thesis paper on democracy

By the People: Essays on Democracy

Harvard Kennedy School faculty explore aspects of democracy in their own words—from increasing civic participation and decreasing extreme partisanship to strengthening democratic institutions and making them more fair.

Winter 2020

By Archon Fung , Nancy Gibbs , Tarek Masoud , Julia Minson , Cornell William Brooks , Jane Mansbridge , Arthur Brooks , Pippa Norris , Benjamin Schneer

The basic terms of democratic governance are shifting before our eyes, and we don’t know what the future holds. Some fear the rise of hateful populism and the collapse of democratic norms and practices. Others see opportunities for marginalized people and groups to exercise greater voice and influence. At the Kennedy School, we are striving to produce ideas and insights to meet these great uncertainties and to help make democratic governance successful in the future. In the pages that follow, you can read about the varied ways our faculty members think about facets of democracy and democratic institutions and making democracy better in practice.

Explore essays on democracy

Archon fung: we voted, nancy gibbs: truth and trust, tarek masoud: a fragile state, julia minson: just listen, cornell william brooks: democracy behind bars, jane mansbridge: a teachable skill, arthur brooks: healthy competition, pippa norris: kicking the sandcastle, benjamin schneer: drawing a line.

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How to Write a Thesis about Democracy

One of my subscribers, Nadir, is asking, “How do I write a thesis about democracy?”

That’s a great question.

We’re going to break this task into three steps. Let’s do it.

Step 1: We’re going to break up “democracy,” meaning the concept of democracy, into more manageable parts.

Step 2: We’re going to come up with an overall structure, which is almost an equivalent of creating an outline.

Step 3: Finally, we’re going to write out the thesis statement. Let’s do it.

Step 1. How can we break democracy into manageable parts?

We’ll use the Power of Three because it’s the easiest way to break up a topic. The power of three just means using three supporting ideas as evidence in our body of the essay.

How can we divide democracy into three parts? How can we discuss democracy in three different ways or three different sections of a paper?

Supporting Idea 1. Early origins.

These would be the origins of democracy that take their root in Ancient Greece.

Supporting Idea 2 . Modern roots of today’s democracy.

So what would be the modern roots? The modern roots are the main thinkers of the Enlightenment and their ideas.

These are such prominent philosophers as John Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieu.

The Age of Enlightenment is also known as the Age of Reason, and that is where today’s democracy really takes root.

Supporting Idea 3. Democracy today .

This would answer the question, how is today’s democracy different from democracy of the early origins, such as in ancient Greece, and during the Age of Enlightenment?

Step 2. Coming up with the overall structure.

We know that we have three sections because we used the power of three to get three supporting ideas. So, here is how we can structure our overall argument.

In section 1 , we’re going to talk about the ancient Greek origins of democracy.

In section 2 , we’re going to talk about its modern roots.

In section 3 , we’ll discuss democracy today.

What will these sections contain?

In Section 1 , we’re really talking about Athenian democracy. And we can subdivide this topic into more than one subtopic.

In ancient Greece, principles with which we are familiar were born. These include voting for rulers and to pass legislation. This could be one subsection.

But we can also note some peculiarities of that ancient kind of democracy.

For example, only non-slave men could vote, which made up only about 10-15% of the population.

As a result, we now have two subsections of main section 1. Essentially, we are talking about two things:

The familiar principles of Athenian democracy
The peculiarities of its early days

Section 2 is about the early modern roots of democracy.

We’re talking about some of the main thinkers. The two philosophers who come up right away if you do a search on Google are John Locke and Montesquieu.

These two names give us two subsections. See how it works?

Could we subdivide them further? How can we discuss Johns Locke and Montesquieu? Well, we can discuss them in terms of their ideas.

For example, John Locke was concerned with such concepts as equality, social contract, and private property. We can simply write about several concepts from each of these thinkers to have a neat little subsection about each one.

You can write a paragraph on equality, and then a paragraph on social contract, and so on.

In order to discuss these thinkers, all we would have to do is discuss their ideas. Since each of them had more than one idea, this gives us a wonderful way to keep writing.

How much you want to subdivide your sections will depend on how big your paper has to be.

If you need only three to four pages, maybe you don’t have to go that deep. But if you have to write a 10-page or a 15-page paper, this way of dividing into subsections would be very helpful to you.

Section 3 is about Democracy today.

Modern democracy has its similarities to the Ancient Greek origins and to the early modern roots. It also has its differences from them.

The similarities can include some of the main ideas that remain constant at all times.

The differences can include some of the peculiarities of each time period, such as voter rights or electronic or mail-in voting.

And we’re ready to write out our thesis statement, based on all the preparatory work we just did.

Step 3. Writing out the thesis statement.

We are totally ready to write this thesis statement.

And here we are.

Democracy is an ancient principle that has undergone changes and that is practiced in today’s society. It originates in Ancient Greece but was rediscovered during the period of Enlightenment in Britain and France. While today’s democracy shares elements with the ancient and early modern forms, it has its own distinct traits.

Let’s take a closer look at this thesis statement.

The first sentence should summarize your entire essay completely and perfectly. And that’s exactly what we’re doing here.

The remaining sentences must outline the supporting points. We combined the first two supporting points in the second sentence. And the third sentence is devoted to the third supporting point.

Let’s take a look.

And there you have it: three steps to going from one concept, which in this case is Democracy, to a full thesis statement.

I wrote a detailed tutorial on how to write a thesis statement on any topic . This would be your best next step.

Hope this was helpful!

Tutor Phil is an e-learning professional who helps adult learners finish their degrees by teaching them academic writing skills.

