SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 21
Download to read offline
A Democratic Society Essay
A Democratic Society
Throughout time the debate upon which is the best system of government has been an ongoing debate. Somewhere between the realms of democracy,
socialism, fascism, communism, and monarchism lies the answer to the perfect system. Traditionally speaking, North America has always tried to
remain democratic in ruling. The democratic system, unlike it's alternatives, encourages equality and liberty among the people which in modern society,
makes it the most attractive system of government today.
Arguably, equality is the goal of many governments today. But what one must realize is that equality cannot be reached without giving someone else
inequality. While democracy influences equality,...show more content...
Liberty is possibly the most important attribute in American and Canadian society. What people want is the ability to make their own decisions and
go about life with the freedom to do so. In a democratic society, people are able to voice their opinions to government and ultimately play an
important role in the make up and organization of society. To a new nation, these attributes of our society are quite attractive. Many new nations today
are making the switch to democratic government. The problem with this is that most of these nations have never been democratic before. Therefore,
new nations are having great difficulty because such a switch is not easily accomplished. To develop a democratic society it has taken some more
more than an entire century. These new nations tend to rush the change and in the end they become frustrated because such a switch is not as easily
accomplished as thought. The features of a modern democratic state are firstly a society dedicated to the preservation of rights and freedoms. From that,
a government system must adhere to developing a form of government which encompasses the values of a working society. In other words, a
government for the people, run by the people, and a system into which they have invested.
An excellent example of a nation that comprises the rights and freedoms of its people is Canada. As a nation we
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
The Roman Republic: Democracy Or Democracy?
The Roman Republic (509 BCE – 30 BCE), one of the world's first 'democracies', was a place where normal people could impact the government's
decisions. It has always been considered a true democracy, but as society delves deeper into the facts, was this really true? During these almost 500
years, the citizens of Rome were allowed some freedoms to impact their own society, but these decisions were not as special to them as was thought.
The Roman Republic was only half democratic because of its constitution, the specifics of the Assemblies, and their voting methods. The Roman
Republic's constitution consisted of three different components: the Consuls/Magistrates, the Senate, and the Assemblies. Consuls were a group of
male patricians that directed the military/government, and they were also known as magistrates. The Senate was a group of patricians or wealthy
plebeians (also known as "New Men") that passed new laws, controlled finance, and advised their former peers, the magistrates. Finally, the
Assemblies, who will be focused on later, were a group of all adult male Roman citizens (not including slaves) who would elect magistrates, vote on
laws, and veto magistrate actions. These groups of people were selected by the majority of people (not including women or...show more content...
Therefore, normal people can propose new laws and elect new officials, giving these citizens an edge compared to other civilizations' citizens. In turn,
this clearly shows that because of these ordinary people's' power, the reasoning of the democratic idea is supported, and even promoted. Ultimately, the
Roman Assemblies, both Tribal and Century, back the idea that Rome is a democracy, and prove that there is some reason to the name Roman
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
The Justice of Democracy Essay
The Justice of Democracy
Why was Socrates the renowned Philosopher put to death, was it based on his political and spiritual beliefs or because he taught his beliefs to his
students? He believed that he was in a private pursuit of truth, a search for wisdom. He turned the youth against the Gods of Athens, proposing that the
opinions of experts were the only pertinent opinions. Socrates never voiced his concerns or chose to leave the society that had supported him for some
seventy years of his life. The democratic government allowed the majority to rule, it enabled the people to vote and decide what is just. The
government was based on a procedural process, one, which took into account the input of the majority. In this manner they...show more content...
In this way Socrates felt justified in turning away from the belief system, his own right in his mind, as well as corrupting the minds of the youth. His
seemingly private matter turned into a public matter when his actions started effecting the well being of the community, his pursuits then became a
political matter. The form of government called democracy, Socrates claimed not to agree with its principles. In pursuing wisdom, truth and justice, he
was acting in a democratic manner, the same political process that he condemned for its corruptive nature.
Socrates proposed a system where the experts decide the decisions of the country, because they are the only ones who have the knowledge. He defines
knowledge, as "knowing that you do not know and ignorance as thinking you know what you really do not know." (Apology, 4). Then the question is
proposed why would a country need "experts", those who are able to admit that they are wrong, to make just and right decisions for that country?
Socrates believed philosophers, such as himself were the only mentally equipped citizens qualified to make decisions that effect the path of this country.
The democratic system has been tested and proven, citizens utilize the strengths of the political system. In the democratic manner, a system which
Socrates felt he knew enough about to defy, Socrates should have employed these strengths to his own advantage. The majority sentenced him and he
had
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
Essay about Digital Democracy
Digital Democracy
Over the years the media has made citizens major role players in politics. Ross Perot opened eyes by putting the 1992 Election in the media and
thereby allowing voters to become directly involved in politics. The Internet, the new form of mass media "has turned into a major political and media
industry" (Grossman 16). Because of the rise the Internet has taken, the idea of direct democracy has risen. The foundation of direct democracy is in
self–government. The claim is that the presence of the Internet will increase citizens' involvement in political issues by allowing them access to more
information. This is significant because it takes a look at the impact of technology on society and politics, as well by...show more content...
Representative government is grounded in the Constitution. The Constitution was created to protect citizens from factious groups through the
establishment of an extended republic intended to "diminish the chances that any one faction will gain majority" (Kamark & Nye 29). However, it is
still possible that citizens, as the majority, will tyrannize each other (25).
Theorists contend that representative government is headed for direct democracy by way of the Internet. Essentially what will happen is that
representatives will no longer be needed because citizens will be able to use the Internet to make decisions. Grossman contends that "the more power
[citizens] have to control their government and to involve themselves in making its decisions, the better" (41). Over the years citizens have been
obtaining information through the media, newspapers, and other forms of mass media. The issues that arise with obtaining information through these
sources are that the government can easily censor them. With the Internet comes "vastly expanded capacities for data collection, for computation, and
for automation" (Kamark & Nye 22).
In his essay, Applbaum expresses the need for increased intelligence with the increase of information available on the Internet (Kamark & Nye 22).
Basically, as the Internet becomes a larger resource for information, it will fall to the same fate as other forms of mass media and will therefor become
more censored as
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
Democracy: An Analysis Essay
Winston Churchill once remarked that "democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried". In agreement with his
statement, this paper will examine the problems of democratic governments using specific examples, and compare it to the failure of fascist
governments in Nazi Germany and Italy and communist governments in the Soviet Union and China.
Theoretically, democracy is a stable form of government where power is in the hands of the people. In a democracy, people have the liberty to elect
officials that best represent their interests, and political institutions exist as a result: Benjamin Constant argues in The Liberty of the Ancients
Compared with that of the Moderns that "true modern liberty is...show more content...
During elections in countries with corrupt governments, for example, it has to be decided whether the guarantee of every individual's right to vote or
who wins is more important. (Wong, Lecture, October 24) Moreover, deep divides continue to exist and separate groups in democratic countries by
race, religion, language, and class, resulting in tension and, in some cases, oppression. Thus democracy, despite its emphasis on liberty, equality and
plurality, can still be problematic.
According to Andrew Janos, "the price of economic progress has been political turmoil". (Janos, pg. 21) If the Modernization Theory holds that
countries tend to become more democratic the more they modernize, then political turmoil is to be expected in democracies. Certainly this can occur in
both parliamentary and presidential systems: as Linz argues, the presidential system concentrates too much power on the president, resulting in
"winner–take–all" politics (Linz, pg. 56) and the polarization of political parties. This is evident in the United States, where the president is elected
separately and Congress is divided between the opposing Democrats and Republicans. Conversely, the parliamentary system in Britain, as well as that
adapted by the former British colonies of Sri Lanka and Nigeria, has had its fair share of single–party hegemony and political abuse. (Horowitz, pg. 78)
Democracy is therefore not a perfect form of government when put in practice, and much of its
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
Modern Democracy Essay
In 1947, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Winston Churchill, articulated a scathing opinion of the global political spectrum in the
post–war era after witnessing the fall of European fascism in Germany and Italy as well as the impending rise of communism. He remarked, "It has
been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried." This essay agrees vehemently with Churchill's
assertion that democracy – for all of its faults – was, and still is, the world's preeminent form of government when compared with all other alternatives,
notably fascism and communism. By analyzing modern democracy in theory and in practice, this paper elucidates how democracy is at an intrinsic
advantage in...show more content...
This parallel growth is due to the fact that democracy is inherently malleable, which allows it to be altered to best serve the needs of the people. A
level of guaranteed individual freedom which was not necessary in antiquity is now required by humanity because of changes in progressive social
views, technology, and the division of labor. For example, the abolition of slavery has had a measurable affect on modernity's opinion of human rights.
Professor Jeffrey Kopstein of the University of Toronto identifies the difference between modern and ancient liberties as an issue of "freedom to vs.
freedom from". Modern democracies guarantee individuals' freedom from oppression, under the government or other individuals, which allows for the
freedom of mobility. The modern citizen is entitled to,
The right...to express his opinion, choose a profession and practice it, dispose of his own property and even to misuse it; the right to come and go
without permission, and without explaining what one is doing or why; the right of each person to associate with other individuals – whether to discuss
