What is Democracy Now?

I thought that Democracy was 'By the people,Liberia was created and most of the Africans
for the people, to the people'...all these years. Inwere returned there.
2007, led by the Phillipine Prime Minister, TheIn UK Rise of Parliament in 1215. magna C arta.
United Nation Representatives, made mostly ofFirst English Parliamont established in 1265. Simon
Developing countries came up with this.de montford made power holders responsible to
'Democracies share common features. There isthe electorates in 1265. English civil war 1642 -
no single mode of democracy. Democracy does1651. Herbias Corpus Act in 1679. English and
not belong to any country. (so far good). Is aScottish Bill of Rights in 1689.
universal value based on the freely expressed willIncrease of Political Parties in Europe in the 19th
of the people to determine their political,century..
economic, social and cultural systems and their fullFirst secret ballot was introduced in Southern
participation in all aspects of their life.'Australia in 1856.
How more vague can it get?. Civilizations havePost world war 1
fought for freedom, equality and voting systems.Post world war 1 was a boost to democracy in
No mention of any of this. The United Nation isthe western world. Soon the deep depression lead
lead by leaders from Srtiving, war torn developingto Anarchies.
countries who hardly know anything aboutPost world war2
democracy. Should we listen to their ideas ofMost countries japan, colonies and other countries
democracy?adopted forms of democracy.
History of DemocracyFORMS OF DEMOCRACY
Pre Democratic forms of rule existed in variuosCurrently there are various forms of democracy.
countries eg. Mesopotamia, India, Sparta, Athens,Each country makes its own form.
Rome, Indian Native peoples of North and SouthThree main forms have been identified:
Americas. The earliest form of modernDirect
democracies developed in Greece following anRepresentative
uprising in 508 BC in Greece. The wordConcensus
democracy is derived from a greek word whichDirect:
means 'Rule of the people'.Sovereignity lodged in Assembly of citizens who
It is a history of empowering people by givingchoose to participate in executive motions and
them a say in their political entities. It developed inmaking laws. Many countries allow initiative,
different ways in different countries. In the 17threferendum and recall. Works on small scale..
and 18th centuries there were forms ofTowns.eg. New England.
Democracy in Europe - Poland, Eukraine. FranceRepresentative:
In France following the Revolution in 1789 - 1789Founded on the principle of elected individuals
The Rights of man and the country developed.representing people. Composed of independent
National Convention was by all males in 1792.ruling body for an election period with
Universal male suffrage in 1848. In Australiaresponsibilities to act in the interest of the people.
democracy evolved in the 19th century. It wasIt can take into individuaols liberty and can be
the first government to introduce women'sliberal or illiberal.eg. UK, USA
suffrage in 1861. New Zealand achieved maleConcensuous:
suffrage in 1879 and female suffrage in 1893.Based on concensus decision making.
However females could not stand for ParliamentIncreased citizen participation involving determining
till 1919.political agenda and decision making powers.eg.
In the US, in the 18th and 19th century socialSwitzerland, Lebanon, Sweden
changes took place. US constitution was ratified inI think I am a bit wiser for this. Hope you are too.
1788. US Bill of Rights (based on the Bill of RightsWe are at the mercy of the decision of those we
of England 1689) was ratified in 1791. In theelected. If we want changes in any government
1780's social movements lead to democracy. Inwe have to wait for the next election.
the 1790's the Party systems evolved. In 1821