Changes

'''Democracy''' is a form of government made successful by [[Christian]] cultures. The origin of the term is [[Greek]], from the words ''demos'' (people) and ''kratos'' (strength). Although many forms of government fall under this broad classification, the defining characteristic of a democracy is that the citizenry of a nation directly or indirectly exercise sovereignty. There has never been a lasting democracy in an [[atheistic]] culture.

'''Democracy''' is a form of [[government]] made successful by [[Christian]] [[culture]]s. The origin of the term is [[Greek]], from the words ''demos'' (people) and ''kratos'' (strength). Although many forms of government fall under this broad classification, the defining characteristic of a democracy is that the [[citizenry]] of a [[nation]] directly or indirectly exercise [[sovereignty]], unlike [[autocracy]]. There has never been a lasting democracy in an [[atheistic]] culture.

Democracy means the people rule and can do anything they want by majority rule.<ref>http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/america-a-republic-not-a-democracy/</ref>  In the U.S. "super majorities" (over 50%) are required for many decisions, such as ratifying a treaty or passing a constitutional amendment.  [[Republicanism]] means there is a system of rule of law, or [[inalienable rights]], which no majority can vote out.

Democracy means the people rule and can do anything they want by majority rule.<ref>http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/america-a-republic-not-a-democracy/</ref>  In the U.S. "super majorities" (over 50%) are required for many decisions, such as ratifying a treaty or passing a constitutional amendment.  [[Republicanism]] means there is a system of rule of law, or [[inalienable rights]], which no majority can vote out.

==Term==

==Term==

The origin of the term is Greek, from the words ''demos'' (people) and ''kratos'' (strength).  

The origin of the term is Greek, from the words ''demos'' (people) and ''kratos'' (strength).

 

==Sovereignty==

==Sovereignty==

The defining characteristic of a democracy is that the citizenry of a nation are sovereign. Constitutional monarchies become democratic (as in Britain, Japan and Scandinavia) by narrowing the power of the monarch to ceremonial roles and letting an elected government rule.

The defining characteristic of a democracy is that the citizenry of a nation are sovereign. Constitutional monarchies become democratic (as in Britain, Japan and Scandinavia) by narrowing the power of the monarch to ceremonial roles and letting an elected government rule.

The United States Constitution guarantees a [[republican form of government]]. With elected executives (governor/president) and legislatures.  In parliamentary democracies, the executive and legislative branches are not separate.  In them parties form winning coalitions and the coalition controls both the government and the parliament.

The [[United States Constitution]] guarantees a [[republican form of government]]. With elected executives (governor/president) and legislatures.  In parliamentary democracies, the executive and legislative branches are not separate.  In them parties form winning coalitions and the coalition controls both the government and the parliament.

==Greece==

==Greece==

In ancient [[Athens]], male citizens (not women, children or slaves) were allowed to vote in the Assembly which made the laws of the city-state. Citizens did not elect representatives—they acted themselves.  This form survives in "town meetings" in small New England villages.

In ancient [[Athens]], male citizens (not women, children or slaves) were allowed to vote in the Assembly which made the laws of the city-state. Citizens did not elect representatives—they acted themselves.  This form survives in "town meetings" in small New England villages.