their interests, or join in worship, or simply to fill the time in any way that suits his fancy; and each person's right to have some influence on the
administration of the government – by electing all or some of the officials, or though representations, petitions, or demands that the authorities are more
or less obliged to take into consideration. (Constant 2)
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
Essay about Democracy
Like a living organism, democracy must be born into a time where the parents, circumstances, are right to understand the potential of such a child,
democracy, and the soil, society, may be described as the type of state that is ready to accept and nurture that child. Metaphors aside, democracy has
been noted to provide a better opportunity for human development. Democracy is also commonly defined as a political system that is associated with
free and fair elections. A democratic regime simply refers to a system of governance that places sovereignty in the citizen's hands which allow them to
contribute to the process of decision–making through their elected officials. Democracy is not as old as many may originally think. As recent as 1974,
...show more content...
These breakdowns can occur through military action, a seizure of power by the opposition, or a collapse of the state. When a collapse occurs, the state
cannot coerce and is unable to successfully control the inhabitants of the given territory. Diamond conveys an important reason why some authoritarian
regimes lose domestic legitimacy. The citizens of a state may not be confident in theirgovernment when "... they fulfill their self–proclaimed missions
and become redundant or when they completely fail to do so and clearly cannot deliver," (Diamond 91). Failures of dictatorial regimes in countries
like Greece and Argentina were a result of bad economic or political performances. Another example of authoritarian failure occurred in Africa in the
early 1990s. Most African countries were severely set back because of massive foreign debts. In order to pay back some of these loans, many
governments of these African countries would use almost four times their export earnings leaving the government with no funds to provide basic
services for its citizens. These failures were not just economic but political as well. It got to a point where these "... authoritarian states became too
broke to buy off their opposition and too exhausted to repress them, protests escalated," (Diamond 93). These protests had prompted not just a change
in the leader, but a change in the
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
Essay about Constitutional Democracy
Constitutional Democracy
The basic premise of a constitutional democracy is that government has rules and all of the people have voices. Through free and fair elections we elect
candidates to represent us. The Constitution of the United States guarantees us the right to do this, and to live democratically. The framers attacked
tyrannical government and advanced the following ideas: that government comes from below, not from above, and that it derives its powers from the
consent of the governed; that men have certain natural, inalienable rights; that it is wise and feasible to distribute and balance powers within
government, giving local powers to local governments, and general powers to the national...show more content...
It is a way of deliberation, to tune out the clink of money in the background when you talk to somebody, so that you can concentrate on that person's
message and judge it on its own merits.
It means looking at someone and not saying to yourself, "That's my aunt" or "That's my boss," but rather, that is someone with
his or her own inclinations and desires, in other words, a true Individual who incidentally happens to have this relation to me, as a relative or a superior.
On a grander scale, individualism is putting the individual above the state and country. In those countries that have always been proud of their
traditional values of emphasis on the family or the country above self they see
Individualism as a direct attack on these values. However, we live in a democratic country and we believe in individualism and equal opportunity
for all persons. Equal opportunity for everyone is idealistic. Roosevelt outlined a second bill of rights which the book states answers the question,
"what kind of equality?" This second bill of rights was four freedoms. They were freedom from want, freedom from fear, freedom of
speech & expression and freedom of worship. There are laws and acts to guarantee equal opportunity. For example, the Equal Pay Act of
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
Democracy Essay : What Is Democracy?
What is democracy? To me democracy is the freedom to choose how your country is run. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, it defines
democracy as government by the people1. Democracy gives us the freedom to choose our government officials and political leaders. We have the
right to choose our leaders and the way we live when many others do not have that power. We are privileged as a country; many aspire to be like
us. Our country through democracy, gives us the opportunity to live life how we would like to. This idea is known as the American Dream,
which is different for everyone. The American Dream is most commonly depicted as a good job, making good money, a spouse and children, and
living a good life in general. Outsiders may think the grass is greener on the other side, but in reality it is not. Our country is going downhill and
fast. In ten years I do not know where the U.S. will be, but I hope that we will become stronger and figure out our faults now as a whole. In many
ways, I see our freedoms have expanded, but only to be replaced with new rules that blockade those new freedoms. In the past couple of decades our
country has changed so much. Even more has changed in the past century. Slavery has been frowned upon and thrown out, the equal rights movement
took place and showed that we are all equal at the end of the day. With that being said, there are still some that ridicule others and their races, and
believe that they are superior to the others. Some
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
Democracy And Its Impact On Democracy
Democracy is a particular form of government the means, "ruled by the people". The Greeks are widely credited for the concept of democracy,
around six B.C. Many political science experts consider the early Greek government, to be a perfect for of democracy. People had the ability to decide
various government issues, and the right to suffrage. Through out time, the concept of democracy was established by many nations. The United States,
is widely credited on making democracy widely used around the world. The democracy we know here in the United States, was not fully defined until
the Age of Enlightenment in the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly during the time the United States Declaration of Independence was implemented,
followed by the U.S Constitution. The term democracy, evolved to mean a structured government. The separation of powers, religious freedom,
provide basic civil rights, and the separation of church and state. Modern American democracy consist of elected officials, that represents the people.
Rather than, the people represents themselves. Members of the U.S Congress (House of Representatives and Senators) represent the people, by
tackling various national issues. Since the 1950's, America has successfully propagated the democratic form of government the states of the world.
Democracy consist of six principles: Rule of law (no one is above the law, including the creator). According to Stephenson, Matthew. "Rule of Law as a
Goal of Development
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
Achieving Democracy and Equality Essay
This paper shows why both democracy and equality are desirable, and why democracy, in its true sense, is an important step to achieve greater
equality. There are many reasons why political philosophers need to look beyond the one person, one vote conception of democracy to understand why
such theories have allowed social and economic inequality to continue to exist. While many democracies do not live up to our expectations in regards
to providing equality, there are explanations for this and methods of overcoming such problems.
Is equality desirable?
The first thing to consider is whether equality is desirable, and if so, what kinds of equality are desirable. For example, should young children have
equal voting rights? The consensus...show more content...
Consider the case of the recently proposed Malaysia solution. The proposed deal between Malaysia and Australia would have meant that 800
asylum seekers who arrive in Australia by boat would be sent to Malaysia as a deterrent, while Australia would in exchange take 4000 refugees
from one of Malaysia's refugee camps. The intended effect was to 'stop the boats' and save the Australian government from political turmoil. The
people who this legislation has the greatest effect on are the asylum seekers who plan to travel to Australia by boat, and the asylum seekers who are
waiting in refugee camps in Malaysia. However, because these groups of people are not part of the demos creating the law, and have no influence on
the legislation, are they obliged to follow it? While the interests of those seeking asylum in Australia should be considered by the demos in a liberal
democracy, this does not give anyone who interacts with the state the automatic right to the ballot and citizenship. In summary, there is a type of
equality that each person should have. It may seem arbitrary to argue that a demos is constituted by a particular geographical location, but this is not
the case. It is in fact quite pragmatic, as the geographical relationship between each member of a nation–state helps form their common life.
Myers points out that there are 'virtually limitless ways in which human beings might be equal or unequal.' From birth, individuals
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
Essay on Democracy in America
Democracy is a unique type of government, and the purpose of this essay is to illustrate the strengths and weaknesses that a democratic government
provides. I will detail that many components of this type of society are both strengths and weakness as each component has beneficial aspects as well
as unavoidable pitfalls. Ademocracy is a government by the people, in which the power is vested in the people themselves. The people then elect
representatives who conduct their power in a free electoral system. The Declaration of Independence, which says that all men are created equal, was
written on the premise of a democracy. According to John Locke, who wrote The Social Contract, before acknowledging that an individual is part of a
...show more content...
The laws of society are applied equally to everyone, but equitable to the circumstances. The same holds true for taxes: those with higher incomes pay
a larger percentage of their income in taxes than those in lower tax brackets. Although not equally applied, the tax laws are equitable. Democratic laws
are written in such a way as to allow interpretation depending upon circumstances. "A thousand circumstances, independent of the will of man,
facilitate the maintenance of a democratic republic in the United States" Initially, laws are difficult to design because lawmakers can't think of every
possibility, every scenario, and every obstacle that may present itself in the democracy. Despite these difficulties, laws keep society together and
provide unity for the citizens. Advantages for creating laws, include, but are not limited to, providing direction for the collection of taxes, declaring
clear expectations for compliance and punishment of citizens and elimination of chaos. A weakness of democracy is the "Tyranny of the Majority". This
is an inevitable pitfall, because in a democracy, the power is vested foremost in the people the constituting the society itself. Alexis de Tocqueville
wrote on this concept:
"Democratic laws generally tend to promote the welfare of the greatest possible number; for they emanate from the majority of the citizens, who are
subject to error, but who cannot have an interest opposed to
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
Essay about elections and democracy
QUESTION 1;
1. Do you think elections can be a good measure of democracy? Discuss this statement in relation to elections recently held in African countries you are
familiar with.
INTRODUCTION
The year 2011 experienced serious levels of political activities in Africa such as political upheavals, middle–east uprisings and elections in many
