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 participation, equality, and the protection of individual rights, shaping the political landscape and cultural identity of a nation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The emergence of democracy in America was significantly influenced by Enlightenment thinkers who advocated for individual rights and government by consent.
2. American democracy developed through key events such as the American Revolution, which promoted the idea of self-governance and challenged monarchical rule.
3. The founding documents, like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, established principles of democracy such as popular sovereignty and checks and balances.
4. Art during this period often reflected democratic ideals by portraying themes of liberty, equality, and national identity, influencing public perception of democracy.
5. The expansion of suffrage over time illustrates the evolving nature of American democracy as it gradually included more groups in the electoral process.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment ideas contribute to the development of democracy in early America?
  • Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Montesquieu profoundly influenced American democratic ideals by promoting concepts such as natural rights, separation of powers, and government by consent. These ideas encouraged colonists to challenge British rule and seek self-governance, leading to revolutionary sentiments. As a result, these philosophical foundations became embedded in key documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, shaping the structure of American democracy.
• Discuss the significance of key historical events that shaped American democracy during its emergence.
  • Key historical events such as the American Revolution and the drafting of foundational documents played a crucial role in shaping American democracy. The Revolution was a response to perceived tyranny under British rule, embodying the struggle for self-determination. The Constitution established a framework for government that emphasized popular sovereignty and checks and balances, ensuring that power remained with the people while preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.
• Evaluate how artistic expressions reflected and influenced democratic ideals during America's formative years.
  • Artistic expressions during America's early years often served as both a reflection of and an influence on democratic ideals. Artists depicted themes such as liberty, justice, and equality, reinforcing public sentiment around democratic principles. Works like paintings, sculptures, and literature highlighted national identity and collective values, inspiring citizens to embrace their roles within a democratic society while also critiquing injustices that contradicted those ideals. This interplay between art and democracy contributed to a growing cultural narrative that shaped public engagement in political discourse.

Related terms

Republic: A form of government in which the country is considered a 'public matter' and is not the private concern of rulers, emphasizing elected representatives and an elected leader.

Popular Sovereignty: The principle that the authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, typically through their elected representatives.

Civil Rights: The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality, crucial for maintaining a democratic society.