The Top Ten Most-Read Essays of 2021

In 2021, democracy’s fortunes were tested, and a tumultuous world became even more turbulent. Democratic setbacks arose in places as far flung as Burma, El Salvador, Tunisia, and Sudan, and a 20-year experiment in Afghanistan collapsed in days. The world’s democracies were beset by rising polarization, and people watched in shock as an insurrection took place in the United States. In a year marked by high political drama, economic unrest, and rising assaults on democracy, we at the Journal of Democracy sought to provide insight and analysis of the forces that imperil freedom. Here are our 10 most-read essays of 2021:

Manuel Meléndez-Sánchez Nayib Bukele has developed a blend of political tactics that combines populist appeals and classic autocratic behavior with a polished social-media brand. It poses a dire threat to the country’s democratic institutions.

Democracy Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on democracy.

Democracy is known as the finest form of government. Why so? Because in a democracy, the people of the country choose their government. They enjoy certain rights which are very essential for any human being to live freely and happily. There are various democratic countries in the world , but India is the largest one. Democracy has withstood the test of time, and while other forms have the government has failed, democracy stood strong. It has time and again proved its importance and impact.

Significance of a Democracy

Democracy is very important for human development . When people have free will to live freely, they will be happier. Moreover, we have seen how other forms of government have turned out to be. Citizens are not that happy and prosperous in a monarchy or anarchy.

Furthermore, democracy lets people have equal rights. This ensures that equality prevails all over the country. Subsequently, it also gives them duties. These duties make them better citizens and are also important for their overall development.

Most importantly, in a democracy, the people form the government. So, this selection of the government by the citizens gives everyone a chance to work for their country. It allows the law to prevail efficiently as the rules are made by people whom they have selected.

In addition, democracy allows people of various religions and cultures to exist peacefully. It makes them live in harmony with one another. People of democracy are more tolerant and accepting of each other’s differences. This is very important for any country to be happy and prosper.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

India: A Democratic Country

India is known to be the largest democracy all over the world. After the rule of the British ended in 1947 , India adopted democracy. In India, all the citizens who are above the age of 18 get the right to vote. It does not discriminate on the basis of caste, creed, gender, color, or more.

Although India is the largest democracy it still has a long way to go. The country faces a lot of problems which do not let it efficiently function as a democracy. The caste system is still prevalent which hampers with the socialist principle of democracy. Moreover, communalism is also on the rise. This interferes with the secular aspect of the country. All these differences need to be set aside to ensure the happiness and prosperity of the citizens.

In short, democracy in India is still better than that in most of the countries. Nonetheless, there is a lot of room for improvement which we must focus on. The government must implement stringent laws to ensure no discrimination takes place. In addition, awareness programs must be held to make citizens aware of their rights and duties.

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Deliberative Democracy : Essays on Reason and Politics

James Bohman is Danforth Professor of Philosophy at Saint Louis University. He is the author, editor, or translator of many books.

William Rehg is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Saint Louis University. He is the translator of Jürgen Habermas's Between Facts and Norms: Contributions to a Discourse Theory of Law and Democracy (1996) and the coeditor of Deliberative Democracy: Essays on Reason and Politics and Pluralism (1997) and The Pragmatic Turn: The Transformation of Critical Theory (2001), all published by the MIT Press.

Ideals of democratic participation and rational self-government have long informed modern political theory. As a recent elaboration of these ideals, the concept of deliberative democracy is based on the principle that legitimate democracy issues from the public deliberation of citizens. This remarkably fruitful concept has spawned investigations along a number of lines. Areas of inquiry include the nature and value of deliberation, the feasibility and desirability of consensus on contentious issues, the implications of institutional complexity and cultural diversity for democratic decision making, and the significance of voting and majority rule in deliberative arrangements.The anthology opens with four key essays—by Jon Elster, JÃ¼rgen Habermas, Joshua Cohen, and John Rawls—that helped establish the current inquiry into deliberative models of democracy. The nine essays that follow represent the latest efforts of leading democratic theorists to tackle various problems of deliberative democracy. All the contributions address tensions that arise between reason and politics in a democracy inspired by the ideal of achieving reasoned agreement among free and equal citizens. Although the authors approach the topic of deliberation from different perspectives, they all aim to provide a theoretical basis for a more robust democratic practice.

Contributors James Bohman, Thomas Christiano, Joshua Cohen, Jon Elster, David Estlund, Gerald F. Gaus, JÃ¼rgen Habermas, James Johnson, Jack Knight, Frank I. Michelman, John Rawls, Henry S. Richardson, Iris Marion Young

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Deliberative Democracy : Essays on Reason and Politics Edited by: James Bohman, William Rehg https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/2324.001.0001 ISBN (electronic): 9780262268936 Publisher: The MIT Press Published: 1997

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[ Front Matter ] Doi: https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/2324.003.0020 Open the PDF Link PDF for [ Front Matter ] in another window
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1: The Market and the Forum: Three Varieties of Political Theory By Jon Elster Jon Elster Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Doi: https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/2324.003.0004 Open the PDF Link PDF for 1: The Market and the Forum: Three Varieties of Political Theory in another window
2: Popular Sovereignty as Procedure By Jürgen Habermas Jürgen Habermas Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Doi: https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/2324.003.0005 Open the PDF Link PDF for 2: Popular Sovereignty as Procedure in another window
3: Deliberation and Democratic Legitimacy By Joshua Cohen Joshua Cohen Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Doi: https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/2324.003.0006 Open the PDF Link PDF for 3: Deliberation and Democratic Legitimacy in another window
4: The Idea of Public Reason By John Rawls John Rawls Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Doi: https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/2324.003.0007 Open the PDF Link PDF for 4: The Idea of Public Reason in another window
5: How Can the People Ever Make the Laws? A Critique of Deliberative Democracy By Frank I. Michelman Frank I. Michelman Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Doi: https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/2324.003.0009 Open the PDF Link PDF for 5: How Can the People Ever Make the Laws? A Critique of Deliberative Democracy in another window
6: Beyond Fairness and Deliberation: The Epistemic Dimension of Democratic Authority By David Estlund David Estlund Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Doi: https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/2324.003.0010 Open the PDF Link PDF for 6: Beyond Fairness and Deliberation: The Epistemic Dimension of Democratic Authority in another window
7: Reason, Justification, and Consensus: Why Democracy Can’t Have It All By Gerald F. Gaus Gerald F. Gaus Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Doi: https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/2324.003.0011 Open the PDF Link PDF for 7: Reason, Justification, and Consensus: Why Democracy Can’t Have It All in another window
8: The Significance of Public Deliberation By Thomas Christiano Thomas Christiano Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Doi: https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/2324.003.0012 Open the PDF Link PDF for 8: The Significance of Public Deliberation in another window
9: What Sort of Equality Does Deliberative Democracy Require? By Jack Knight , Jack Knight Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar James Johnson James Johnson Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Doi: https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/2324.003.0013 Open the PDF Link PDF for 9: What Sort of Equality Does Deliberative Democracy Require? in another window
10: Deliberative Democracy and Effective Social Freedom: Capabilities, Resources, and Opportunities By James Bohman James Bohman Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Doi: https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/2324.003.0014 Open the PDF Link PDF for 10: Deliberative Democracy and Effective Social Freedom: Capabilities, Resources, and Opportunities in another window
11: Democratic Intentions By Henry S. Richardson Henry S. Richardson Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Doi: https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/2324.003.0015 Open the PDF Link PDF for 11: Democratic Intentions in another window
12: Difference as a Resource for Democratic Communication By Iris Marion Young Iris Marion Young Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Doi: https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/2324.003.0016 Open the PDF Link PDF for 12: Difference as a Resource for Democratic Communication in another window
13: Procedure and Substance in Deliberative Democracy By Joshua Cohen Joshua Cohen Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Doi: https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/2324.003.0017 Open the PDF Link PDF for 13: Procedure and Substance in Deliberative Democracy in another window
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Essays on Democracy