countries. Most Islamic nations rose against their long–ruling leaders, hence saw the ousted of Egyptian Hosni Mubarak and the killing of Muamar
Gaddafi after a six–month war between the Gaddafi loyalists and the anti–Gadhafi fighters assisted by NATO. However, while this was taking place,
other countries like Zambia, Congo DR, Nigeria, Liberia were also exercising their obligation of...show more content...
DISCUSSION
From the understanding of liberty and freedoms, the government must be erected by the participation of very free people not under coercion. It
implies that the citizens must have a free will to choose leaders of their choice and be able to have freedom of expression within the given
framework. Thus, elections become a very important voice for citizens to select their leaders as that is how they participate in the process of making
decisions .However, there is more to democracy than just holding elections and electioneering. There are many other factors to consider to complete
democracy than just holding an election
Elections today, which signify democracy, must be judged by the conformity to standard norms that constitute free and fair elections. A free election is
based on the presumption that fundamental human rights and freedoms are respected. These would include freedom of assembly, association,
expression, and information. In addition, freedom would include freedom from violence, intimidation and coercion, freedom to access the polling
stations by both voters and monitors, and freedom to make choices without fear of repercussions.But in Zambia,prior to elections,there was a lot of
intimidation by the ruling MMD by brutalising the opposition,corrupting the youths with beer to cause confusion in a way of campaigning.So there
was coecion before election as opponents were not ready to frely make their own decisions over who to vote for.
In another
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
Democratic Governance Essay
Democratic Governance
Authored by
Md. Alam,
Walden University
Overview
The study of democratic governance is an effort to make a module on "Theories of Democratic Governance and Research". For this study, one of the
most popular topics "Democracy" discussed and analyzed from the point of theoretical aspect, contemporary research, and application aspect.
Objectives
This Knowledge Area Module (KAM) looks at democratic governance. This breadth component begins by discussing the theoretical characteristic of
democracy. For this study, democratic thoughts of Aristotle, Milton Friedman, Robert Dahl, and John Dewey will be used as guides; will find out the
different ideas about democracy. In Breadth component, theories of democracy...show more content...
d) Democracy includes all citizens those who are able to participate in the polis.
This four categories democracy is based on equality between poor and rich. In his Politics book four Aristotle viewed fifth democracy which is alike
with previous four types but the multitude.
Finally, Aristotle presented polity– the best alternative, mixed form of oligarchy and democracy. This polity may more incline to either oligarchy or
democracy. Oligarchic polity would rule by few selective individuals and democratic polity is operated by common people. Aristotle is a promoter of
the latter, because it involves rule by the middle class. Dewey's Democratic Ends Need Democratic Methods for Their Realization
Democracy is a social idea to John Dewey (Cunningham, 2002). Dewey viewed people's actions have permanent and broader effect over other people
of the society. People form leaders under political democracy to regulate the actions. When leaders imposed force to achieve private gain, the public
became defunct. Democracy is the combination of responsible sharing as per their ability and regulating activities among the groups.
Dahl's Dilemmas of Pluralist Democracy
Robert Dahl's (1989) democracy is a combination of typical and substantive equality. He describes at least five
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
Essay about Islam and Democracy
Discuss the argument that characterise the debate about Islam and democracy
Since the rise of the Islamic movements around the world especially in the Middle East and the current tension between Muslim and the Western
countries in particular after 9/11, the different debates and arguments has been made by scholars, in particular Western intellectuals about the capability
of the Islam to accept the principles of democracy. I will examine the relationship between Islam and politics, definition of Islam and democracy, the
connection between Islamic teaching (Hadith and Quran) and Islamic movements and different perspectives of Islamists or Islamic countries. There are
two different visions about the subject in which some argued that Islam...show more content...
Islam means the submission to the will of only one God (Allah) and his command and to accept the God's sovereignty, while you are free to choose
or to refuse as the Quranic verses explained the freedom of religion, "there is to be no compulsion in religion. Surly the right direction has been made
clear and distinct from error........" (Quran, II: 256)
The term democracy originally is a Greek word which was created from demos "people" and kratos "rule". Abraham Lincoln defined the term
democracy as the "government of the people, by the people, and for the people". However, in our contemporary modern era there are some different
interpretations of democracy. Therefore, different kinds of democracy have been introduced such as Greek's democracy that participation of only
male allowed and excluded the slaves, women and foreigners. On the other hand, different forms of democracy have been presented by politicians as
examples, liberal democracy, representative, parliamentary democracy and so on. Therefore, there is not a fixed and clear definition of democracy that
accepted globally.
There are various arguments about connection between Islam and
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
Democracy, Equality, And Equality
Democracy to me means that everyone gets a fair chance and is able to decide and vote on what they feel is right not only for themselves but for
the nation as a whole. Four main values of democracy are liberty, justice, freedom and equality. There must be a balance between liberty and
equality so as to maintain order. In an authoritarian state, though there is peace and order, it comes at a cost to citizens because they lose their sense
of freedom and are told what to do. There is no sense of liberty and typically one person decides what is fair, just, and equal. Whereas in a democracy,
everyone typically has a voice in what happens therefore the outcome is most equal for everyone. When looking at education in a democratic society, it
should follow the ideas of democratic equality. The three main forms of democratic equality seen in schools are "the pursuit of citizenship training,
of equal treatment, and of equal access" (Labree). If a child is provided with these three things during their education, they will be able to make
their own responsible choices as an adult with what path they chose to follow. On page 6 of Labree it says how a "democratic society cannot persist
unless it prepares all of the young with equal care to take on the full responsibilities of citizenship in a competent manner." I believe the purpose of
education in a democracy is to allow equal opportunity and access to every student while teaching them how to become responsible citizens within their
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
Democracy Essay examples
Democracy
When I think of the word democracy, I think of Government. Democracy is a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people
and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system. This means that Government must protect the basic rights, or
liberties, of all people. This is the system of government that United States are base on.
The United States, Cuba, and Democracy
During the Clinton administration, the sentiment has been proclaimed on so many occasions by the president and other political leaders, and dutifully
reiterated by the media, that the thesis: "Cuba is the only non–democracy in the Western Hemisphere" is now nothing short of received...show more
content...
If, despite this record, the United States can insist that Cuba is the only "non–democracy" in the Western Hemisphere, we are left with the inescapable
conclusion that this thing called "democracy", as seen from the White House, may have little or nothing to do with many of our most cherished human
rights. Indeed, numerous pronouncements emanating from Washington officialdom over the years make plain that "democracy", at best, or at most,
is equated solely with elections and civil liberties. Not even jobs, food, and shelter are part of the equation. Thus, a nation with hordes of hungry,
homeless, untended sick, barely literate, unemployed, and/or tortured people, who have loved ones, are being disappeared and/or murdered with state
connivance, can be said to be living in a "democracy". Its literal Greek meaning of "rule of the people" implying that this is the kind of life the people
actually want –– provided that every two years or four years they have the right to go to a designated place and put an X next to the name of one or
another individual who promises to relieve their miserable condition. But who will, typically, do virtually nothing of the kind; and provided further that
in this society there is at least a certain minimum of freedom –– how much
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
Characteristics Of Democracy
The structure of world governments in societies looks different in many countries around the world. The types of government have changes throughout
history with some doing better than others in the world. One of the leading governmental system today is the democracy with over half the countries in
the world having some form of democracy. Democracy is focused on the people rule where the community tries to elect our official that we belief best
to represent us in our government like in the U.S. The ancient Greeks had many debates about the effectiveness, practicality, and the implications of
democracy as the governing system in a country. Two of the important perspectives from Greek philosophers come from Plato and Aristotle. Both
discussed how they viewed a democratic system would work and the weakness that the system held. Plato discussed democracy as a flawed system
far away from the ideal society while Aristotle stated that it is a flawed system but with a few change it could be the ideal society. The questions is
what are the good characterization of society government according to Plato and Aristotle, what the flaws and strengths in the system of democracy are
according to them and can democracy be the ideal society.
The system of government is important to how a society will develop and learn in dealing with the world. Plato explored these system of government
in this book the Republic specifically talking about the process that regimes go through. According to Plato
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
Democracy And Its Effect On Democracy Essay
Over the past quarter–century, democracy has stood at the center of political debate in many countries and it is a constant concern of the political
and social sciences. Since its origins in ancient Greece, democracy was seen as a form of government where power was exercised by the people, that
is, where political decisions were made by the majority. Today,democracy enjoys great recognition, but it is important to bear in mind that where
democracy is now the preferred constitution, we can not forget that it is not the only one that has existed. For long periods, it did not enjoy prestige,
with several authors throughout history labeling the form of government as a negative, undesirable system. In this paper, I will examine the results that
democracies may produce to come to the conclusion that it would not be worth scrapping the democratic process, even when democracies produce
detrimental results.
Elections and parties have long been considered vital institutions of democracy. This system of government presupposes that people can intelligently
make choices for themselves and it presupposes perfect information, democracy holds a number of preconditions. One of which is political
knowledge. Yet, political ignorance is a serious problem, one that has been studied for centuries it still disturbingly hangs over many democracies
around the world. A sizeable deficiency in political knowledge alone has the power to weaken a system of government that is presumed to represent the
Get more content on HelpWriting.net

