What is a democracy and what are its critical elements?

Posted: September 12th, 2023

Answer each question with a minimum of 5 sentences

What is a democracy and what are its critical elements?
What are the main characteristics of American democracy and how did they come to be?
Is American democracy worth preserving despite its past mistakes and existing flaws? If so, why?
What does a democracy require of its citizens that makes it difficult to sustain?
How did rights come to occupy so central a role in American democracy?
What are the vulnerabilities of a democracy that is based on rights alone?
What is an obligation? How does an obligation differ from a law or legal commitment?
How can obligations help uphold American democracy?

Democracy and Its Critical Elements
Democracy is a system of government where the citizens exercise power through elected officials. Some critical elements of democracy include elections, political pluralism, and basic civil liberties and human rights. In a democracy, citizens have the right to vote for their political representatives in free and fair elections held at regular intervals. This allows the citizens to peacefully change their government through the electoral process if they feel their interests are not being represented. Democracies also ensure political pluralism which means multiple political parties are allowed to contest elections and compete for power. This diversity of political views prevents the dominance of any single party and protects against authoritarian rule. Finally, democracies guarantee basic civil liberties like freedom of speech, press, and religion as well as human rights for all citizens. These freedoms allow open debate of issues and help hold elected leaders accountable between elections.
The Main Characteristics of American Democracy
American democracy has several defining characteristics that developed over time. It emerged from the revolutionary ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The American Revolution in the late 1700s rejected inherited political power and the divine right of kings. This led to the creation of a constitutional republic based on the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The democratic process was gradually expanded in the early 1800s with the addition of political parties and the extension of voting rights to all white male citizens. However, it was not until the 1900s that women and Black Americans gained suffrage through hard-fought social movements. Today, American democracy is characterized by regular free elections, a multi-party system, and protections for civil liberties and minority rights enshrined in the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Is American Democracy Worth Preserving?
American democracy, while not perfect, is still worth preserving despite its past mistakes and current flaws. For all its shortcomings, American democracy has demonstrated an ability to reform itself over time and work to expand democratic values more broadly. When faced with challenges like racial injustices, inequality, or threats to civil liberties, American democracy has shown resilience by allowing non-violent protest, civic participation, legislative reform, and independent judiciary oversight to enact progressive change. This self-correcting nature has expanded voting rights, civil rights, and individual freedoms far beyond what existed in America’s early history. No system of government is flawless, but American democracy has mechanisms like elections, civic participation, activism, and constitutional amendments that make reform possible. Preserving democracy ensures future generations continue having a say in their governance and the ability to remedy remaining imperfections through lawful and peaceful means. For these reasons, the benefits of protecting American democratic norms and institutions outweigh the drawbacks of alternative systems without these safeguards.
What Does Democracy Require of Citizens?
A healthy democracy requires active participation from its citizens to function properly and remain stable over time. Citizens must be willing to stay informed about issues, participate in civic duties like voting, and engage in respectful public debate. Voting turnout needs to remain high so election results truly represent the will of the people. Community involvement through activities like town halls, protests, or contacting representatives also helps ensure concerns are heard between elections. Compliance with laws, even when unpopular, maintains civil order. Tolerance of differing political views prevents the rise of extremism and allows for compromise. Paying taxes funds essential government services. Service on juries upholds due process. Military service defends democratic freedoms when needed. Meeting these obligations helps citizens have a voice in their governance while also investing them in democracy’s long-term success. However, sustained participation can be difficult due to issues like voter apathy, political polarization, or lack of civic education.
How Did Rights Come to Occupy a Central Role?
Rights have come to occupy a central role in American democracy due to the nation’s founding philosophical beliefs and historical experiences. The political philosophy of natural rights that all people are endowed with certain inalienable rights was deeply influential in the American Revolution and founding era. This was articulated in documents like the Declaration of Independence which declared rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Additionally, the Bill of Rights was included in the U.S. Constitution to further protect civil liberties like freedom of speech and religion from government overreach. Over time, American democracy expanded the definition of rights through amendments that abolished slavery, guaranteed women’s suffrage, outlawed poll taxes, and protected minority voting rights. Landmark Supreme Court cases also reinforced rights to privacy, due process, and equal protection under the law. As a result, American democracy is now centered around protecting an extensive list of individual rights that promote pluralism and limit majority tyranny.
Vulnerabilities of a Rights-Based Democracy
While rights protect citizens, an overemphasis on individual liberties within a democracy can enable certain vulnerabilities if not balanced. A rights-based system may place too much focus on individualism over community obligations. This could weaken social cohesion, tolerance, and compromise. An extensive rights framework also provides more avenues for political polarization as different groups prioritize conflicting rights. Gridlock may result when consensus cannot be built. Furthermore, rights culture could foster a sense of entitlement that decreases civic participation. If citizens see rights as guarantees rather than responsibilities, democracy may become less stable. Finally, the expansion of rights through judicial interpretation concentrates power in the courts and risks delegitimizing them if rulings stray too far from social norms. Overall, democracies require both strong protections for civil liberties and a sense of shared obligations to function optimally despite disagreements.
The Role of Obligations in Upholding Democracy
An obligation is a duty or commitment that an individual is expected to fulfill. It differs from a law which is an enforceable rule or mandate from a government authority. Obligations play an important role in upholding democracy by promoting civic virtue and social cohesion. Some key obligations of citizens include: participating in the political process through voting, jury duty, civic engagement and respectful debate of issues. Paying taxes funds essential services and programs. Military service defends national security when needed. Obeying laws and court rulings maintains order and stability. Respecting minority groups and differing political views prevents the rise of authoritarianism. Upholding democratic norms like the peaceful transfer of power between rival parties and leaders. Meeting these obligations helps address some vulnerabilities of a rights-focused system by fostering shared democratic values over pure individualism. This shared commitment to civic duties and responsibilities helps sustain democracy through challenges while also empowering citizens through rights protections.