Democracy

Definition

Democracy is a form of government in which power is vested in the people, who exercise that power directly or through elected representatives. This concept emphasizes individual rights and equal participation in political processes, often challenging existing social hierarchies and promoting notions of equality across different classes and races.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In many regions during the 1450-1750 period, the concept of democracy was often overshadowed by monarchies and aristocracies that held significant power.
2. The rise of Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Montesquieu during this era significantly influenced ideas about democracy, advocating for natural rights and the separation of powers.
3. Democratic ideas began to challenge traditional social hierarchies, leading to greater calls for political participation among the lower classes and marginalized groups.
4. The struggle for suffrage and political representation was marked by significant resistance from established elites who feared losing their power.
5. Revolutions, such as the American Revolution in the late 18th century, were influenced by democratic ideals that emerged during this earlier period, promoting a vision of government by the people.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment thinkers influence the development of democratic ideals during the period from 1450 to 1750?
  • Enlightenment thinkers played a crucial role in shaping democratic ideals by advocating for reason, individual rights, and skepticism toward absolute authority. Philosophers like John Locke argued for natural rights, asserting that government should be based on the consent of the governed. These ideas inspired movements aimed at challenging traditional power structures and increasing political participation among the populace.
• Discuss the impact of class structures on the evolution of democracy during this time period.
  • Class structures significantly impacted the evolution of democracy from 1450 to 1750 as they often determined who had access to political power. The ruling elites typically resisted movements toward greater democracy, fearing loss of their status. However, as middle and lower classes began to assert their rights and demand representation, tensions arose that ultimately pushed societies closer toward more democratic forms of governance.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of democratic ideas that emerged between 1450 and 1750 on subsequent political developments in the 18th and 19th centuries.
  • The democratic ideas that emerged between 1450 and 1750 had profound long-term implications for political developments in the following centuries. These ideas laid the groundwork for revolutions such as the American and French Revolutions, which sought to implement principles of democracy and individual rights. As societies grappled with these new concepts, they led to widespread changes in governance, ultimately contributing to the formation of modern nation-states based on democratic principles and representative governance.

Related terms

Republic: A system of government in which representatives are elected to make decisions on behalf of the citizens, often incorporating democratic principles.

Suffrage: The right to vote in political elections, a key component of democratic systems that has historically been limited to certain groups based on class or race.

Enlightenment:

An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of authority, laying the groundwork for modern democratic ideas.