A Brief History Of Democracy

Definition:
Democracy is a (Greek demos, the people, kratein, to rule), political
system in which the people of a country rule though any form of
government they chose to establish.

>Ancient Greek city-states were often run as direct democracies in which all

voting citizens (commoners, women, and salves were excluded) had a voice in
what occurred.

>Decision making was limited to a privileged few

> Ancient democracy did not presuppose equality of all individuals; the majority
of the populace, notable slaves, women, and foreigners, had no political rights.

>Athens, the greatest of the city democracies, limited the franchise (right to
vote) to citizens; they had to be native-born, free men, over 18yrs.
*They had the right to vote, hold office, own property, and defend themselves in
court.
*They had freedom of speech and freedom of assembly.
>Responsibility of the citizens include:
*Serve in the army, in the navy, and in the court of law
*Participate in the monthly assembly
>The democracies of the city-states of classical Greece and Rome during the
early years of the republic were unlike the democracies of today
*They were direct democracies, in which, all citizens could speak and vote in
assemblies that resembled New England town meetings.

What Is Democracy ?
Democracy (from the Greek demos, the people; kratein,"to rule") a political
system in which the people of a country rule through any form of government
they choose to establish
* Democracy is the best way to meet the diverse needs of the people
* People make decisions that reflect the will of the majority
* True democratic citizens not only enjoy their rights and freedoms, but they also
take very seriously the responsibilities of living democratically
* Open communication and mass participation are also important responsibilities
of the democratic citizen

* The democratic citizen upholds

> Human dignity
> Respects the rights
> Works for the common good
> Has a sense of responsibility for other people

Elements Of Democracy
1. Rule of Law: In democracy, everyone must adhere to some laws
(including leaders) Laws should be known, predictable, and impartial.

2. Political Equality: Every citizen has the same right to vote for office
and to speak on public issues.
3. Common Good: Democratic citizens should work towards the common
good (what will make the most people safe and secure and happy). Have some
sense of responsibility and caring for others.
4. Personal Freedom: People enjoy many personal freedoms of religion
and freedom of expression.
5. Human Dignity: Democratic citizens should protect and uphold the
dignity of all people.
6. Political Freedom: People can speak freely from associations, run for
office and vote without being intimidated
7. Being Informed and getting involved: Citizens should
communicate openly and participate individually and collectively in issues that
shape their community, nation, and world.
8. Respect: Citizens should respect the rights of others.