The History and Definition of Democracy - 742 Words

According to the Oxford dictionary online democracy is defined as, A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives (Oxford, 2014). In other words the population of a nation or land participates in the government. This participation is typically done by elections. Democracy has changed throughout history. In the past the population is the government; today most often the people will appoint individuals to represent them. Each of these styles of government has an unique way of dividing up the power between the electors and the elected. The models of democracy may be different but the conditions needed to obtain democracy are the same; how those conditions are acquired is debated. Ancient Athens in the fifth century B.C. is recognized as the first democracy (Gascoigne, B., 2014, p. 1). The democracy model in Athens was different than the modern democracy in countries such as America. All free males gathered to discuss what business needed to be done; Slaves, women, and children were excluded from participating in the government. The electorate voted by either a show of hands or by casting a ballot (Hansen, M. H., 1977, p. 1). The power was held by the entire voting population not the elected officials. In this way when an official did something that went against the desires of those who elected him, he could be removed easily. Elected officials could not exercise more power than what wasShow MoreRelatedThe Concept Of American Democracy1699 Words   |  7 Pages Democracy is perhaps the most elusive concept of all times. But if there has to be something more elusive, it will surely be the concept of American democracy. In 1858, Abraham Lincoln is known to have written:  ¨As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master †¦ This expresses my idea of democracy. Whoever differs from this, to the extent of the difference, is no democracy. ¨ The initial understanding of American democracy takes the form of an antithesis of English colonialism and slaveryRead MoreDemocratic Peace Theory1319 Words   |  6 Pageschoose their friends and enemies. Preventing conflict between two democracies or countries that practice democracy is called Democratic Peace Theory. However, research has begun to show that Democratic Peace Theory is ineffective and needs to be brought to an end as a model for how international relations are formed or destroyed. Democratic Peace Theory needs to be abolished as a support for forming foreign policy between democracies because of the burden placed on both parties to come to an agreementRead MoreDissent And Disagreement1459 Words   |  6 Pagesmatters and not dissented. In the Decline of Radicalism, by Daniel J. Boorstin, he asserts that â€Å"disagreement is the life blood of democracy, dissension is its cancer† and that dissent is negative word. Boorstin also claims that â€Å"disagreemen t produces debate†, which is true, but could have all conflicts been solved with diplomacy? Dissent is the life blood of democracy and it is not negative; it is vital to how our nation came to be. Dissent is, according to Boorstin, is when people â€Å"have a quarrel†Read More Americas Democracy Essay1091 Words   |  5 PagesAmericas Democracy The United States of America is a republic, or representative democracy. Democracy, a word that comes to us from Greek, literally means the people rule (Romance, July 8). This broad definition leaves unanswered a few important details such as who are the people, how shall they rule, and what should they rule on (July 8). Defining the answers to those questions means defining a model for a democratic system. William E. Hudson defines four such models in his book American DemocracyRead MoreNationalism and Democracy Essay1166 Words   |  5 PagesNationalism has played a crucial role in world history over the past centuries. It continues to do so today. For many, nationalism is indelibly associated with some of the worst aspects of modern history, such as the destructive confidence of the Napoleon’s army and the murderous pride of Nazi Germany. Large numbers of people, descent in their hearts, have carried out unbelievable atrocities for no better reason than their nation requir ed them to. Authoritarian and totalitarian regime have crushedRead MoreIs the EU Democratic?1411 Words   |  6 Pagesof regional integration. It, based on numerous treaties and resolutions, has strived to promote values such as peace, cooperation or democracy, and in 2012 was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for having â€Å"contributed to the advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe† (Nobel Media AB, 2012). Despite its struggle for promoting democracy, the EU itself has long experienced scholarly criticisms that it suffers the democratic deficit, from which its democratic legitimacyRead MorePower, Authority And Power And The Views Of The State1388 Words   |  6 PagesPlato and JS Mill both gave political theories of the state that were very different. The essay will look to cover their theories as well as definitions, strengths and weaknesses on democracy, authority and power and the views of JS Mill and Plato, giving their thoughts, ide as and styles. The researcher will also apply these definitions of authority and democracy to both Mill’s and Plato’s theories of the state. Heywood tells us that authority is, in the broadest sense of the word, a form of powerRead MoreThe Political System Of Democracy Essay1697 Words   |  7 Pagessystem of Democracy that has existed since the days of ancient Greece. When applied to the United States of America, two forms of Democracy are presented that clash together in their principles. This is of course, Elite Democracy and Popular Democracy. Through the analysis of the process of the Electoral College, the actions of politically charged people, and various reforms throughout history, we can see how Popular Democracy pales in comparison to the superior philosophy of Elite Democracy. BeforeRead More Education in Colonial History Essay810 Words   |  4 PagesEducation in Colonial History Thomas Jefferson and Robert Coram both had different plans for education in colonial America. Jefferson was the most well known advocate for education while Coram was the least famous devisor of educational plans. Jefferson, as we all know, wrote the Declaration of Independence and later became the third President. Robert Coram was a young man who worked for a Republican newspaper in Delaware. He based most of his plan on the works of Noah Webster, who wasRead MoreDemocracy And Government Repression Essay. Democracy Is1620 Words   |  7 PagesDemocracy and government repression essay Democracy is a difficult concept to define, with almost every nation state in the world self-defining themselves as such, when in fact not all are. The complexity of the definition of democracy poses challenges when one is trying to analyse the causes and effects that democracy can have. Democracy occurs by degree, not in absolutes, further complicating analysis. The traditional definition of democracy prior to the revolutions of the 18th and 19th centuries