Faq about democracy.

395 Democracy Essay Topics & Research Questions: Elections, American Democracy, and More

What is democracy? The word “democracy” has Greek roots. It combines two words: “demos,” which refers to people residing within a specific country, and “kratos,” which means power. Democracy ensures that all citizens have the same rights regardless of their background, race, religion, or sexual orientation. It also raises people’s sense of civic dignity.

In this article, we’ll explain how to write an essay on democracy and give some helpful tips. Keep reading to find out more.

🔝 Top Democracy Essay Topics

📝 Democracy Essay Prompts

💡 Democracy Research Questions
✍🏻 Democracy Essay Topics
🎤 Democracy Speech Topics
✅ Essay on Democracy: Outline

🔗 References

🔝 top 12 democracy essay topics.

Democracy as public justification.
Freedom and democratic authority.
What are the main problems with democratic governance?
The role of democracy in the modern world.
The development of democracy.
The influence of democracy on the young generation.
The connection between human rights and democracy.
What are the key features of democracy?
The value of democracy.
Democracy as collective self-rule.
The demands of democratic participation.
Limits to the authority of democracy.

The picture suggests topics for an essay about democracy.

Many students find writing a college essay on democracy to be a stressful task. For this reason, we’ve prepared some essay prompts and tips to help students improve their writing skills.

What Is Democracy: Essay Prompt

Democracy is a form of government that has played an essential role in reshaping societies from monarchical, imperial, and conquest-driven systems into ones founded on sovereignty and harmonious cohabitation principles. Here are some of the questions you can use for your essay:

What is the definition of democracy?
Why do we need democracy?
Where did democracy initially come into existence?
What distinguishes democracy from other forms of government?
Why is education important for democracy?
What is democracy’s primary flaw?
What poses the most significant risk to democracy?

Disadvantages of Democracy: Essay Prompt

One disadvantage of democracy is that it can sometimes lead to slow decision-making due to the need for consensus and majority agreement. There’s also a risk of overlooking the interests of the minority. Finally, democratic systems can be susceptible to manipulation and misinformation, potentially leading to uninformed or misguided decisions by the electorate. In your essay, you may focus on the following aspects:

The issue of corruption . A democratic leader is only in power for a limited time. As a result, there’s a tendency to make money through the use of authority.
Unfair business . Political leaders advocate unfair commercial practices to get support for political campaigns.
Misuse of media . Often, the media attempts to deceive the public to influence their voting behavior.

Democracy vs. Totalitarianism: Essay Prompt

Totalitarianism and democracy are opposing forms of government. Whereas democracy values equal rights and citizens’ participation in the government, in a totalitarian system, the leader’s word is the law, and the state has all the power. To compare totalitarianism and democracy in your essay, you may discuss these points:

Origin of totalitarianism and democracy;
Public opinion on these forms of governance;
Law and discretion;
Minority rights and their importance;
Internal enemies of totalitarianism and democracy.

Capitalism vs Democracy: Essay Prompt

Capitalism and democracy spread throughout the Western world during the 20th century. The fundamental distinction between the two concepts is that democracy is a form of government and a political system, while capitalism is an economic system.

In your essay, you can discuss the following questions:

What is the connection between capitalism and democracy?
What are the main goals and values of capitalism/democracy?
What does capitalism/democracy mean today?
What are the examples of capitalism/democracy?
Why is capitalism /democracy harmful?

