A Brief History of Democracy
Definition:
v Democracy is a (Greek demos, “the people”, kratein, “to rule”), political system in which the people of a country rule through any form of government they chose to establish.
v Ancient Greek city-states were often run as direct democracies in which all voting citizen (commoners, women, and slaves were excluded) had a voice in what occurred.
v Decisions making was limited to a privileged few
v Ancient democracy did not presuppose equality of all individuals; the majority of the populace, notable slaves, women, and foreigners, had no political rights.
v Athens, the greatest of the city democracies, limited the franchise (rights to vote) to citizens; they had to be native-born, free men, over 18yrs.
-They had the right to vote, hold office, own property, and defend themselves in court.
-They had freedom of speech and freedom of assembly
v Responsibility of the citizens include:
-Serve in the army, in the navy, and in the court of law
- Participate in the monthly assembly
- The democracies of the city-states of classical Greece and Rome during the early years of the Republic were unlike the democracies of today.
- They were direct democracies, in which, all citizens could speak and vote in assemblies that resembled New England town meetings
What Is Democracy?
Democracy (from the Greek demos, “the pepe”; kratein, “to rule”) a political system in which people of a country rule through any form of government they choose to established
- Democracy is the best way to meet the diverse needs of people
- People make decisions that reflect the will of the majority
- True democratic citizens not only enjoy their living democratically
- Open communication and mass participation are also important responsibilities of the democratic citizen
- The democratic citizen uphold
· Human dignity
· Respect the rights
· Works for the common goods
· Has a sense of responsibilities for other people
Elements of Democracy
1. Rule of law: in democracy, everyone must adhere to some laws (including leaders) Laws should be known, predictable, and impartial.
2. Political Equality: Every citizen has the same right to vote for office and to speak on public issues.
3. Common Goods: Democratic citizens should work towards the common good (what will make the most people safe and secure and happy). Have some sense of responsibility and caring for others.
4. Personal Freedom: People enjoy many personal freedoms such as freedom of religion and freedom of expression.
5. Human Dignity: Democratic citizen should protect and uphold the dignity of all people.
6. Political Freedom: People can speak freely from associations, run for office without being intimidated.
7. Being informed and being involved: Citizens should communicate openly and participate individually and collectively issue that shape their community, nation, and world.
8. Respect: Citizens should respect the rights of others.
Definition:
v Democracy is a (Greek demos, “the people”, kratein, “to rule”), political system in which the people of a country rule through any form of government they chose to establish.
v Ancient Greek city-states were often run as direct democracies in which all voting citizen (commoners, women, and slaves were excluded) had a voice in what occurred.
v Decisions making was limited to a privileged few
v Ancient democracy did not presuppose equality of all individuals; the majority of the populace, notable slaves, women, and foreigners, had no political rights.
v Athens, the greatest of the city democracies, limited the franchise (rights to vote) to citizens; they had to be native-born, free men, over 18yrs.
-They had the right to vote, hold office, own property, and defend themselves in court.
-They had freedom of speech and freedom of assembly
v Responsibility of the citizens include:
-Serve in the army, in the navy, and in the court of law
- Participate in the monthly assembly
- The democracies of the city-states of classical Greece and Rome during the early years of the Republic were unlike the democracies of today.
- They were direct democracies, in which, all citizens could speak and vote in assemblies that resembled New England town meetings
What Is Democracy?
Democracy (from the Greek demos, “the pepe”; kratein, “to rule”) a political system in which people of a country rule through any form of government they choose to established
- Democracy is the best way to meet the diverse needs of people
- People make decisions that reflect the will of the majority
- True democratic citizens not only enjoy their living democratically
- Open communication and mass participation are also important responsibilities of the democratic citizen
- The democratic citizen uphold
· Human dignity
· Respect the rights
· Works for the common goods
· Has a sense of responsibilities for other people
Elements of Democracy
1. Rule of law: in democracy, everyone must adhere to some laws (including leaders) Laws should be known, predictable, and impartial.
2. Political Equality: Every citizen has the same right to vote for office and to speak on public issues.
3. Common Goods: Democratic citizens should work towards the common good (what will make the most people safe and secure and happy). Have some sense of responsibility and caring for others.
4. Personal Freedom: People enjoy many personal freedoms such as freedom of religion and freedom of expression.
5. Human Dignity: Democratic citizen should protect and uphold the dignity of all people.
6. Political Freedom: People can speak freely from associations, run for office without being intimidated.
7. Being informed and being involved: Citizens should communicate openly and participate individually and collectively issue that shape their community, nation, and world.
8. Respect: Citizens should respect the rights of others.