Democracy The word "democracy" comes from the Greek word demokratia.

This is a combination of demos, the Greek word for "people," and kratos, meaning "rule." Athens was the most famous Greek democracy. In the 400's BC, Athens had an assembly that all citizens could attend. A council of 500 citizens elected each year did most of the important government work. Although this sounds very democratic, more than half the people of Athens, including women and slaves, were excluded from taking any part in the government because they were not considered citizens. Democracy in the United States The Revolutionary War, as well as almost every other political revolution in history, took place because the people wished to rule themselves. The founders of the United States favored a republic--a government of elected representatives who would answer to the people. But by "people" they meant men of wealth, or property, and social position. Ideas that were accepted in the late 1700's and early 1800's sound undemocratic today. People are no longer denied the vote because they are poor or because they do not own property. Nobody would even suggest this in a modern democracy. The United States form of government has changed in many ways since its infancy. The benefits of democracy have spread gradually to more people than ever before. Meaning of Democracy Democracy is government by the many instead of by the few. It is based on the belief that all should have the same basic rights and freedoms and that people should be free to govern themselves. In a direct democracy, the people decide questions by voting. However, direct democracy is practical only in small communities. Most democratic nations are representative democracies. In representative democracies, the people elect public officials, who act according to the people's wishes. Democracy is a philosophy of government, not a form of government. The United States is a democracy with a republican form of government. A republic has an elected head of state, a president. England is also a democracy, but it is a monarchy as well. It has a king or queen--a hereditary ruler, or head of state. In both countries the representatives of the people are chosen in free elections. Privileges of Democracy The rights and responsibilities that make up a democratic system are not unlimited, of course. Some restrictions are necessary. There are limits of fair play, of common sense, of safety. While people in a democracy are free, they may not injure the health or the good name of others. Recognizing these necessary limits, let us examine the substance of democracy. First of all, there is freedom of speech and the press. This means that all citizens have the right to speak their minds without fear of punishment. A person who cannot speak freely cannot think freely. The term "freedom of speech" includes freedom of expression in forms of communication such as television, radio, and films. It extends to the arts--theater, dance, music, literature, painting. The right of free speech, press, and thought includes the right to publish and read newspapers, magazines, and books. It includes the right to disagree, to take a different view from the popular,

accepted one. In a democracy a citizen may express an opinion even though it is contrary to the opinion of others. Freedom of Assembly. Citizens in a democracy may join in a meeting or convention to support their government or to criticize it, to debate foreign policy, to start a new political party, or to reshape an old one. They may discuss controversial issues that are important to them. They may argue, pass resolutions, or send petitions to the mayor, the governor, or even to the president.

Popular Sovereignty. This is the heart of democracy. It means that the people are supreme--not a king, not a leader, not a clique of despots, but the people. Popular sovereignty gives to the voters the right to keep their officials in office or to vote them out. Balloting is free, and it is secret. The privacy of every voter is assured. Officials in a democracy are responsible to the people. When the officials' terms are over, they must go before the people for re-election. They have no hereditary rights in their jobs. They may not hold office by force or fraud.

Political Freedom. Citizens in a democracy may belong to the party of their choice. This may be a major party--Democratic or Republican in the United States--or a minor party. The minor parties may propose ideas that are unpopular or even freakish. But citizens are free to vote for them just the same. Often a major party supports an idea that was first suggested years earlier by a minor party.

Civil Rights. These include the right to vote, to hold office, to have a fair trial, to enjoy the privileges of full citizenship.

Religious Freedom. The Constitution of the United States prohibits government support to any religion or interference with anybody's religious beliefs. People may not be barred from holding office because of their religion or lack of religion. Some democracies--England, for example--support a state church. But religious freedom is guaranteed to all.

Freedom of Movement. All citizens in the United States may choose the city or state where they want to live. They are free to move about the country if they wish. They need neither permission nor passport.

Economic Opportunity. In a democracy, people may go into business for themselves. If they prosper, they enjoy the rewards that go with success. If they fail, they may try again or change their work. The decisions, the risks, and the rewards are their own. Workers may join unions. They may strike without losing their rights as citizens.

In a democracy, people may seek work in any profession, craft, or industry, without regard for race, creed, or sex. People may work in private industry or become civil servants. The choice of occupation is theirs-based on their own abilities.

Education. A democracy provides equal educational opportunities for all of its citizens, without regard for race, creed, color, or social position. Namaskar too respected listeners n judges I naman Sharma here too express my views on democracy izz theorical bt practically its an diszater n I am against d motion Democracy what izz democracy ? Democracy is government by the many instead of by the few. It is based on the belief that all should have the same basic rights and freedoms and that people should be free to govern themselves it izz the government of people ,by the people n for the people