💡 Research Questions about Democracy

How does a society’s education level impact the strength of its democratic institutions?
What role does media freedom play in promoting democratic values?
Relationship between economic development and political democratization.
How does income inequality affect the functioning of democratic systems?
What are the key factors that contribute to the stability of democratic governments?
How does the level of political participation among citizens influence the quality of democracy?
Researching the concept of democracy .
What is the role of political parties in shaping democratic governance?
How does the use of technology impact democratic processes and decision-making?
Asian economic development and democratization.
Does the presence of a strong judiciary contribute to the consolidation of democracy in a country?
How does the level of trust among citizens affect democratic practices?
What impact does gender equality have on the strength of democratic institutions?
The equality of income or wealth depending on democracy .
How does ethnic diversity influence the stability of democratic governments?
What role do non-governmental organizations play in promoting democratic values?
The democratic style of leadership.
How does government transparency impact citizens’ trust in democratic institutions?
How does the separation of powers principle contribute to democratic governance?
What impact do direct democratic mechanisms, such as referendums , have on decision-making processes?
How do political parties strengthen democracy ?
How does the presence of independent media impact the accountability of political leaders in a democracy?
What is the role of civil society in ensuring the effectiveness of democratic governance?
Martin Luther Jr. “Jail Letter” and Aung San Kyi’s democracy excerp t.
How does the integration of minority communities impact the inclusiveness of democratic systems?
Does the involvement of citizens in local governance contribute to stronger democratic practices?
What role does the rule of law play in establishing a democratic society?
What are the impacts of social media on democracy ?
What factors contribute to the erosion of democratic norms and values?
What impact do international agreements have on the promotion and consolidation of democracy?
Democracy: pluralist theory and elite theory .
How does the role of money in politics influence the democratic decision-making process?
What impact do international human rights standards have on protecting citizens’ rights within a democracy?
What role does decentralization play in promoting democratic governance?
What is the impact of technology on democracy ?
How does the level of government accountability impact the overall functioning of a democracy?
What is the relationship between economic development and the sustainability of democratic systems?
Comparison of democracy levels in Uruguay and Venezuela .
How does the level of political polarization impact the effectiveness of democratic governance?
What role do regional and international organizations play in supporting the nascent democracies?
How does the balance of power between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches influence democratic decision-making ?
What are the key challenges faced by young democracies?
What role does public opinion play in shaping democratic policies?
Middle East democratization .
How does the level of political corruption impact the functioning of democratic institutions?
What impact does globalization have on the democratic governance of nation-states?
What are the consequences of restrictions on freedom of expression in democratic societies?
Social media regulation and future of democracy .
What role do international democracy promotion programs play in supporting democratic transitions?
How do different cultural and historical contexts shape the understanding and practice of democracy?
Democracy and Western cultural values worldwide .
What factors contribute to democratic backsliding in countries that have previously experienced democratic transitions?
How does the presence of proportional representation contribute to inclusive and representative democratic governance?
What role do civic education and political literacy play in a democracy?
How does the level of social media usage impact the spread of disinformation and its effect on democratic processes?
African political parties’ endeavour for the implementation of the democracy .
How do citizen participation mechanisms, such as participatory budgeting, impact democratic decision-making?
How does the level of political party system fragmentation impact the effectiveness of democratic governance?
What role does the protection of minority rights play in establishing and sustaining democratic societies?
How does the level of regional integration influence the democratic governance and decision-making of member states?
The Australian Labor Party and the American Democrats: similarities and differences .
What impact does income distribution have on citizens’ satisfaction with democratic systems?
How does the presence of a strong civil service impact the capacity and efficiency of democratic governance?
What factors contribute to successful democratic transitions in countries with a history of authoritarian rule ?
How does the level of trust in key democratic institutions impact overall democratic stability?
What factors contribute to economic failure in democracies ?
What role does political leadership play in establishing and maintaining strong democratic systems?

Democracy and Elections Research Paper Topics

The impact of voter ID laws on democratic participation.
The influence of campaign finance spending on electoral outcomes.
Political participation and voting as democracy features .
The role of social media in shaping public opinion during elections.
The effectiveness of electoral college systems in representing the will of the people.
The effectiveness of international election observation missions in ensuring electoral integrity.
The impact of electronic voting systems on election integrity.
The role of political advertising in shaping voter preferences.
Low voter participation in democratic countries .
The relationship between political polarization and voter turnout.
The effectiveness of voter education programs in promoting informed decision-making.
The effect of voter suppression tactics on democratic participation.
The influence of party endorsement on candidate success in elections.
The impact of gender and ethnicity on political representation in elected offices.
Voting: democracy, freedom, and political agency .
The effectiveness of campaign debates in informing voter choices.
The influence of social factors and peer networks on political affiliation and voting behavior.
The effect of negative campaigning on voter perceptions and candidate success.
The role of non-traditional media sources in shaping public opinion during elections.
The role of technology in enhancing election monitoring and ensuring transparent and secure voting processes.
Electoral systems in a democratic country .
The influence of disinformation campaigns on voter behavior and their implications for electoral integrity.
The challenges and opportunities of implementing online voting systems for improving accessibility and election integrity.
The impact of non-voters and their reasons for not participating in the democratic process.
The impact of campaign advertising on voter behavior in democratic elections.
The role of social media platforms in electoral outcomes in democratic societies.
“The Electoral College Is the Greatest Threat to Our Democracy” by Bouie .
Electoral reforms and their effects on voter turnout and representation in democracies.
The influence of demographic factors and socioeconomic status on voting patterns in democratic elections.
The challenges and opportunities of implementing electronic voting systems to enhance the integrity and efficiency of democratic elections.

E-Democracy Research Topics

Digital divide and its implications for e-democracy.
Role of social media in promoting online political engagement.
E-government and democracy .
Challenges and opportunities for e-petitions as a form of democratic expression.
Cybersecurity challenges in ensuring secure and reliable e-voting systems.
Role of e-democracy in improving representation and inclusivity in decision-making processes.
Ethical considerations in the collection and use of personal data for e-democracy purposes.
Use of blockchain technology in enhancing transparency and trustworthiness in e-democracy.
The use of technology in promoting transparency and accountability in government.
American e-government and public administration .
Influences of online political advertising on voter behavior.
The potential of online deliberative platforms in fostering inclusive public discourse.
The role of online communities in mobilizing citizens for political action.
Effects of online platforms on political campaign strategies and communication tactics.
Use of technology in expanding access to information and knowledge for informed citizenship.
Strategies for building trust in e-government .
Evaluation of online political education programs and their impact on citizen engagement.
Open government initiatives and their role in fostering e-democracy .
Digital activism and its effectiveness in driving social and political change .
Online tools for monitoring and preventing disinformation and fake news in political discourse.
Role of digital identity verification in ensuring the integrity of e-democracy processes.
Challenges and opportunities for e-democracy in authoritarian regimes .
Public trust and perceived legitimacy of e-democracy systems and processes.