More Related Content

More from ThesisPapersForSaleM

More from ThesisPapersForSaleM (20)

What Defines A Person
What Defines A PersonWhat Defines A Person
What Defines A Person
 
Apocalypse Essay
Apocalypse EssayApocalypse Essay
Apocalypse Essay
 
Population Ecology
Population EcologyPopulation Ecology
Population Ecology
 
Dress Code Essay
Dress Code EssayDress Code Essay
Dress Code Essay
 
Math Statistics Essay
Math Statistics EssayMath Statistics Essay
Math Statistics Essay
 
A Study On Apple Tree
A Study On Apple TreeA Study On Apple Tree
A Study On Apple Tree
 
Women In Politics
Women In PoliticsWomen In Politics
Women In Politics
 
Essay On Scientific Revolution And Enlightenment
Essay On Scientific Revolution And EnlightenmentEssay On Scientific Revolution And Enlightenment
Essay On Scientific Revolution And Enlightenment
 
Television Essay
Television EssayTelevision Essay
Television Essay
 
Egypt And Mesopotamia Similarities
Egypt And Mesopotamia SimilaritiesEgypt And Mesopotamia Similarities
Egypt And Mesopotamia Similarities
 
Human Poverty Papers
Human Poverty PapersHuman Poverty Papers
Human Poverty Papers
 
Essay On Leadership Programs
Essay On Leadership ProgramsEssay On Leadership Programs
Essay On Leadership Programs
 
Urbanization And Urban Growth
Urbanization And Urban GrowthUrbanization And Urban Growth
Urbanization And Urban Growth
 
The Circulatory System Essay
The Circulatory System EssayThe Circulatory System Essay
The Circulatory System Essay
 
Object Oriented Database
Object Oriented DatabaseObject Oriented Database
Object Oriented Database
 
Colonialism In Africa Essay Example
Colonialism In Africa Essay ExampleColonialism In Africa Essay Example
Colonialism In Africa Essay Example
 
Self-Segregation
Self-SegregationSelf-Segregation
Self-Segregation
 
Classroom Rules
Classroom RulesClassroom Rules
Classroom Rules
 
Diversity In Workplace
Diversity In WorkplaceDiversity In Workplace
Diversity In Workplace
 
Evolution Vs. Creationism
Evolution Vs. CreationismEvolution Vs. Creationism
Evolution Vs. Creationism
 

Recently uploaded

Class 11 Legal Studies Ch-1 Concept of State .pdf
Class 11 Legal Studies Ch-1 Concept of State .pdfClass 11 Legal Studies Ch-1 Concept of State .pdf
Class 11 Legal Studies Ch-1 Concept of State .pdfakmcokerachita
 
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptxSOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptxiammrhaywood
 
URLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website App
URLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website AppURLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website App
URLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website AppCeline George
 
The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13
The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13
The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13Steve Thomason
 
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communicationInteractive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communicationnomboosow
 
Presiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha elections
Presiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha electionsPresiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha elections
Presiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha electionsanshu789521
 
Contemporary philippine arts from the regions_PPT_Module_12 [Autosaved] (1).pptx
Contemporary philippine arts from the regions_PPT_Module_12 [Autosaved] (1).pptxContemporary philippine arts from the regions_PPT_Module_12 [Autosaved] (1).pptx
Contemporary philippine arts from the regions_PPT_Module_12 [Autosaved] (1).pptxRoyAbrique
 
Organic Name Reactions for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
Organic Name Reactions  for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptxOrganic Name Reactions  for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
Organic Name Reactions for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptxVS Mahajan Coaching Centre
 
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory Inspection
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory InspectionMastering the Unannounced Regulatory Inspection
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory InspectionSafetyChain Software
 
Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...
Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...
Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...Krashi Coaching
 
Call Girls in Dwarka Mor Delhi Contact Us 9654467111
Call Girls in Dwarka Mor Delhi Contact Us 9654467111Call Girls in Dwarka Mor Delhi Contact Us 9654467111
Call Girls in Dwarka Mor Delhi Contact Us 9654467111Sapana Sha
 
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon A
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon ACrayon Activity Handout For the Crayon A
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon AUnboundStockton
 
