What Does Democracy Mean?
Introduction
To many, the word “democracy” brings to mind popular images of majestic government buildings, people proudly voting for the candidate of their choice, civil rights protests, and other symbols of our democratic principles and values. Yet, democracy is much more than the image we hold in our head of modern-day politics. Democracy is a form of government with its foundations in Ancient Greece, predating even the Roman Empire. At its core, democracy is based on the rule of the people, with the power to shape their futures in their hands.
The Founding Principles of Democracy
At the heart of democracy are certain core criteria which are necessary in order for it to be considered a form of government. According to the Modern Political Science Association, democracy is comprised of four major concepts: popular control, political freedom, shared power, and civil rights. Popular control is the idea that the people are allowed to make decisions about their government, through their votes or representation. Political freedom includes a freedom from fear, oppression or discrimination. Shared power means that the people electing the officials will hold some degree of power, even if the elected officials hold more. Lastly, civil rights or liberties ensure that the power is balanced between the people and the officials.
The Evolution of Democracy
Over the past few centuries, democracy has expanded and evolved. For example, in the United States, voting rights have gradually become less exclusive, extending to more and more groups of people. Initially, voting was limited to white male property owners, but today the right to vote belongs to all those that qualify age-wise. Additionally, more and more nations have adopted democracy as their form of government, creating a global network through which civil liberties, voting rights and shared power can be extended to more and more people.
Conclusion
Democracy is an important political concept that has profoundly shaped the modern world. Its founding principles remain the same, but have been adapted and evolved over time to fit the ever-changing political landscape. While there is still work to be done to ensure that democracy is available to those who need it, democracy has secured a central place in the modern world. Its future remains unclear, but for now, it remains a beacon of hope and possibility.