✍🏻 Topics for Essays about Democracy

Democracy argumentative essay topics.

The role of public protests in strengthening democracy.
The role of youth engagement in shaping the future of democracy.
Is the Democratic Party the Labour Party of the US ?
Should there be limits on freedom of speech in a democracy to prevent hate speech?
The tensions between national security and civil liberties in a democratic context.
Is direct democracy a more effective form of governance than representative democracy?
The United States is not really a democracy .
The significance of an independent judiciary in upholding democratic principles.
The importance of a robust and unbiased public education system for a thriving democracy.
Compulsory voting: is it compatible with democracy ?
The impact of income inequality on democratic participation and representation.
The significance of constitutional reforms in addressing the challenges faced by democracies .
Does the digital age pose a threat to the principles of democracy?
Should prisoners have a right to vote in a democratic system?
Are referendums effective tools for democratic decision-making?
Democracy vs. other types of government .
Does the media have a responsibility to promote democratic principles and accountability?
Can a democratic government effectively balance national security and civil liberties ?
Should there be limitations on the freedom of peaceful assembly and protest in a democracy?
Democracy is the tyranny of the majority over the minority .
Is the rise of populist movements a threat to democratic values?
Does globalization undermine national sovereignty and democratic decision-making?
Democracy: Durbin’s, Duckworth’s, and Krishinamoorthi’s positions .
Should judges be elected or appointed in a democratic system?
Is a strong independent judiciary essential for a healthy democracy?
Is the EU an example of a successful democratic regional integration project?
How can we provide political representation for non-citizens in a democratic society?
Is democracy a universal value, or should different cultures be allowed to adopt different governance models?
Democracy in the US: is it real today ?
Should democratic governments prioritize economic growth or social welfare policies ?
Should there be restrictions on the power of political parties in a democracy?
Is there a tension between individual rights and collective decision-making in a democratic society?
The role of national identity and multiculturalism in shaping democratic societies.
The effectiveness of citizen initiatives and participatory democracy.
Federal system’s pros and cons from a democratic perspective .
The importance of accountability and transparency in ensuring the functioning of democracy.
Should religion play a role in political decision-making in a democracy?
Does a two-party system hinder the development of democracy?
The influence of corporate power on democratic decision-making processes.
The tension between individual rights and collective needs in democratic societies.
Has the US government become more of or less of a republic, a confederation, or a democracy ?
The role of education in fostering active and informed citizenry in a democracy.
Is a multi-party system more conducive to a healthy and inclusive democracy?
Should there be restrictions on political advertising to ensure fairness and transparency in democratic elections?
Should corporations have the same rights as individuals in democratic legal systems?
Is it necessary to separate church and state in a democratic society?
How democratic was the new Constitution and the Bill of Rights ?
Should there be mandatory civics education to promote democratic values and participation?
Should there be age restrictions on political officeholders in a democracy?
Should digital voting be implemented to increase participation and transparency in elections?

American Democracy Essay Topics

The historical development of American democracy: from the Founding Fathers to the present.
The significance of the American Constitution and its amendments in ensuring democratic governance in the United States.
Government: United States Constitution and democracy .
The impact of the American Revolution on the birth of American democracy.
The separation of powers and checks and balances in the US government .
The significance of the Bill of Rights in protecting individual freedoms within American democracy.
Democracy: the Unites States of America .
The challenges and opportunities of citizen participation in American democratic processes.
The contributions of influential figures such as Thomas Jefferson , James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton to the development of American democracy.
Dahl’s “How Democratic Is the American Constitution?”
The evolution of political parties in American democracy: from the Federalists and Anti-Federalists to the Democrats and Republicans.
The role of the Constitution in establishing and safeguarding American democracy.
The two-party system and democracy in the US .
The impact of the Civil Rights Movement on expanding democratic rights and equality in America.
The ways media influences public opinion and its impact on American democracy.
The influence of money in American politics and its effects on democratic processes.
American democracy v. the social democracy: the healthcare system .
The impact of the women’s suffrage movement on democratic participation and gender equality.
The role of activism and social movements in shaping American democracy .
The influence of third-party candidates on American democracy and election outcomes.
Advancing democracy in the United States .
The challenges and reforms associated with the electoral college system in American democracy.
The impact of the progressive movement on democratic governance and social welfare.
Democracy and tyranny in the United States .
The role of the American presidency in shaping and upholding democratic principles.
The historical relationship between religious freedom and American democracy.
The influence of the labor movement on workers’ rights and democratic policies.
Analysis of democracy in the USA .
The significance of the New Deal and Great Society programs in fostering economic fairness and democratic values.
The impact of the Cold War on American democracy and the preservation of democratic ideals abroad.
Democracy in the United States of America .
The challenges and reforms associated with campaign finance regulations in American democracy.
The impact of modern technology on American democracy, including social media, data privacy , and online political engagement.
Democracy in America: elites, interest groups, and average citizens .
The significance of presidential debates in shaping public opinion and democratic decision-making.
The role of state and local governments in American democracy and their relationship with the federal government .
The impact of the Electoral College on presidential elections and its implications for democratic representation.
Interest groups in the American democratic system .
The relationship between media bias and democratic discourse in American democracy.
The impact of the populist movement, both historically and in contemporary politics, on American democracy.
The role of the First Amendment in protecting and promoting free speech in American democracy.
“What Republicans and Democrats Are Doing in the States Where They Have Total Power”: analysis .
The influence of foreign policy decisions on American democracy and the balance between national security and democratic values.
American women’s historical struggles and triumphs in achieving suffrage and fighting for equal rights in American democracy.
The shifting nature of American democracy .
The impact of the Black Lives Matter movement on public discourse, democratic activism, and policy change.
The labor movement’s influence on workers’ rights, economic policies, and democratic representation.
The US democracy’s promotion in the Middle East .
The significance of federalism in the American democratic system and the balance of power between states and the federal government.
The importance of a free and independent press in American democracy.
Democratic traditions in early American colonies .
The influence of religious groups on American politics, democratic decision-making, and social policy.
The role of non-governmental organizations in promoting democratic values, human rights, and social justice in America.
Edmund Morgan: the views of American democracy .
The protection of minority rights and the principle of majority rule in American democracy.
The role of civil society organizations in promoting and strengthening American democracy.

