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 participation, equality, and the protection of individual rights, making it a crucial element in the evolution of modern governance and social movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 1911 Revolution marked a significant shift from imperial rule to a republican form of government, promoting democratic ideals in China.
2. Sun Yat-sen, often regarded as the father of modern China, was a key figure advocating for democracy and the establishment of a republic based on principles such as nationalism, democracy, and people's livelihood.
3. The May Fourth Movement was driven by a desire for political reform and democracy, as intellectuals and students pushed against traditional Confucian values and sought modernization.
4. The New Culture Movement encouraged critical thinking and liberal values, leading to a push for democratic reforms and challenging autocratic governance.
5. The Northern Expedition aimed to unify China under a national government that embodied democratic principles, as the Nationalist Party sought to eliminate warlord control and promote governance by the people.

Review Questions

• How did the ideals of democracy influence the 1911 Revolution and its aftermath in China?
  • The 1911 Revolution was driven by widespread dissatisfaction with imperial rule and a desire for democratic governance. The revolutionaries aimed to establish a republic that would allow for greater political participation and representation. This shift marked the end of over two thousand years of imperial rule and initiated discussions about how democracy could be implemented in Chinese society.
• In what ways did Sun Yat-sen's vision for China incorporate democratic principles, and how did this vision impact early Republican governance?
  • Sun Yat-sen's vision for China included strong advocacy for democracy through his Three Principles of the People: nationalism, democracy, and people's livelihood. He believed in creating a government that represented the will of the people. His ideas laid the groundwork for early Republican governance, which attempted to balance Western democratic models with China's unique historical context.
• Evaluate the relationship between the May Fourth Movement and the push for democratic reforms in early 20th century China.
  • The May Fourth Movement significantly contributed to the demand for democratic reforms by mobilizing intellectuals and students who were frustrated with traditional Confucian values and foreign domination. This movement not only criticized autocratic governance but also encouraged new ideas about individual rights and political participation. As a result, it catalyzed further discussions about democracy as essential for national revitalization and modernization in China.

Related terms

Republic: A form of government in which the country is considered a 'public matter' and is not the private concern or property of the rulers; officials are accountable to the public.

Nationalism:

A political ideology that emphasizes the interests of a particular nation, often in opposition to foreign influence or control, and can promote democratic movements as a means of self-determination.

Civil Rights: The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality, which are fundamental in a democratic society.