What Is Democracy?
Democracy is the promise that free human beings, working together, can govern themselves in a way that meets their aspirations for personal freedom and social justice. It is also a challenge because democratic systems vary greatly from one country or region to the next. This variation makes it difficult to determine whether and how democracy is being lost or reinforced in the world. For policy makers, journalists, academics and activists around the globe, understanding what constitutes a democracy is of great importance.
The word “democracy” is derived from the Greek words for people and power (“demos” means people, and “kratos” means power). It refers to a political system in which decisions are made by the people through representative institutions. This system allows the people to choose their government and to decide how laws are created and implemented. It also guarantees the rights and liberties of the individual – the freedom of speech, assembly, association, movement, religion and property – and the right to vote for representatives who will represent them in the decision making process.
While there is no one single definition of democracy, a number of different theories and frameworks have been developed to study the phenomenon. These include a theory of democracy as a process (democratic evolution), the idea of the arc of democracy, and a set of political ideals that are considered to be essential for a democratic society – such as equality, participation, and freedom of thought and action.
In this lesson students will be examining some of these theories and frameworks to see how they fit together. Then they will work in small groups to evaluate their own classroom and school as a democracy using the Democracy Report Card (see teacher resource Appendix G).
1. A democracy is a system of rule where the law protects citizens’ rights, maintains order, and limits power.
2. A democracy is a system of government based on the principle of the separation of powers and the division of duties.
3. A democracy is a system of government in which Parliament, governance and the judiciary are independent from each other and each has its own role in governing the nation.
4. A democracy is a system of government in whose institutions the citizens have confidence and trust, and the power is distributed to ensure that all voices are heard.
5. A democracy is a system of government in
which the people are represented equally and whose laws are formulated by a bicameral legislature.
6. A democracy is a system of government that is open, transparent and accountable to its citizens.
7. A democracy is a system of government that respects the dignity and worth of every person, and in which all people are treated with equal dignity and fairness.
8. A democracy is a system of government that has laws that prohibit discrimination and provides equal access to resources, opportunity and services.
9. A democracy is a system of government that encourages citizens to make responsible choices and live life peacefully and in harmony with others.
Democracy is the promise that free human beings, working together, can govern themselves in a way that meets their aspirations for personal freedom and social justice. It is also a challenge because democratic systems vary greatly from one country or region to the next. This variation makes it difficult to determine whether and how democracy is being lost or reinforced in the world. For policy makers, journalists, academics and activists around the globe, understanding what constitutes a democracy is of great importance. The word “democracy” is derived from the Greek words for people and power (“demos” means people, and “kratos” means power). It refers to a political system in which decisions are made by the people through representative institutions. This system allows the people to choose their government and to decide how laws are created and implemented. It also guarantees the rights and liberties of the individual – the freedom of speech, assembly, association, movement, religion and property – and the right to vote for representatives who will represent them in the decision making process. While there is no one single definition of democracy, a number of different theories and frameworks have been developed to study the phenomenon. These include a theory of democracy as a process (democratic evolution), the idea of the arc of democracy, and a set of political ideals that are considered to be essential for a democratic society – such as equality, participation, and freedom of thought and action. In this lesson students will be examining some of these theories and frameworks to see how they fit together. Then they will work in small groups to evaluate their own classroom and school as a democracy using the Democracy Report Card (see teacher resource Appendix G). 1. A democracy is a system of rule where the law protects citizens’ rights, maintains order, and limits power. 2. A democracy is a system of government based on the principle of the separation of powers and the division of duties. 3. A democracy is a system of government in which Parliament, governance and the judiciary are independent from each other and each has its own role in governing the nation. 4. A democracy is a system of government in whose institutions the citizens have confidence and trust, and the power is distributed to ensure that all voices are heard. 5. A democracy is a system of government in which the people are represented equally and whose laws are formulated by a bicameral legislature. 6. A democracy is a system of government that is open, transparent and accountable to its citizens. 7. A democracy is a system of government that respects the dignity and worth of every person, and in which all people are treated with equal dignity and fairness. 8. A democracy is a system of government that has laws that prohibit discrimination and provides equal access to resources, opportunity and services. 9. A democracy is a system of government that encourages citizens to make responsible choices and live life peacefully and in harmony with others.