Jacksonian Democracy Essay Topics

The main principles and goals of Jacksonian Democracy.
The impact of Jacksonian Democracy on expanding voting and political participation.
Andrew Jackson’s first inaugural address .
The role of populism in shaping Jacksonian Democracy.
The controversy surrounding Jackson’s Indian Removal policies .
The influence of Jacksonian Democracy on the development of the two-party system.
The impact of the “Kitchen Cabinet” and informal advisors on Jackson’s presidency.
The economic policies of Jacksonian Democracy and its effect on the national economy.
The antebellum capitalism and Jeffersonians and Jacksonians capitalist ideals .
The expansion of land ownership and westward expansion under Jacksonian Democracy.
The role of women in Jacksonian Democracy and the early suffrage movement .
The controversy surrounding Jackson’s veto of the Bank of the United States.
The impact of Jacksonian Democracy on Native American rights and sovereignty.
The legacy of Jacksonian Democracy and its influence on subsequent political movements.
The significance of the Democratic Party’s rise during the Jacksonian era.
Andrew Jackson presidency: society, politics, veto .
The impact of Jacksonian Democracy on the growth of economic opportunities for common people.
The relationship between Jacksonian Democracy and the rise of American nationalism.
The role of newspapers and media in promoting or opposing Jacksonian Democracy.
The controversies surrounding Jackson’s removal of government deposits from the Bank of the United States.
The response of marginalized groups, such as Native Americans and African Americans, to Jacksonian Democracy.
The impact of Jacksonian Democracy on the development of the American presidency and executive power.
The long-term effects of Jacksonian Democracy on American political and social identity.

Questions about Democracy for Essays

What are the key principles and values of democracy?
How does democracy promote individual freedoms and rights?
“Democracy and Collective Identity in the EU and the USA”: article analysis .
What are the different forms of democracy, and how do they vary?
How does democracy ensure accountability and transparency in governance?
Concepts of democracy and wealth .
What is the role of elections in a democratic system?
How does democracy promote political participation and citizen engagement?
Discussion of democracy assignment .
What are the main challenges to democracy in the modern world?
How does democracy protect minority rights and prevent majority tyranny?
What are the political concepts of democracy and nationalism ?
How does the media influence democratic processes and outcomes?
What role do political parties play in a democratic system?
What are representative democracy and its constituents ?
How does democracy address social and economic inequalities?
What is the relationship between democracy and human rights ?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of direct democracy?
How does democracy impact economic development and prosperity?
Democracy description as a political system .
What role does the judiciary play in a democratic system?
How does democracy address issues of social justice and equality ?
What are the implications of globalization for democracy?
Can democracy exist without a well-informed citizenry and a free press?
Democratic and authoritarian states .
How does democracy respond to extremist ideologies and populism?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of representative democracy?
How does democracy promote peaceful transitions of power?
How does democracy foster social cohesion and national unity?
How does democracy ensure the protection of civil liberties?
What is the nature and performance of Indonesia’s new democracy ?
How does democracy reconcile the tension between majority rule and minority rights?
What are the roles of civil society and non-governmental organizations in a democracy?
How does democracy deal with issues of environmental sustainability ?
Democracy: evolution of the political thought .
What are the effects of money and lobbying on democratic processes?
How does democracy guarantee freedom of speech and expression?
What is the Canadian political culture and democracy ?
What is the impact of education and civic education on democracy?
How does democracy address the challenges of pluralism and diversity?
What are the implications of digital technologies for democracy?
The French Revolution: failed democracy and Napoleon .
What role does international cooperation play in fostering democracy?
How does democracy address the power imbalance between different societal groups?
What are the reasons for the failure of democracy in South America ?
What are the historical origins of democracy and its evolution over time?
How does democracy protect the rights of marginalized and vulnerable populations?
What are the political apathy and low voter turnout consequences in a democracy?
How does democracy handle situations of crisis and emergency?
Democracy as a socio-political phenomenon .
What is the role of public opinion in democratic decision-making?
How does democracy ensure fair representation and inclusivity ?
What are the mechanisms in place to hold elected officials accountable in a democracy?

🎤 Topics about Democracy for Speeches

The importance of democracy in safeguarding individual freedoms and human rights.
The historical evolution of democracy: from ancient Athens to modern-day governance.
The essential concepts and principles of democracy .
Democratic revolutions and their impact on shaping the world.
The role of citizen participation in a thriving democracy.
Exploring the concept of direct democracy: can it work on a large scale?
Backsliding of democracy: examples and preventive measures .
The role of media in fostering accountability in a democracy.
Striving for gender equality and women’s empowerment within democratic frameworks.
Democracy and efforts to emphasize it .
The influence of money and campaign finance on democratic processes.
Democracy and social justice: addressing inequalities and discrimination.
The impact of education in building a democratic society.
The Republican and Democratic parties: issues, beliefs, and philosophy .
Democracy and the environment: Promoting sustainable practices .
The relation between democracy and economic development.
Mexico’s globalization and democratization .
The significance of a strong, independent judiciary in upholding the rule of law in a democracy.
The potential benefits and drawbacks of digital technology on democracy.
Youth engagement and the future of democracy.
Democracy: equality of income and egalitarianism .
Democracy in the face of political polarization and extremism.
Democracy and cultural diversity : balancing majority rule and minority rights.
Democratic society and the capitalist system .
The importance of civic education in nurturing active and informed citizens.
Democracy and peace: how democratic nations tend to avoid armed conflicts .
The role of international organizations in promoting democracy worldwide.
The struggle for democracy: bureaucracy .
Social media and democracy: examining their impact on political discourse.
Democracy and global governance: the need for collaborative decision-making.
Democratization processes that have reshaped societies .
The implications of demographic changes on democratic representation.
The challenges of ensuring democracy in times of crisis and emergency.
Democracy and immigration : the role of inclusive policies and integration.
Corruption in the Democratic Republic of Congo .
The responsibility of democratic nations in addressing global challenges (e.g., climate change , pandemics).
The effects of fake news and disinformation on democratic societies.
Democrats and communists in 1950 .
Democratic reforms: lessons learned from successful transitions.
The role of intellectuals and artists in promoting democratic values and ideals.
Democracy and the future of work: navigating technological advancements and automation.
Safeguard of democracy is education .
The importance of strong civil society organizations to democracy.
Democracy and national security: striking the balance between safety and civil liberties.
Representing the democracy of Florida .
The significance of a robust social welfare system in ensuring democratic stability.
Democracy and accountability in the age of surveillance and privacy concerns .
The future prospects of democracy: challenges and opportunities in the 21st century.
Democratic regime and liberation movements .
The role of transitional justice in post-authoritarian democracies.
Democratic decision-making: weighing majority opinion against expert knowledge.
The topic of democracy in various speeches .
Democracy and educational policy: the need for equitable access to quality education.
The influence of cultural, religious, and ideological diversity on democratic governance.
Democracy and intergenerational justice: balancing present needs with future aspirations.
Biden warns of US peril from Trump’s ‘dagger’ at democracy .

