Understanding the Concept of Democracy
Democracy is a powerful idea that has inspired some of history’s most profound, moving, and thought-provoking expressions of human will and intellect. But the concept is also easily misunderstood and misused by totalitarian regimes that attempt to gain popular support by attaching democratic labels to their rule.
The word “democracy” is derived from two Greek words, demos (people) and kratos (power). A democracy is a system of government in which people have the power to deliberate, decide, and govern law and policy. The specific form that democracy takes in a country is determined by the prevailing political, social and economic circumstances.
While there is a common definition of democracy, the reality is that it is complex and highly diverse. Democracy has evolved over time and is shaped by a combination of historical, social and cultural factors. It is important for young people to develop a broad understanding of democracy and its role in our lives.
One way to do this is by encouraging students to consider what democracy looks like for them at a local level. For example, many students are involved in environmental groups or other protest movements, such as those against war or corporate exploitation, and can see how they make a difference at a local level. It is also important for young people to understand that their participation in democracy begins at a local level, and not at an international or national level.
Teachers can help students explore different aspects of democracy by providing them with background readings and definitions to stimulate discussion. They can also use the Frayer Model to assist learners in developing their understanding of democracy by encouraging them to think about what they already know about the topic and how that might change as they discuss it in small groups.
Once groups have completed their discussions, they can present their understanding of what democracy looks like for them to the class. The teacher can then ask each group to review the class definition of democracy and identify areas where they feel the definition needs improvement.
A key feature of democracy is that the rights of all citizens are guaranteed and protected. This includes freedom of assembly and association, the right to hold private property, freedom of religion and speech, the ability to vote in elections and the right not to be subjected to unwarranted governmental deprivation of life and liberty. Democracies must also be able to provide a safe environment for holding elections and have a transparent process for resolving disputes over election results. The United Nations has long recognised the interdependent relationship between democracy and human rights and has adopted a series of resolutions on these topics. These include the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Resolution 19/36 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The latter reaffirms that “democracy, good governance and respect for human rights are mutually reinforcing”. These are the fundamental building blocks of the foundation on which a healthy democracy is built.
Democracy is a powerful idea that has inspired some of history’s most profound, moving, and thought-provoking expressions of human will and intellect. But the concept is also easily misunderstood and misused by totalitarian regimes that attempt to gain popular support by attaching democratic labels to their rule. The word “democracy” is derived from two Greek words, demos (people) and kratos (power). A democracy is a system of government in which people have the power to deliberate, decide, and govern law and policy. The specific form that democracy takes in a country is determined by the prevailing political, social and economic circumstances. While there is a common definition of democracy, the reality is that it is complex and highly diverse. Democracy has evolved over time and is shaped by a combination of historical, social and cultural factors. It is important for young people to develop a broad understanding of democracy and its role in our lives. One way to do this is by encouraging students to consider what democracy looks like for them at a local level. For example, many students are involved in environmental groups or other protest movements, such as those against war or corporate exploitation, and can see how they make a difference at a local level. It is also important for young people to understand that their participation in democracy begins at a local level, and not at an international or national level. Teachers can help students explore different aspects of democracy by providing them with background readings and definitions to stimulate discussion. They can also use the Frayer Model to assist learners in developing their understanding of democracy by encouraging them to think about what they already know about the topic and how that might change as they discuss it in small groups. Once groups have completed their discussions, they can present their understanding of what democracy looks like for them to the class. The teacher can then ask each group to review the class definition of democracy and identify areas where they feel the definition needs improvement. A key feature of democracy is that the rights of all citizens are guaranteed and protected. This includes freedom of assembly and association, the right to hold private property, freedom of religion and speech, the ability to vote in elections and the right not to be subjected to unwarranted governmental deprivation of life and liberty. Democracies must also be able to provide a safe environment for holding elections and have a transparent process for resolving disputes over election results. The United Nations has long recognised the interdependent relationship between democracy and human rights and has adopted a series of resolutions on these topics. These include the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Resolution 19/36 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The latter reaffirms that “democracy, good governance and respect for human rights are mutually reinforcing”. These are the fundamental building blocks of the foundation on which a healthy democracy is built.