KSHARA STURA .pptx---KSHARA KARMA THERAPY (CAUSTIC THERAPY)————IMP.OF KSHARA ...
KSHARA STURA .pptx---KSHARA KARMA THERAPY (CAUSTIC THERAPY)————IMP.OF KSHARA ...KSHARA STURA .pptx---KSHARA KARMA THERAPY (CAUSTIC THERAPY)————IMP.OF KSHARA ...
KSHARA STURA .pptx---KSHARA KARMA THERAPY (CAUSTIC THERAPY)————IMP.OF KSHARA ...M56BOOKSTORE PRODUCT/SERVICE
 
call girls in Kamla Market (DELHI) 🔝 >༒9953330565🔝 genuine Escort Service 🔝✔️✔️
call girls in Kamla Market (DELHI) 🔝 >༒9953330565🔝 genuine Escort Service 🔝✔️✔️call girls in Kamla Market (DELHI) 🔝 >༒9953330565🔝 genuine Escort Service 🔝✔️✔️
call girls in Kamla Market (DELHI) 🔝 >༒9953330565🔝 genuine Escort Service 🔝✔️✔️9953056974 Low Rate Call Girls In Saket, Delhi NCR
 
MENTAL STATUS EXAMINATION format.docx
MENTAL     STATUS EXAMINATION format.docxMENTAL     STATUS EXAMINATION format.docx
MENTAL STATUS EXAMINATION format.docxPoojaSen20
 
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdfSanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdfsanyamsingh5019
 
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptxThe basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptxheathfieldcps1
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Class 11 Legal Studies Ch-1 Concept of State .pdf
Class 11 Legal Studies Ch-1 Concept of State .pdfClass 11 Legal Studies Ch-1 Concept of State .pdf
Class 11 Legal Studies Ch-1 Concept of State .pdf
 
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptxSOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
 
URLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website App
URLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website AppURLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website App
URLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website App
 
The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13
The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13
The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13
 
Model Call Girl in Bikash Puri Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝
Model Call Girl in Bikash Puri  Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝Model Call Girl in Bikash Puri  Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝
Model Call Girl in Bikash Puri Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝
 
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communicationInteractive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
 
Presiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha elections
Presiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha electionsPresiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha elections
Presiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha elections
 
Contemporary philippine arts from the regions_PPT_Module_12 [Autosaved] (1).pptx
Contemporary philippine arts from the regions_PPT_Module_12 [Autosaved] (1).pptxContemporary philippine arts from the regions_PPT_Module_12 [Autosaved] (1).pptx
Contemporary philippine arts from the regions_PPT_Module_12 [Autosaved] (1).pptx
 
Organic Name Reactions for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
Organic Name Reactions  for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptxOrganic Name Reactions  for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
Organic Name Reactions for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
 
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory Inspection
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory InspectionMastering the Unannounced Regulatory Inspection
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory Inspection
 
Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...
Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...
Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...
 
Call Girls in Dwarka Mor Delhi Contact Us 9654467111
Call Girls in Dwarka Mor Delhi Contact Us 9654467111Call Girls in Dwarka Mor Delhi Contact Us 9654467111
Call Girls in Dwarka Mor Delhi Contact Us 9654467111
 
CĂłdigo Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
CĂłdigo Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1CĂłdigo Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
CĂłdigo Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
 
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon A
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon ACrayon Activity Handout For the Crayon A
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon A
 
KSHARA STURA .pptx---KSHARA KARMA THERAPY (CAUSTIC THERAPY)————IMP.OF KSHARA ...
KSHARA STURA .pptx---KSHARA KARMA THERAPY (CAUSTIC THERAPY)————IMP.OF KSHARA ...KSHARA STURA .pptx---KSHARA KARMA THERAPY (CAUSTIC THERAPY)————IMP.OF KSHARA ...
KSHARA STURA .pptx---KSHARA KARMA THERAPY (CAUSTIC THERAPY)————IMP.OF KSHARA ...
 
call girls in Kamla Market (DELHI) 🔝 >༒9953330565🔝 genuine Escort Service 🔝✔️✔️
call girls in Kamla Market (DELHI) 🔝 >༒9953330565🔝 genuine Escort Service 🔝✔️✔️call girls in Kamla Market (DELHI) 🔝 >༒9953330565🔝 genuine Escort Service 🔝✔️✔️
call girls in Kamla Market (DELHI) 🔝 >༒9953330565🔝 genuine Escort Service 🔝✔️✔️
 
MENTAL STATUS EXAMINATION format.docx
MENTAL     STATUS EXAMINATION format.docxMENTAL     STATUS EXAMINATION format.docx
MENTAL STATUS EXAMINATION format.docx
 
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdfSanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
 
Model Call Girl in Tilak Nagar Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝
Model Call Girl in Tilak Nagar Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝Model Call Girl in Tilak Nagar Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝
Model Call Girl in Tilak Nagar Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝
 
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptxThe basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
 