Democracy Debate Topics

Is direct democracy a practical and effective form of governance?
Should there be term limits for political officeholders in a democracy?
Social democratic welfare state .
Is compulsory voting necessary for a thriving democratic system?
Is money in politics a threat to democratic integrity?
Should there be limits on campaign spending in democratic elections?
Social democracy vs. social policy .
Should felons have the right to vote in a democracy?
Can social media platforms ensure fair and unbiased political discourse in a democracy?
Why does democracy work and why doesn’t it ?
Is proportional representation more democratic than a winner-takes-all electoral system?
Should there be stricter regulations on political lobbying in a democracy?
Is it necessary to establish a global democracy to tackle global challenges?
Is the concept of majority rule compatible with protecting minority rights in a democracy?
Is populism a threat or an asset to democracy?
The struggle for democracy: how politics captures people’s interest ?
Should the voting age be lowered to increase youth participation in democracy?
Should corporations have a say in democratic decision-making processes?
Is a strong centralized government or decentralized governance better for democracy?
Should the internet be regulated to protect its users from misinformation?
Is democracy the best form of government ?
Should religious institutions have a role in democratic governance?
Is international intervention justified to promote democracy in authoritarian regimes ?
Is a multi-party democracy more representative than a two-party system?
Should immigration policies be determined through democratic processes?

✅ Outline for an Essay About Democracy

We’ve prepared a mini guide to help you structure your essay on democracy. You’ll also find some examples below.

Democracy Essay Introduction

Would you like to learn how to write a strong essay introduction? We are here for you! The introduction is the first paragraph of your essay, so it needs to provide context, capture the reader’s attention, and present the main topic or argument of an essay or paper. It also explains what readers can expect from the rest of the text. A good introduction should include:

Hook . A hook is a compelling, attention-grabbing opening sentence designed to engage the reader’s interest and curiosity. It aims to draw the reader into the essay or paper by presenting an intriguing fact, anecdote, question, or statement related to the topic.
Background information . Background information provides context and helps readers understand the subject matter before delving into the main discussion or argument.
Thesis statement . It’s a sentence in the introduction part of the essay. A thesis statement introduces the paper’s main point, argument, or purpose, guiding and informing the reader about the essay’s focus and direction.

Hook : “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.” ― Winston S. Churchill.

Thesis statement : Democracy has endured the test of time, and although other forms of governance have failed, democracy has stayed firm.

Essay on Democracy: Body Paragraphs

Body paragraphs are critical in writing a great college essay. There are 5 main steps you can follow to write a compelling body paragraph:

Create a topic sentence.
Provide the evidence.
Explain how the evidence relates to the main points.
Explain why your arguments are relevant.
Add transition to the following paragraph.

Topic sentence : In a democratic system of governance, supreme authority rests with the people and is exercised through a framework of representation, often involving regular, unrestricted elections.

Supporting evidence : Democracy allows residents to participate in creating laws and public policies by electing their leaders; consequently, voters should be educated to select the best candidate for the ruling government.

Essay about Democracy: Conclusion

The conclusion is the final part of an academic essay. It should restate the thesis statement and briefly summarize the key points. Refrain from including new ideas or adding information to the conclusion.

There are 3 crucial components to the conclusion:

Rephrased thesis statement.
Summary of main points.
Thought-provoking or memorable closing statement.

Rephrased thesis statement : To conclude, democracy is a form of government that has proven its effectiveness and resilience in contrast to other governance systems.

We hope you’ve found our article interesting and learned some new information! If so, feel free to share it with your friends and leave a comment below.

Thesis Statements – The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
How to Write a Five-Paragraph Essay, With Examples | Grammarly
Creating a Thesis Statement, Thesis Statement Tips – Purdue OWL® – Purdue University
Paragraphs & Topic Sentences: Writing Guides: Writing Tutorial Services: Indiana University Bloomington
How to Write a Topic Sentence (With Examples and Tips) | Indeed.com

414 Proposal Essay Topics for Projects, Research, & Proposal Arguments

371 fun argumentative essay topics for 2024.

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Essay on Democracy in 100, 300 and 500 Words

Updated on
Jan 15, 2024

The oldest account of democracy can be traced back to 508–507 BCC Athens . Today there are over 50 different types of democracy across the world. But, what is the ideal form of democracy? Why is democracy considered the epitome of freedom and rights around the globe? Let’s explore what self-governance is and how you can write a creative and informative essay on democracy and its significance.

Today, India is the largest democracy with a population of 1.41 billion and counting. Everyone in India above the age of 18 is given the right to vote and elect their representative. Isn’t it beautiful, when people are given the option to vote for their leader, one that understands their problems and promises to end their miseries? This is just one feature of democracy , for we have a lot of samples for you in the essay on democracy. Stay tuned!

