WHAT IS IT…. ? ? v. Democracy is a form of government in which all citizens have an equal say in the The term originates decisions that affect from the Greek δημοκρατία (dēmokratía) "rule of their lives. people", which was coined from δῆμος (dêmos) "people" and κράτος (kratos) "power" ; the term is an antonym to ἀριστοκρατία "rule of an elite. "
allows citizens to participate equally—either directly or through elected representatives—in the proposal, development, and creation of laws. It encompasses social, economic and cultural conditions that enable the free and equal practice of political self -determination.
A democratic government contrasts to forms of government where power is either held by one, as in a monarchy, or where power is held by a small number of individuals, as in an oligarchy. Equality and freedom have both been identified as important characteristics of democracy since ancient times.
TWO VARIANTS OF DEMOCRACY direct democracy all citizens have direct and active participation in the decision making of the government representativ e democracy all citizens remain the sovereign power but political power is exercised indirectly through elected representatives(modern) every vote has equal weight, no unreasonable restrictions can apply to anyone seeking to become a representative, and the freedom of its all citizens is secured by legitimized rights and liberties which are generally protected by a constitution
One theory holds that democracy requires three fundamental principles: 1) upward control, i. e. sovereignty residing at the lowest levels of authority, 2) political equality, 3) social norms by which individuals and institutions only consider acceptable acts that reflect the first two principles of upward control and political equality
No man is good enough to govern another man without that other's consent. Abraham Lincoln
Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide. John Adams
Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education. Franklin D. Roosevelt