A Democratic Society Essay

  • 1. A Democratic Society Essay A Democratic Society Throughout time the debate upon which is the best system of government has been an ongoing debate. Somewhere between the realms of democracy, socialism, fascism, communism, and monarchism lies the answer to the perfect system. Traditionally speaking, North America has always tried to remain democratic in ruling. The democratic system, unlike it's alternatives, encourages equality and liberty among the people which in modern society, makes it the most attractive system of government today. Arguably, equality is the goal of many governments today. But what one must realize is that equality cannot be reached without giving someone else inequality. While democracy influences equality,...show more content... Liberty is possibly the most important attribute in American and Canadian society. What people want is the ability to make their own decisions and go about life with the freedom to do so. In a democratic society, people are able to voice their opinions to government and ultimately play an important role in the make up and organization of society. To a new nation, these attributes of our society are quite attractive. Many new nations today are making the switch to democratic government. The problem with this is that most of these nations have never been democratic before. Therefore, new nations are having great difficulty because such a switch is not easily accomplished. To develop a democratic society it has taken some more more than an entire century. These new nations tend to rush the change and in the end they become frustrated because such a switch is not as easily accomplished as thought. The features of a modern democratic state are firstly a society dedicated to the preservation of rights and freedoms. From that, a government system must adhere to developing a form of government which encompasses the values of a working society. In other words, a government for the people, run by the people, and a system into which they have invested. An excellent example of a nation that comprises the rights and freedoms of its people is Canada. As a nation we Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 2. The Roman Republic: Democracy Or Democracy? The Roman Republic (509 BCE – 30 BCE), one of the world's first 'democracies', was a place where normal people could impact the government's decisions. It has always been considered a true democracy, but as society delves deeper into the facts, was this really true? During these almost 500 years, the citizens of Rome were allowed some freedoms to impact their own society, but these decisions were not as special to them as was thought. The Roman Republic was only half democratic because of its constitution, the specifics of the Assemblies, and their voting methods. The Roman Republic's constitution consisted of three different components: the Consuls/Magistrates, the Senate, and the Assemblies. Consuls were a group of male patricians that directed the military/government, and they were also known as magistrates. The Senate was a group of patricians or wealthy plebeians (also known as "New Men") that passed new laws, controlled finance, and advised their former peers, the magistrates. Finally, the Assemblies, who will be focused on later, were a group of all adult male Roman citizens (not including slaves) who would elect magistrates, vote on laws, and veto magistrate actions. These groups of people were selected by the majority of people (not including women or...show more content... Therefore, normal people can propose new laws and elect new officials, giving these citizens an edge compared to other civilizations' citizens. In turn, this clearly shows that because of these ordinary people's' power, the reasoning of the democratic idea is supported, and even promoted. Ultimately, the Roman Assemblies, both Tribal and Century, back the idea that Rome is a democracy, and prove that there is some reason to the name Roman Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 3. The Justice of Democracy Essay The Justice of Democracy Why was Socrates the renowned Philosopher put to death, was it based on his political and spiritual beliefs or because he taught his beliefs to his students? He believed that he was in a private pursuit of truth, a search for wisdom. He turned the youth against the Gods of Athens, proposing that the opinions of experts were the only pertinent opinions. Socrates never voiced his concerns or chose to leave the society that had supported him for some seventy years of his life. The democratic government allowed the majority to rule, it enabled the people to vote and decide what is just. The government was based on a procedural process, one, which took into account the input of the majority. In this manner they...show more content... In this way Socrates felt justified in turning away from the belief system, his own right in his mind, as well as corrupting the minds of the youth. His seemingly private matter turned into a public matter when his actions started effecting the well being of the community, his pursuits then became a political matter. The form of government called democracy, Socrates claimed not to agree with its principles. In pursuing wisdom, truth and justice, he was acting in a democratic manner, the same political process that he condemned for its corruptive nature. Socrates proposed a system where the experts decide the decisions of the country, because they are the only ones who have the knowledge. He defines knowledge, as "knowing that you do not know and ignorance as thinking you know what you really do not know." (Apology, 4). Then the question is proposed why would a country need "experts", those who are able to admit that they are wrong, to make just and right decisions for that country? Socrates believed philosophers, such as himself were the only mentally equipped citizens qualified to make decisions that effect the path of this country. The democratic system has been tested and proven, citizens utilize the strengths of the political system. In the democratic manner, a system which Socrates felt he knew enough about to defy, Socrates should have employed these strengths to his own advantage. The majority sentenced him and he had Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 4. Essay about Digital Democracy Digital Democracy Over the years the media has made citizens major role players in politics. Ross Perot opened eyes by putting the 1992 Election in the media and thereby allowing voters to become directly involved in politics. The Internet, the new form of mass media "has turned into a major political and media industry" (Grossman 16). Because of the rise the Internet has taken, the idea of direct democracy has risen. The foundation of direct democracy is in self–government. The claim is that the presence of the Internet will increase citizens' involvement in political issues by allowing them access to more information. This is significant because it takes a look at the impact of technology on society and politics, as well by...show more content... Representative government is grounded in the Constitution. The Constitution was created to protect citizens from factious groups through the establishment of an extended republic intended to "diminish the chances that any one faction will gain majority" (Kamark & Nye 29). However, it is still possible that citizens, as the majority, will tyrannize each other (25). Theorists contend that representative government is headed for direct democracy by way of the Internet. Essentially what will happen is that representatives will no longer be needed because citizens will be able to use the Internet to make decisions. Grossman contends that "the more power [citizens] have to control their government and to involve themselves in making its decisions, the better" (41). Over the years citizens have been obtaining information through the media, newspapers, and other forms of mass media. The issues that arise with obtaining information through these sources are that the government can easily censor them. With the Internet comes "vastly expanded capacities for data collection, for computation, and for automation" (Kamark & Nye 22). In his essay, Applbaum expresses the need for increased intelligence with the increase of information available on the Internet (Kamark & Nye 22). Basically, as the Internet becomes a larger resource for information, it will fall to the same fate as other forms of mass media and will therefor become more censored as Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 5. Democracy: An Analysis Essay Winston Churchill once remarked that "democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried". In agreement with his statement, this paper will examine the problems of democratic governments using specific examples, and compare it to the failure of fascist governments in Nazi Germany and Italy and communist governments in the Soviet Union and China. Theoretically, democracy is a stable form of government where power is in the hands of the people. In a democracy, people have the liberty to elect officials that best represent their interests, and political institutions exist as a result: Benjamin Constant argues in The Liberty of the Ancients Compared with that of the Moderns that "true modern liberty is...show more content... During elections in countries with corrupt governments, for example, it has to be decided whether the guarantee of every individual's right to vote or who wins is more important. (Wong, Lecture, October 24) Moreover, deep divides continue to exist and separate groups in democratic countries by race, religion, language, and class, resulting in tension and, in some cases, oppression. Thus democracy, despite its emphasis on liberty, equality and plurality, can still be problematic. According to Andrew Janos, "the price of economic progress has been political turmoil". (Janos, pg. 21) If the Modernization Theory holds that countries tend to become more democratic the more they modernize, then political turmoil is to be expected in democracies. Certainly this can occur in both parliamentary and presidential systems: as Linz argues, the presidential system concentrates too much power on the president, resulting in "winner–take–all" politics (Linz, pg. 56) and the polarization of political parties. This is evident in the United States, where the president is elected separately and Congress is divided between the opposing Democrats and Republicans. Conversely, the parliamentary system in Britain, as well as that adapted by the former British colonies of Sri Lanka and Nigeria, has had its fair share of single–party hegemony and political abuse. (Horowitz, pg. 78) Democracy is therefore not a perfect form of government when put in practice, and much of its Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 6. Modern Democracy Essay In 1947, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Winston Churchill, articulated a scathing opinion of the global political spectrum in the post–war era after witnessing the fall of European fascism in Germany and Italy as well as the impending rise of communism. He remarked, "It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried." This essay agrees vehemently with Churchill's assertion that democracy – for all of its faults – was, and still is, the world's preeminent form of government when compared with all other alternatives, notably fascism and communism. By analyzing modern democracy in theory and in practice, this paper elucidates how democracy is at an intrinsic advantage in...show more content... This parallel growth is due to the fact that democracy is inherently malleable, which allows it to be altered to best serve the needs of the people. A level of guaranteed individual freedom which was not necessary in antiquity is now required by humanity because of changes in progressive social views, technology, and the division of labor. For example, the abolition of slavery has had a measurable affect on modernity's opinion of human rights. Professor Jeffrey Kopstein of the University of Toronto identifies the difference between modern and ancient liberties as an issue of "freedom to vs. freedom from". Modern democracies guarantee individuals' freedom from oppression, under the government or other individuals, which allows for the freedom of mobility. The modern citizen is entitled to, The right...to express his opinion, choose a profession and practice it, dispose of his own property and even to misuse it; the right to come and go without permission, and without explaining what one is doing or why; the right of each person to associate with other individuals – whether to discuss their interests, or join in