Questions and Answers
What was a key characteristic of Athenian democracy?
Which Enlightenment thinker is known for his concept of the 'general will'?
What was a key result of the American Revolution?
What was a key development in the expansion and evolution of democracy?
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What is a contemporary challenge facing modern democracies?
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During which period did democracy decline and feudalism prevail?
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What was a key feature of Athenian democracy's system of governance?
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Which international organization was established to promote democracy?
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What was a key influence on the development of democratic theory during the Enlightenment?
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What is a contemporary debate and reform focus in modern democracies?
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Study Notes
Ancient Origins
- Democracy originated in ancient Athens, Greece around 500 BCE
- Athenian democracy was characterized by:
- Direct participation of citizens in decision-making
- Election of officials by lottery
- Accountability of leaders through regular audits
Medieval and Enlightenment Periods
- During the Middle Ages, democracy declined and feudalism prevailed
- The Enlightenment (17th-18th centuries) saw a resurgence of democratic ideas:
- Thinkers like John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Thomas Hobbes contributed to the development of democratic theory
- Emphasis on individual rights, social contract, and consent of the governed
American and French Revolutions
- American Revolution (1775-1783):
- Established the United States as a federal republic with democratic principles
- Influenced by Enlightenment ideas, particularly those of Locke
- French Revolution (1789-1799):
- Established the First French Republic with democratic ideals
- Influenced by Rousseau's concept of the "general will"
Expansion and Evolution
- 19th and 20th centuries saw the spread of democracy to other regions, including:
- Europe (e.g., UK, Germany, Italy)
- Americas (e.g., Latin American countries, Canada)
- Asia (e.g., Japan, India)
- Key developments:
- Expansion of suffrage (e.g., women's right to vote)
- Protection of individual rights and freedoms
- Establishment of international organizations (e.g., UN) to promote democracy
Contemporary Democracy
- Modern democracies face challenges, including:
- Decline of trust in institutions
- Rise of populist and nationalist movements
- Threats to individual rights and freedoms
- Ongoing debates and reforms focus on:
- Electoral reform and voter access
- Campaign finance regulation
- Representation and accountability of elected officials
Ancient Origins
- Democracy emerged in ancient Athens, Greece around 500 BCE
- Athenian democracy was characterized by direct citizen participation in decision-making
- Officials were elected by lottery in ancient Athens
- Leaders in ancient Athens were held accountable through regular audits
Medieval and Enlightenment Periods
- Feudalism dominated during the Middle Ages, marking a decline in democracy
- The Enlightenment (17th-18th centuries) revived democratic ideas
- Thinkers like John Locke emphasized individual rights and social contract
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau contributed to democratic theory with the concept of the "general will"
- Thomas Hobbes also influenced democratic thought during the Enlightenment
American and French Revolutions
- The American Revolution (1775-1783) established the United States as a federal republic with democratic principles
- The American Revolution was influenced by John Locke's ideas on individual rights and social contract
- The French Revolution (1789-1799) established the First French Republic with democratic ideals
- The French Revolution was influenced by Rousseau's concept of the "general will"
Expansion and Evolution
- Democracy spread to other regions during the 19th and 20th centuries, including:
- Europe (e.g., UK, Germany, Italy)
- Americas (e.g., Latin American countries, Canada)
- Asia (e.g., Japan, India)
- Suffrage expanded, including women's right to vote
- Individual rights and freedoms were protected
- International organizations like the UN were established to promote democracy
Contemporary Democracy
- Modern democracies face challenges, including a decline in trust in institutions
- Populist and nationalist movements are on the rise
- Threats to individual rights and freedoms persist
- Ongoing debates focus on electoral reform and voter access
- Campaign finance regulation is a contemporary issue in democracy
- Representation and accountability of elected officials are under scrutiny
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Description
Explore the origins and evolution of democracy from ancient Athens to the Enlightenment period, covering its key characteristics and influential thinkers.
