Given the tumultuous state of politics in the United States, it’s understandable that many people are asking themselves, “What is democracy?” By definition, democracy is a form of government that allows its citizens to participate in the decision-making process, either directly or through freely elected representatives.
Democracy is based on the principle of equality and freedom, and it is considered to be an essential part of modern society, though its origins date back to the ancient Greeks.
The word originates from the Greek words "demos," meaning people, and "kratos," "kratos" meaning power or "rule," it can be thought of as “power of the people.” It has evolved as a concept over time to become one of the most popular forms of government in the world, according to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.
History of Democracy
The first known democracy in the world emerged in Athens, in the 5th century BC, following a long turbulent period of aristocracy and tyranny. The Greek idea of democracy at the time differs from how we view democracies today. This is partly because, in Athens, all adult citizens were required to take an active part in their government or be fined (countries like Brazil, Australia and Switzerland follow a similar model of compulsory voting). The biggest difference, however, is how the concept of “citizens” has evolved over time. For the Athenians, this meant only free men– which was only roughly 10-20% of the population.
Notably, while the U.S. Constitution has passed amendments to allow women and people of color to vote, voter suppression and inadequate access remains a pressing issue for minorities, students, and Americans with disabilities. In many states, there are also still laws in place to prevent people with felony convictions from voting.
Types of Democracy
There are several types of democracy, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of them include:
- Direct democracy: In a direct democracy, citizens have the power to make decisions directly without the need for representatives or intermediaries. Switzerland’s government is the closest thing we have to a direct democracy today.
- Representative democracy: In a representative democracy, citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. This is the case in countries like the United States.
- Social democracy: Social democracy is a democratic system that emphasizes the importance of social justice and equality through regulation of certain sectors within a capitalist society. It is rooted in socialist tenets.
- Parliamentary democracy: A democratic government where the executive branch is accountable to the legislative branch. Unlike a presidential democracy, citizens elect the legislature to represent them, and this legislature then elects the executive.Parliamentary democracies are a type of representative democracy, and can be found in places like the United Kingdom and Norway.
- Pluralist Democracy: A government where there is no one centralized power or group.
- Absolutist / Majoritarian Democracy: A democratic government in which citizens are able to vote but power is concentrated to one party.
Principles of democracy
According to the Bureau of International Information Programs, the principles of democracy are the foundation upon which democratic societies are built. These include:
- Equality: All citizens have the right to participate in the political process, regardless of their social status.
- Freedom: Citizens have the right to express their opinions and beliefs freely, without fear of persecution.
- Justice: The law is applied equally to all citizens, and everyone is treated fairly.
- Participation: Citizens have the right to participate in the decision-making process, and they have the power to hold their elected officials accountable.
Is the U.S. a Democracy?
The United States is often referred to as a representative democracy, though it can be more accurately categorized as a constitutional republic. This means that while citizens have the power to participate in the political process, their power, and the power of their representatives is limited by the Constitution. Republican Utah Senator Mike Lee, has claimed as much, and even argued “democracy itself is not the goal.”
According to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) democracy index, however, the U.S. is now considered a flawed democracy, having slid four places from its previous ranking and been demoted from “full democracy” in 2015. While still placing 30 (out of 167), this is nevertheless a cause for concern.
Since 2006, the United States' average rating has consistently dropped every few years. The EIU uses five criteria to measure their scores: electoral process and pluralism, functioning of government, political participation, political culture, and civil liberties. Notably, a growing number of young people in the country are in favor of a form of democratic socialism after noticing the failing nature of the United States’ political status quo.
There are also those that would argue the U.S. is becoming a capitalist oligarchy. An oligarchy is defined as “a government in which a small group exercises control,” with some positing that lobbying practices influence political decisions with a bias towards wealthy corporate interests.
If you’re curious about how money influences politics in the U.S., Open Secrets is an independent nonprofit that tracks the flow of money during and after elections and its effect on results and policies.
Countries with Democracy
According to the EIU’s measure of democracy, almost half of the world’s population (45.3%) live in a democracy of some sort, with 43.1% of total countries evaluated being considered democracies. The top 10 most democratic countries are:
- Norway
- New Zealand
- Iceland
- Sweden
- Finland
- Denmark
- Switzerland
- Ireland
- Netherlands
- Taiwan
Democracy vs Republic
A republic is a form of government that is based on the rule of law (such as the U.S. Constitution), where elected officials represent the interests of the citizens in place of a monarch. Democracy, on the other hand, is a form of government where citizens have the power to participate in the decision-making process directly or through representatives. Early examples include the Roman Republic (509 BCE) and Athenian democracy (500 BCE).
Political terminology can and does overlap, which is why the U.S. is known as a constitutional or democratic republic.
Pros and Cons of Democracy
Like any form of government, democracy has its advantages and disadvantages. Some of the pros of democracy include respecting the will of the people, promoting accountability, and encouraging citizen participation. Some of the cons of democracy include slow decision-making, favoritism to donors, and a tendency toward political turmoil.
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