worship, or simply to fill the time in any way that suits his fancy; and each person's right to have some influence on the administration of the government – by electing all or some of the officials, or though representations, petitions, or demands that the authorities are more or less obliged to take into consideration. (Constant 2) Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 7. Essay about Democracy Like a living organism, democracy must be born into a time where the parents, circumstances, are right to understand the potential of such a child, democracy, and the soil, society, may be described as the type of state that is ready to accept and nurture that child. Metaphors aside, democracy has been noted to provide a better opportunity for human development. Democracy is also commonly defined as a political system that is associated with free and fair elections. A democratic regime simply refers to a system of governance that places sovereignty in the citizen's hands which allow them to contribute to the process of decision–making through their elected officials. Democracy is not as old as many may originally think. As recent as 1974, ...show more content... These breakdowns can occur through military action, a seizure of power by the opposition, or a collapse of the state. When a collapse occurs, the state cannot coerce and is unable to successfully control the inhabitants of the given territory. Diamond conveys an important reason why some authoritarian regimes lose domestic legitimacy. The citizens of a state may not be confident in theirgovernment when "... they fulfill their self–proclaimed missions and become redundant or when they completely fail to do so and clearly cannot deliver," (Diamond 91). Failures of dictatorial regimes in countries like Greece and Argentina were a result of bad economic or political performances. Another example of authoritarian failure occurred in Africa in the early 1990s. Most African countries were severely set back because of massive foreign debts. In order to pay back some of these loans, many governments of these African countries would use almost four times their export earnings leaving the government with no funds to provide basic services for its citizens. These failures were not just economic but political as well. It got to a point where these "... authoritarian states became too broke to buy off their opposition and too exhausted to repress them, protests escalated," (Diamond 93). These protests had prompted not just a change in the leader, but a change in the Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 8. Essay about Constitutional Democracy Constitutional Democracy The basic premise of a constitutional democracy is that government has rules and all of the people have voices. Through free and fair elections we elect candidates to represent us. The Constitution of the United States guarantees us the right to do this, and to live democratically. The framers attacked tyrannical government and advanced the following ideas: that government comes from below, not from above, and that it derives its powers from the consent of the governed; that men have certain natural, inalienable rights; that it is wise and feasible to distribute and balance powers within government, giving local powers to local governments, and general powers to the national...show more content... It is a way of deliberation, to tune out the clink of money in the background when you talk to somebody, so that you can concentrate on that person's message and judge it on its own merits. It means looking at someone and not saying to yourself, "That's my aunt" or "That's my boss," but rather, that is someone with his or her own inclinations and desires, in other words, a true Individual who incidentally happens to have this relation to me, as a relative or a superior. On a grander scale, individualism is putting the individual above the state and country. In those countries that have always been proud of their traditional values of emphasis on the family or the country above self they see Individualism as a direct attack on these values. However, we live in a democratic country and we believe in individualism and equal opportunity for all persons. Equal opportunity for everyone is idealistic. Roosevelt outlined a second bill of rights which the book states answers the question, "what kind of equality?" This second bill of rights was four freedoms. They were freedom from want, freedom from fear, freedom of speech & expression and freedom of worship. There are laws and acts to guarantee equal opportunity. For example, the Equal Pay Act of Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 9. Democracy Essay : What Is Democracy? What is democracy? To me democracy is the freedom to choose how your country is run. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, it defines democracy as government by the people1. Democracy gives us the freedom to choose our government officials and political leaders. We have the right to choose our leaders and the way we live when many others do not have that power. We are privileged as a country; many aspire to be like us. Our country through democracy, gives us the opportunity to live life how we would like to. This idea is known as the American Dream, which is different for everyone. The American Dream is most commonly depicted as a good job, making good money, a spouse and children, and living a good life in general. Outsiders may think the grass is greener on the other side, but in reality it is not. Our country is going downhill and fast. In ten years I do not know where the U.S. will be, but I hope that we will become stronger and figure out our faults now as a whole. In many ways, I see our freedoms have expanded, but only to be replaced with new rules that blockade those new freedoms. In the past couple of decades our country has changed so much. Even more has changed in the past century. Slavery has been frowned upon and thrown out, the equal rights movement took place and showed that we are all equal at the end of the day. With that being said, there are still some that ridicule others and their races, and believe that they are superior to the others. Some Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 10. Democracy And Its Impact On Democracy Democracy is a particular form of government the means, "ruled by the people". The Greeks are widely credited for the concept of democracy, around six B.C. Many political science experts consider the early Greek government, to be a perfect for of democracy. People had the ability to decide various government issues, and the right to suffrage. Through out time, the concept of democracy was established by many nations. The United States, is widely credited on making democracy widely used around the world. The democracy we know here in the United States, was not fully defined until the Age of Enlightenment in the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly during the time the United States Declaration of Independence was implemented, followed by the U.S Constitution. The term democracy, evolved to mean a structured government. The separation of powers, religious freedom, provide basic civil rights, and the separation of church and state. Modern American democracy consist of elected officials, that represents the people. Rather than, the people represents themselves. Members of the U.S Congress (House of Representatives and Senators) represent the people, by tackling various national issues. Since the 1950's, America has successfully propagated the democratic form of government the states of the world. Democracy consist of six principles: Rule of law (no one is above the law, including the creator). According to Stephenson, Matthew. "Rule of Law as a Goal of Development Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 11. Achieving Democracy and Equality Essay This paper shows why both democracy and equality are desirable, and why democracy, in its true sense, is an important step to achieve greater equality. There are many reasons why political philosophers need to look beyond the one person, one vote conception of democracy to understand why such theories have allowed social and economic inequality to continue to exist. While many democracies do not live up to our expectations in regards to providing equality, there are explanations for this and methods of overcoming such problems. Is equality desirable? The first thing to consider is whether equality is desirable, and if so, what kinds of equality are desirable. For example, should young children have equal voting rights? The consensus...show more content... Consider the case of the recently proposed Malaysia solution. The proposed deal between Malaysia and Australia would have meant that 800 asylum seekers who arrive in Australia by boat would be sent to Malaysia as a deterrent, while Australia would in exchange take 4000 refugees from one of Malaysia's refugee camps. The intended effect was to 'stop the boats' and save the Australian government from political turmoil. The people who this legislation has the greatest effect on are the asylum seekers who plan to travel to Australia by boat, and the asylum seekers who are waiting in refugee camps in Malaysia. However, because these groups of people are not part of the demos creating the law, and have no influence on the legislation, are they obliged to follow it? While the interests of those seeking asylum in Australia should be considered by the demos in a liberal democracy, this does not give anyone who interacts with the state the automatic right to the ballot and citizenship. In summary, there is a type of equality that each person should have. It may seem arbitrary to argue that a demos is constituted by a particular geographical location, but this is not the case. It is in fact quite pragmatic, as the geographical relationship between each member of a nation–state helps form their common life. Myers points out that there are 'virtually limitless ways in which human beings might be equal or unequal.' From birth, individuals Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 12. Essay on Democracy in America Democracy is a unique type of government, and the purpose of this essay is to illustrate the strengths and weaknesses that a democratic government provides. I will detail that many components of this type of society are both strengths and weakness as each component has beneficial aspects as well as unavoidable pitfalls. Ademocracy is a government by the people, in which the power is vested in the people themselves. The people then elect representatives who conduct their power in a free electoral system. The Declaration of Independence, which says that all men are created equal, was written on the premise of a democracy. According to John Locke, who wrote The Social Contract, before acknowledging that an individual is part of a ...show more content... The laws of society are applied equally to everyone, but equitable to the circumstances. The same holds true for taxes: those with higher incomes pay a larger percentage of their income in taxes than those in lower tax brackets. Although not equally applied, the tax laws are equitable. Democratic laws are written in such a way as to allow interpretation depending upon circumstances. "A thousand circumstances, independent of the will of man, facilitate the maintenance of a democratic republic in the United States" Initially, laws are difficult to design because lawmakers can't think of every possibility, every scenario, and every obstacle that may present itself in the democracy. Despite these difficulties, laws keep society together and provide unity for the citizens. Advantages for creating laws, include, but are not limited to, providing direction for the collection of taxes, declaring clear expectations for compliance and punishment of citizens and elimination of chaos. A weakness of democracy is the "Tyranny of the Majority". This is an inevitable pitfall, because in a democracy, the power is vested foremost in the people the constituting the society itself. Alexis de Tocqueville wrote on this concept: "Democratic laws generally tend to promote the welfare of the greatest possible number; for they emanate from the majority of the citizens, who are subject to error, but who cannot have an interest opposed to Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 13. Essay about elections and democracy QUESTION 1; 1. Do you think elections can be a good measure of democracy? Discuss this statement in relation to elections recently held in African countries you are familiar with. INTRODUCTION The year 2011 experienced serious levels of political activities in Africa such as political upheavals, middle–east uprisings and elections in many countries. Most Islamic nations rose against their long–ruling leaders, hence saw the ousted of Egyptian Hosni Mubarak and the killing of Muamar Gaddafi after a six–month war between the Gaddafi loyalists and the anti–Gadhafi fighters assisted by NATO. However, while this was taking place, other countries like Zambia, Congo DR, Nigeria, Liberia were also exercising their obligation of...show more content... DISCUSSION From the understanding of liberty and freedoms, the government must be erected by the participation of very free people not under coercion. It implies that the citizens must have a free will to choose leaders of their choice and be able to have freedom of expression within the given framework. Thus, elections become a very important voice for citizens to select their leaders as that is how they participate in the process of making decisions .However, there is more to democracy than just holding elections and electioneering. There are many other factors to consider to complete democracy than just holding an election Elections today, which signify democracy, must be judged by the conformity to standard norms that constitute free and fair elections. A free election is based on the presumption that fundamental human rights and freedoms are respected. These would include freedom of assembly, association, expression, and information. In addition, freedom would include freedom from violence, intimidation and coercion, freedom to access the polling stations by both voters and monitors, and freedom to make choices without fear of repercussions.But in Zambia,prior to elections,there was a lot of intimidation by the ruling MMD by brutalising the opposition,corrupting the youths with beer to cause confusion in a way of campaigning.So there was coecion before election as opponents were not ready to frely make their own decisions over who to vote for. In another
