How is the government of the people in a democracy?

In some forms, democracy can be exercised directly by the people; in large societies, it is by the people through their elected agents. Or, in the memorable phrase of President Abraham Lincoln, democracy is government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

What are the two basic principles of democracy?

According to political scientist Robert Dahl, the democratic ideal is based on two principles: political participation and political contestation. Political participation requires that all the people who are eligible to vote can vote. Elections must be free, fair, and competitive.

Which is the best description of a participatory democracy?

A ​participatory democracy​ is a model of democracy in which citizens have the power to make policy decisions. In a participatory democracy, there is an emphasis on the broad participation of people in politics. However, this is not a ​direct democracy​ in which citizens are directly responsible for making policy decisions.

How to help students understand the idea of democracy?

In this lesson, we start to help students understand these challenges by examining the idea of democracy itself. As we seek to define democracy, we might also consider the relationship between a democratic government and the freedom and liberty we expect it to provide.

Where does the word democracy come from in history?

See Article History. Democracy, literally, rule by the people. The term is derived from the Greek dēmokratiā, which was coined from dēmos (“people”) and kratos (“rule”) in the middle of the 5th century bce to denote the political systems then existing in some Greek city-states, notably Athens.

Which is the best definition of direct democracy?

Direct democracy is when the people are directly involved in governing the state. Representative democracy, which characterizes the U.S. system, occurs when people elect representatives to ensure their interests in government.

How are political scientists looking at the concept of democracy?

Like Judge Hand, political scientists today view democracy as a multidimensional concept and look at more than a country’s leaders, laws, and constitution to assess its health. They also study a variety of other factors, such as a society’s culture and institutions, both of which are created by the people and shaped by history.