WHAT IS A DEMOCRACY?

• A democracy is the most common form of government in the world.

• It is a system in which the people control the political power.

• The word democracy comes from two Greek words, demos – people, and cracy – rule of.

• Democracy emerged as a political system in response to the demand of ordinary citizens for a voice in the government.

• Its principal purpose was to overcome tyranny, or rule by a single individual or small group. (people no longer wanted to be ruled by tyrants).

• By giving ultimate political authority to the people, democracy doesn’t allow for the rise of dictatorships or other forms of authoritarian government.

WHAT IS A DEMOCRACY?

A democracy serves the interests and needs of its people.

Continued Characteristics of a Democracy

Democracies understand that one of their prime functions is to protect such basic human rights as freedom of speech and religion; the right to equal protection under law; and the opportunity to organize and participate fully in the political, economic, and cultural life of society.

WHAT A DEMOCRACY IS NOT

A democracy is the opposite of tyrannical governments.

Tyrannies are developed to serve the needs of (or to benefit) the rulers.

Example: Hitler, King Henry VIII

THE BENEFITS OF DEMOCRACY

• A country can have multiple legal political parties.

• Free rule by the people through elections.• Opposition and dissent are accepted and

may be encouraged.• Property can be private and in protected by

law.• Economy is determined by free market.• Unemployment is determined mainly by the

free market.• Freedom of religion.• Many civil liberties and civil rights – some

social welfare.

PROBLEMS OF DEMOCRACY

• It requires participation of its citizens. Many voters become dissatisfied with the representatives and choose not to vote.

• Elected officials may not listen to their constituents (people)or may be influenced by lobbyists and that interest may not be the will of the people.

• There can be broad inequality between wealth and status often resulting in power and influence of the wealthy.

COUNTRIES WITH FULL DEMOCRACIES