genocide and other forms of violence. Ultimately, it is the people’s will that determines democracy’s health and longevity. The most important way that citizens can contribute to this process is by becoming involved in their local community, starting with their own neighbourhood. They can join environmental groups, take action against corporate exploitation, or campaign against war and child labour. They can start a dialogue with their school or workplace and encourage the voices of young people to be heard. They can become informed about the issues that are affecting them, and speak up to protect democracy in their communities and internationally. It takes a lot of work to ensure the continued success of democracy, but it is worth the effort. The future of the world depends on it.