  • 14. Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 15. Democratic Governance Essay Democratic Governance Authored by Md. Alam, Walden University Overview The study of democratic governance is an effort to make a module on "Theories of Democratic Governance and Research". For this study, one of the most popular topics "Democracy" discussed and analyzed from the point of theoretical aspect, contemporary research, and application aspect. Objectives This Knowledge Area Module (KAM) looks at democratic governance. This breadth component begins by discussing the theoretical characteristic of democracy. For this study, democratic thoughts of Aristotle, Milton Friedman, Robert Dahl, and John Dewey will be used as guides; will find out the different ideas about democracy. In Breadth component, theories of democracy...show more content... d) Democracy includes all citizens those who are able to participate in the polis. This four categories democracy is based on equality between poor and rich. In his Politics book four Aristotle viewed fifth democracy which is alike with previous four types but the multitude. Finally, Aristotle presented polity– the best alternative, mixed form of oligarchy and democracy. This polity may more incline to either oligarchy or democracy. Oligarchic polity would rule by few selective individuals and democratic polity is operated by common people. Aristotle is a promoter of the latter, because it involves rule by the middle class. Dewey's Democratic Ends Need Democratic Methods for Their Realization Democracy is a social idea to John Dewey (Cunningham, 2002). Dewey viewed people's actions have permanent and broader effect over other people of the society. People form leaders under political democracy to regulate the actions. When leaders imposed force to achieve private gain, the public became defunct. Democracy is the combination of responsible sharing as per their ability and regulating activities among the groups. Dahl's Dilemmas of Pluralist Democracy Robert Dahl's (1989) democracy is a combination of typical and substantive equality. He describes at least five
  • 16. Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 17. Essay about Islam and Democracy Discuss the argument that characterise the debate about Islam and democracy Since the rise of the Islamic movements around the world especially in the Middle East and the current tension between Muslim and the Western countries in particular after 9/11, the different debates and arguments has been made by scholars, in particular Western intellectuals about the capability of the Islam to accept the principles of democracy. I will examine the relationship between Islam and politics, definition of Islam and democracy, the connection between Islamic teaching (Hadith and Quran) and Islamic movements and different perspectives of Islamists or Islamic countries. There are two different visions about the subject in which some argued that Islam...show more content... Islam means the submission to the will of only one God (Allah) and his command and to accept the God's sovereignty, while you are free to choose or to refuse as the Quranic verses explained the freedom of religion, "there is to be no compulsion in religion. Surly the right direction has been made clear and distinct from error........" (Quran, II: 256) The term democracy originally is a Greek word which was created from demos "people" and kratos "rule". Abraham Lincoln defined the term democracy as the "government of the people, by the people, and for the people". However, in our contemporary modern era there are some different interpretations of democracy. Therefore, different kinds of democracy have been introduced such as Greek's democracy that participation of only male allowed and excluded the slaves, women and foreigners. On the other hand, different forms of democracy have been presented by politicians as examples, liberal democracy, representative, parliamentary democracy and so on. Therefore, there is not a fixed and clear definition of democracy that accepted globally. There are various arguments about connection between Islam and Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 18. Democracy, Equality, And Equality Democracy to me means that everyone gets a fair chance and is able to decide and vote on what they feel is right not only for themselves but for the nation as a whole. Four main values of democracy are liberty, justice, freedom and equality. There must be a balance between liberty and equality so as to maintain order. In an authoritarian state, though there is peace and order, it comes at a cost to citizens because they lose their sense of freedom and are told what to do. There is no sense of liberty and typically one person decides what is fair, just, and equal. Whereas in a democracy, everyone typically has a voice in what happens therefore the outcome is most equal for everyone. When looking at education in a democratic society, it should follow the ideas of democratic equality. The three main forms of democratic equality seen in schools are "the pursuit of citizenship training, of equal treatment, and of equal access" (Labree). If a child is provided with these three things during their education, they will be able to make their own responsible choices as an adult with what path they chose to follow. On page 6 of Labree it says how a "democratic society cannot persist unless it prepares all of the young with equal care to take on the full responsibilities of citizenship in a competent manner." I believe the purpose of education in a democracy is to allow equal opportunity and access to every student while teaching them how to become responsible citizens within their Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 19. Democracy Essay examples Democracy When I think of the word democracy, I think of Government. Democracy is a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system. This means that Government must protect the basic rights, or liberties, of all people. This is the system of government that United States are base on. The United States, Cuba, and Democracy During the Clinton administration, the sentiment has been proclaimed on so many occasions by the president and other political leaders, and dutifully reiterated by the media, that the thesis: "Cuba is the only non–democracy in the Western Hemisphere" is now nothing short of received...show more content... If, despite this record, the United States can insist that Cuba is the only "non–democracy" in the Western Hemisphere, we are left with the inescapable conclusion that this thing called "democracy", as seen from the White House, may have little or nothing to do with many of our most cherished human rights. Indeed, numerous pronouncements emanating from Washington officialdom over the years make plain that "democracy", at best, or at most, is equated solely with elections and civil liberties. Not even jobs, food, and shelter are part of the equation. Thus, a nation with hordes of hungry, homeless, untended sick, barely literate, unemployed, and/or tortured people, who have loved ones, are being disappeared and/or murdered with state connivance, can be said to be living in a "democracy". Its literal Greek meaning of "rule of the people" implying that this is the kind of life the people actually want –– provided that every two years or four years they have the right to go to a designated place and put an X next to the name of one or another individual who promises to relieve their miserable condition. But who will, typically, do virtually nothing of the kind; and provided further that in this society there is at least a certain minimum of freedom –– how much Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 20. Characteristics Of Democracy The structure of world governments in societies looks different in many countries around the world. The types of government have changes throughout history with some doing better than others in the world. One of the leading governmental system today is the democracy with over half the countries in the world having some form of democracy. Democracy is focused on the people rule where the community tries to elect our official that we belief best to represent us in our government like in the U.S. The ancient Greeks had many debates about the effectiveness, practicality, and the implications of democracy as the governing system in a country. Two of the important perspectives from Greek philosophers come from Plato and Aristotle. Both discussed how they viewed a democratic system would work and the weakness that the system held. Plato discussed democracy as a flawed system far away from the ideal society while Aristotle stated that it is a flawed system but with a few change it could be the ideal society. The questions is what are the good characterization of society government according to Plato and Aristotle, what the flaws and strengths in the system of democracy are according to them and can democracy be the ideal society. The system of government is important to how a society will develop and learn in dealing with the world. Plato explored these system of government in this book the Republic specifically talking about the process that regimes go through. According to Plato Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 21. Democracy And Its Effect On Democracy Essay Over the past quarter–century, democracy has stood at the center of political debate in many countries and it is a constant concern of the political and social sciences. Since its origins in ancient Greece, democracy was seen as a form of government where power was exercised by the people, that is, where political decisions were made by the majority. Today,democracy enjoys great recognition, but it is important to bear in mind that where democracy is now the preferred constitution, we can not forget that it is not the only one that has existed. For long periods, it did not enjoy prestige, with several authors throughout history labeling the form of government as a negative, undesirable system. In this paper, I will examine the results that democracies may produce to come to the conclusion that it would not be worth scrapping the democratic process, even when democracies produce detrimental results. Elections and parties have long been considered vital institutions of democracy. This system of government presupposes that people can intelligently make choices for themselves and it presupposes perfect information, democracy holds a number of preconditions. One of which is political knowledge. Yet, political ignorance is a serious problem, one that has been studied for centuries it still disturbingly hangs over many democracies around the world. A sizeable deficiency in political knowledge alone has the power to weaken a system of government that is presumed to represent the Get more content on HelpWriting.net