Difference between revisions of "Democracy"
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'''Democracy''' is a form of government. The origin of the term is [[Greek]], from the words ''demos'' (people) and ''kratos'' (rule). Although many forms of government fall under this broad classification, the defining characteristic of a democracy is that the citizenry of a nation decides upon their form of government. | '''Democracy''' is a form of government. The origin of the term is [[Greek]], from the words ''demos'' (people) and ''kratos'' (rule). Although many forms of government fall under this broad classification, the defining characteristic of a democracy is that the citizenry of a nation decides upon their form of government. | ||
| − | The United States of American is an example of a [[representative]] democracy, in which the populace elects ''representatives'', who are charged with the protection of ''liberties''. | + | The United States of American is an example of a [[representative]], [[liberal]] democracy, in which the populace elects ''representatives'', who are charged with the protection of ''liberties'', such as the right to free assembly, free speech and equality before the law. |
Although a number of societies have practiced some form of democracy, the concept as it is understood today was invented in ancient [[Athens]], where citizens (not women or slaves) were allowed to vote in the Assembly which made the laws of the city-state. | Although a number of societies have practiced some form of democracy, the concept as it is understood today was invented in ancient [[Athens]], where citizens (not women or slaves) were allowed to vote in the Assembly which made the laws of the city-state. | ||
Revision as of 13:04, March 25, 2007
Democracy is a form of government. The origin of the term is Greek, from the words demos (people) and kratos (rule). Although many forms of government fall under this broad classification, the defining characteristic of a democracy is that the citizenry of a nation decides upon their form of government.
The United States of American is an example of a representative, liberal democracy, in which the populace elects representatives, who are charged with the protection of liberties, such as the right to free assembly, free speech and equality before the law.
Although a number of societies have practiced some form of democracy, the concept as it is understood today was invented in ancient Athens, where citizens (not women or slaves) were allowed to vote in the Assembly which made the laws of the city-state.