Democracy

Definition

Democracy is a system of government in which power is vested in the people, who exercise that power directly or through elected representatives. This concept emphasizes the importance of individual rights, equality, and the participation of citizens in the political process. In the context of societal and political change, democracy reflects the evolving dynamics of authority and governance during periods of upheaval and transformation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of democracy has ancient roots, notably in Athens, where citizens participated directly in decision-making.
2. During the Early Modern English period, democracy began to evolve as ideas about individual rights and the role of government were challenged and debated.
3. Key documents, like the Magna Carta, laid the groundwork for democratic principles by limiting the powers of the monarchy and establishing legal rights for individuals.
4. The rise of parliamentary systems in England marked a significant shift towards representative democracy, allowing citizens a voice through elected officials.
5. The Enlightenment played a crucial role in promoting democratic ideals, with thinkers advocating for reason, individualism, and the social contract between citizens and their government.

Review Questions

• How did early democratic ideas influence political thought during the Early Modern English period?
  • Early democratic ideas, particularly those stemming from ancient Greece and Rome, influenced political thought significantly during the Early Modern English period. Thinkers began to question absolute monarchy and advocated for concepts like popular sovereignty and individual rights. The debates surrounding governance led to pivotal moments such as the English Civil War, which ultimately encouraged more inclusive political participation and laid the groundwork for modern democratic practices.
• Discuss the impact of significant documents like the Magna Carta on the development of democracy in England.
  • The Magna Carta had a profound impact on the development of democracy in England by establishing principles that limited the power of the king and asserted certain rights for nobles. This document set a precedent for future legal frameworks that would expand individual rights and parliamentary authority. It marked a critical shift towards recognizing that governance should be accountable to its citizens, thus fostering an environment where democratic ideals could flourish.
• Evaluate how Enlightenment thinkers shaped modern views on democracy and its principles during the Early Modern English period.
  • Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Montesquieu profoundly shaped modern views on democracy by introducing concepts like natural rights, social contracts, and separation of powers. Their writings encouraged people to reconsider their relationship with authority and championed individual liberties as foundational to governance. This intellectual movement laid the groundwork for democratic revolutions across Europe and America, as citizens sought to implement these principles in their own political systems.

Related terms

Republic: A form of government in which the country is considered a 'public matter' and is not the private concern of the rulers, typically involving elected representatives.

Suffrage: The right to vote in political elections, a key aspect of democratic participation and representation.

Civil Liberties: Individual rights protected by law from governmental interference, essential for the functioning of a democratic society.