Democracy

Definition

Democracy is a system of government where power is vested in the people, who exercise that power directly or through elected representatives. It emphasizes the principles of equality, freedom, and the rule of law, allowing citizens to participate in decision-making processes and hold their leaders accountable. This concept has roots in Enlightenment philosophy, influencing political thought in early America and shaping the ideals expressed in works like 'Leaves of Grass.'

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of democracy was heavily influenced by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who argued for individual rights and government accountability.
2. In early American political philosophy, democracy was often viewed with caution; thinkers like Alexander Hamilton preferred a republic to prevent mob rule.
3. Walt Whitman's 'Leaves of Grass' embodies democratic ideals by celebrating individual voices and experiences, promoting the notion that every person's perspective is valuable.
4. The American Revolution was a crucial turning point that allowed for the exploration of democratic ideals, as colonists sought self-governance and representation.
5. The expansion of democracy in America was not uniform; it often excluded women, Indigenous peoples, and enslaved individuals, highlighting ongoing struggles for equality and inclusion.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment philosophy shape the concept of democracy in early American literature?
  • Enlightenment philosophy played a crucial role in shaping democracy in early American literature by promoting ideas of individual rights, rational thought, and social contracts. Thinkers like Locke argued for government as a reflection of the people's will, which directly influenced American writers and their emphasis on equality and freedom. This philosophical groundwork laid by the Enlightenment inspired authors to envision a society where citizens actively participate in governance and hold their leaders accountable.
• Discuss the tension between democracy and republicanism in early American political thought.
  • Early American political thought exhibited tension between democracy and republicanism, as figures like Hamilton advocated for a republic to avoid potential excesses of direct democracy. Republicans believed that elected representatives could better protect minority rights and maintain order, while proponents of democracy emphasized direct participation by the people. This debate reflected concerns over mob rule versus the need for citizen engagement in shaping governance, highlighting foundational conflicts in America's political identity.
• Evaluate how Walt Whitman's 'Leaves of Grass' contributes to our understanding of democracy as an inclusive ideal.
  • Walt Whitman's 'Leaves of Grass' contributes significantly to our understanding of democracy by presenting it as an inclusive ideal that celebrates diverse voices and experiences. Through his use of free verse and candid expression, Whitman emphasizes the importance of individual perspectives within the collective fabric of society. His work challenges traditional norms by advocating for the idea that every person's voice matters in shaping democracy, thereby expanding its definition beyond mere political structures to encompass broader notions of equality and human dignity.

Related terms

Republic: A form of government in which representatives are elected by the citizenry to make decisions on their behalf, emphasizing a balance between majority rule and minority rights.

Popular Sovereignty: The principle that the authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, who are the ultimate source of political power.

Civil Rights: The rights of individuals to receive equal treatment under the law and to have their freedoms protected from infringement by governments or other entities.