Introduction to Democracy

Democracy is a system of government where power is held by the people, either directly or through elected representatives.
Key characteristics:
- Free and fair elections
- Active participation of citizens in the political process
- Protection of individual rights and freedoms
- Rule of law
- Accountability of government to the people

Direct Democracy: Citizens make decisions directly through votes on laws and policies.
Representative Democracy: Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
Participatory Democracy: Combines elements of direct and representative democracy, with citizens participating in decision-making processes.

Voter Apathy: Low voter turnout and lack of engagement in the political process.
Inequality: Economic and social disparities can undermine equal participation.
Corruption: Abuse of power and corruption can erode trust in government.
External Interference: Foreign interference or influence can undermine democratic processes.

Ancient Greece: Democracy originated in Athens, Greece around 500 BCE.
Enlightenment: Ideas of liberty, equality, and democracy influenced the development of modern democracy.
American and French Revolutions: Established democracy as a modern form of government.
20th Century: Expansion of democracy to more countries, particularly after World War II.

Correlation: Democracy is often associated with economic growth and development.
Causal Link: Democracy can promote economic development by:
- Encouraging investment and innovation
- Protecting property rights and the rule of law
- Reducing corruption and inequality

Power is held by the people, either directly or through elected representatives.
Key characteristics of democracy include:
- Free and fair elections to ensure citizens' voices are heard.
- Active participation of citizens in the political process to hold leaders accountable.
- Protection of individual rights and freedoms to promote social harmony.
- Rule of law to ensure consistency and fairness in governance.
- Accountability of government to the people to prevent abuse of power.

Direct Democracy: Citizens make decisions directly through votes on laws and policies, promoting direct participation.
Representative Democracy: Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, allowing for efficient governance.
Participatory Democracy: Combines elements of direct and representative democracy, ensuring citizens are involved in decision-making processes.

Equality: All citizens have equal rights and opportunities to promote social justice.
Justice: The system ensures fair treatment and protection of rights to maintain social order.
Liberty: Citizens have freedom to make choices and express themselves to promote individual autonomy.
Accountability: Government officials are responsible to the people, ensuring transparency and trust.

Voter Apathy: Low voter turnout and lack of engagement in the political process can undermine democratic legitimacy.
Inequality: Economic and social disparities can undermine equal participation and create social unrest.
Corruption: Abuse of power and corruption can erode trust in government and undermine democratic institutions.
External Interference: Foreign interference or influence can undermine democratic processes and sovereignty.

Ancient Greece: Democracy originated in Athens, Greece around 500 BCE, with the concept of citizen participation and governance.
Enlightenment: Ideas of liberty, equality, and democracy influenced the development of modern democracy, promoting individual rights and freedoms.
American and French Revolutions: Established democracy as a modern form of government, promoting self-governance and national sovereignty.
20th Century: Expansion of democracy to more countries, particularly after World War II, with the establishment of the United Nations and international human rights law.

Correlation: Democracy is often associated with economic growth and development, as it promotes a stable and conducive business environment.
Causal Link: Democracy can promote economic development by:
- Encouraging investment and innovation through a stable and predictable business environment.
- Protecting property rights and the rule of law to ensure business confidence and security.
- Reducing corruption and inequality to promote social cohesion and economic mobility.