Concept of Democracy:
Democracy is a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives. For more information, check out here.
Origin of Democracy:
The earliest forms of Democracy were in Greece and Rome. Athens is often referred to as the Birthplace of Democracy. After a period of unrest between the rich and the poor, Athenians turned to Solon to act as the mediator. Solon introduced reforms like elimination of slavery of Athenians by Athenians, legal redress against over-reaching autocracy and assigned privileges on the basis of productive wealth rather than noble birth.
In India, Democratic institutions like Gana and Sanghas existed. It consisted of the Raja and an assembly. The assembly met regularly and discussed major state decisions.
Modern Times:
Decades before 1780s, various constitutions and bills were established. In 1780s, there were social movements identifying themselves with ‘Democracy’.
The French Revolution of 1789 granted human rights, universal male suffrage and abolition of slavery.
In Early 19th Century, UK passed reform acts which abolished slavery and extended voting rights to a wider population.
In 1848, Revolution of France inspired Democratic movements in other European countries like Denmark and Netherlands.
In middle of 19th century, USA gave suffrage to most adult males, abolished property ownership requirements and prohibited voting rights discrimination.
20th Century:
At the end of the First World War, there was temporary Democratic success like democratic rights, universal suffrage and proportional representation.The February Revolution in Russia in 1917 inaugurated liberal democracy. However, the Great Depression hurt democratic forces in many countries.
The Post World War II saw the victory of Democracy in Western Europe. India became a democratic republic in 1950 after achieving Independence from Great Britain in 1947.
After the Cold War, democracy replaced most other governments. Communist States in USSR were replaced by Democracy. Much of Europe, America and East Asia moved towards democracy in the late 20th century.
Latest achievement of Democracy is in Myanmar which has long been ruled by military junta. However, there are still human rights problems and not full democratic rights. For more information on the history, check out here.
Why is Democracy the form of government that deserves to be struggled for?
Democracy is the best form of government because it promotes equality among citizens, enhances the dignity of individuals, improves the quality of decision making and allows room to correct mistakes. Check out this excellent site with documentaries: top documentary films.
What are challenges that Democracy faces today? How can they be solved?
What a great post, Rajyashoril,
I just Googled forms of democracy and was amazed at how many there are. Here is a link to the wikipedia article https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Types_of_democracy I wonder which form of democracy is most prevalent in the world?
Greetings Ms W,
I am glad to learn that you had enjoyed the post. Thanks for sharing the Wikipedia article as well. I’ll check it out. I believe parliamentary and presidential democracy are quite common all over the world. But there are many other types as well and we can still hope for more with better functioning.
I’m new to blogging and I’d always appreciate your ideas for improvement.
Thanks
Rajyashori
Do u like politics so much? :3 Wow! Me too. I am Wafi from Indonesia.
If you want to check out my blog, here’s the link: http://wafiaulia.edublogs.org/ , and please kindly leave a comment in my entry.
Hi Wafi,
It seems you also like politics. How is the political system in Indonesia? I would love to learn about it. I would also really appreciate it if you could say something about my post and leave your comments regarding the questions at the end of this post.
Thanks. Hope to hear from you again
Rajyashori
Hi Rajyashoril!
Great post! This post is so passion-filled, and it was very interesting to read! I learned a lot reading this post, and politics are definitely very important. Do you consider the United States democracy working? Come check out my blog: http://hongwanjimissionschool.edublogs.org
Thanks,
Naho
P.S. Sorry about the capital letters, for some reason all of the first letters of the word turns out to be capital. 🙁
Hi Naho
Thanks for the comment. I’m glad to hear your thoughts on my post. In my opinion, I believe that there may be some loopholes in the system of Democracy in the U.S. However, it is undoubtedly the proper form of government for the people because it is a government chosen by the citizens. Distribution of power or equality or justice… there might be challenges but it can and must be overcome in every democracy.
Best regards,
Rajyashori
HI Rajyashori,
Nice thought! The U.S. government definitely has many problems and loopholes, just like you said, but it is still the proper way of government. Come check out my blog: http://hongwanjimissionschool.edublogs.org
Aloha,
Naho
P.S. Sorry about the capital letters again, for some reason all of the first letters of the word turns out to be capital. 🙁
Thanks Naho for replying to my comment. I’d like to learn more about the U.S. democracy and see how different it is from democracy here in India.
I’ll check out your blog as well.
Rajyashori
Hi Rajyashoril,
I really liked learning about the development of democracy. I think democracy is better than a Patriarchy. Thank you for sharing this with me. Come check out my blog at http://hmssarah.edublogs.org/
Thanks,
Sarah <3
Hi Sarah
I also agree with you that democracy is better than patriarchy. In case of patriarchy, the rulers may not always be right and they are less responsible to the people. However, in case of democracy, rulers can use their power only as long as the people approves and their decisions can be corrected.
Best regards,
Rajyashori