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 political decision-making processes. It connects deeply with ideas about freedom and justice, shaping the foundations of various political movements and documents advocating for independence and rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Declaration of Independence articulated the principles of democracy by stating that all men are created equal and have unalienable rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
2. Political essays and manifestos during the independence era often discussed democracy as a means to achieve freedom from colonial rule, advocating for self-governance.
3. Benjamin Franklin's writings promoted democratic ideals through his emphasis on civic responsibility and the need for an informed electorate.
4. Thomas Paine's pamphlet 'Common Sense' argued for democracy by rejecting monarchy and advocating for a government based on the consent of the governed.
5. The Enlightenment greatly influenced democratic thought, as thinkers like John Locke proposed ideas about natural rights and government accountability that inspired revolutionary movements.

Review Questions

• How did Thomas Jefferson's ideas in the Declaration of Independence reflect democratic principles?
  • Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence reflects democratic principles by asserting that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. The document emphasizes individual rights and equality, declaring that all men are created equal and entitled to certain inalienable rights. This foundation laid the groundwork for a government accountable to its citizens and marked a significant shift towards democratic governance.
• In what ways did political essays during the independence era contribute to the promotion of democracy?
  • Political essays during the independence era contributed to the promotion of democracy by articulating arguments against tyranny and colonial rule while advocating for self-governance. Writers like Thomas Paine used persuasive language to rally public support for democratic ideals, emphasizing concepts such as individual rights and collective action. These writings inspired ordinary citizens to engage in political discourse and assert their rights as participants in a democratic society.
• Evaluate how Enlightenment thinkers influenced the concept of democracy, particularly in relation to American revolutionary thought.
  • Enlightenment thinkers significantly influenced the concept of democracy by introducing ideas about natural rights, social contracts, and governmental accountability. Philosophers like John Locke argued that individuals possess inherent rights that must be protected by government, directly impacting American revolutionary thought. The infusion of Enlightenment ideals into revolutionary texts helped shape a vision of democracy where government authority is derived from the consent of the people, ultimately laying the foundation for modern democratic practices.

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, where representatives are elected by the people.

Social Contract: A theory that posits that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to surrender some freedoms to authority in exchange for protection of their remaining rights.

Enlightenment:

An intellectual movement of the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, which influenced the development of democratic principles.