Can you answer these questions in under 5 minutes? Take the Ultimate GK Quiz to find out!

This Blog Includes:

What is democracy , sample essay on democracy (100 words), sample essay on democracy (250 to 300 words), sample essay on democracy for upsc (500 words).

Democracy is a form of government in which the final authority to deliberate and decide the legislation for the country lies with the people, either directly or through representatives. Within a democracy, the method of decision-making, and the demarcation of citizens vary among countries. However, some fundamental principles of democracy include the rule of law, inclusivity, political deliberations, voting via elections , etc.

Did you know: On 15th August 1947, India became the world’s largest democracy after adopting the Indian Constitution and granting fundamental rights to its citizens?

Must Explore: Human Rights Courses for Students

Must Explore: NCERT Notes on Separation of Powers in a Democracy

Democracy where people make decisions for the country is the only known form of governance in the world that promises to inculcate principles of equality, liberty and justice. The deliberations and negotiations to form policies and make decisions for the country are the basis on which the government works, with supreme power to people to choose their representatives, delegate the country’s matters and express their dissent. The democratic system is usually of two types, the presidential system, and the parliamentary system. In India, the three pillars of democracy, namely legislature, executive and judiciary, working independently and still interconnected, along with a free press and media provide a structure for a truly functional democracy. Despite the longest-written constitution incorporating values of sovereignty, socialism, secularism etc. India, like other countries, still faces challenges like corruption, bigotry, and oppression of certain communities and thus, struggles to stay true to its democratic ideals.

Did you know: Some of the richest countries in the world are democracies?

Must Read : Consumer Rights in India

Must Read: Democracy and Diversity Class 10

As Abraham Lincoln once said, “democracy is the government of the people, by the people and for the people.” There is undeniably no doubt that the core of democracies lies in making people the ultimate decision-makers. With time, the simple definition of democracy has evolved to include other principles like equality, political accountability, rights of the citizens and to an extent, values of liberty and justice. Across the globe, representative democracies are widely prevalent, however, there is a major variation in how democracies are practised. The major two types of representative democracy are presidential and parliamentary forms of democracy. Moreover, not all those who present themselves as a democratic republic follow its values.

Many countries have legally deprived some communities of living with dignity and protecting their liberty, or are practising authoritarian rule through majoritarianism or populist leaders. Despite this, one of the things that are central and basic to all is the practice of elections and voting. However, even in such a case, the principles of universal adult franchise and the practice of free and fair elections are theoretically essential but very limited in practice, for a democracy. Unlike several other nations, India is still, at least constitutionally and principally, a practitioner of an ideal democracy.

With our three organs of the government, namely legislative, executive and judiciary, the constitutional rights to citizens, a multiparty system, laws to curb discrimination and spread the virtues of equality, protection to minorities, and a space for people to discuss, debate and dissent, India has shown a commitment towards democratic values. In recent times, with challenges to freedom of speech, rights of minority groups and a conundrum between the protection of diversity and unification of the country, the debate about the preservation of democracy has become vital to public discussion.

Did you know: In countries like Brazil, Scotland, Switzerland, Argentina, and Austria the minimum voting age is 16 years?

Also Read: Difference Between Democracy and Dictatorship

Democracy originated from the Greek word dēmokratiā , with dēmos ‘people’ and Kratos ‘rule.’ For the first time, the term appeared in the 5th century BC to denote the political systems then existing in Greek city-states, notably Classical Athens, to mean “rule of the people.” It now refers to a form of governance where the people have the right to participate in the decision-making of the country. Majorly, it is either a direct democracy where citizens deliberate and make legislation while in a representative democracy, they choose government officials on their behalf, like in a parliamentary or presidential democracy.

The presidential system (like in the USA) has the President as the head of the country and the government, while the parliamentary system (like in the UK and India) has both a Prime Minister who derives its legitimacy from a parliament and even a nominal head like a monarch or a President.

The notions and principle frameworks of democracy have evolved with time. At the core, lies the idea of political discussions and negotiations. In contrast to its alternatives like monarchy, anarchy, oligarchy etc., it is the one with the most liberty to incorporate diversity. The ideas of equality, political representation to all, active public participation, the inclusion of dissent, and most importantly, the authority to the law by all make it an attractive option for citizens to prefer, and countries to follow.

The largest democracy in the world, India with the lengthiest constitution has tried and to an extent, successfully achieved incorporating the framework to be a functional democracy. It is a parliamentary democratic republic where the President is head of the state and the Prime minister is head of the government. It works on the functioning of three bodies, namely legislative, executive, and judiciary. By including the principles of a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic, and undertaking the guidelines to establish equality, liberty and justice, in the preamble itself, India shows true dedication to achieving the ideal.

It has formed a structure that allows people to enjoy their rights, fight against discrimination or any other form of suppression, and protect their rights as well. The ban on all and any form of discrimination, an independent judiciary, governmental accountability to its citizens, freedom of media and press, and secular values are some common values shared by all types of democracies.

Across the world, countries have tried rooting their constitution with the principles of democracy. However, the reality is different. Even though elections are conducted everywhere, mostly, they lack freedom of choice and fairness. Even in the world’s greatest democracies, there are challenges like political instability, suppression of dissent, corruption , and power dynamics polluting the political sphere and making it unjust for the citizens. Despite the consensus on democracy as the best form of government, the journey to achieve true democracy is both painstaking and tiresome.

Difference-between-Democracy-and-Dictatorship

Did you know: Countries like Singapore, Peru, and Brazil have compulsory voting?

Must Read: Democracy and Diversity Class 10 Notes

Democracy is a process through which the government of a country is elected by and for the people.

Yes, India is a democratic country and also holds the title of the world’s largest democracy.

Direct and Representative Democracy are the two major types of Democracy.

Hope you learned from our essay on democracy! For more exciting articles related to writing and education, follow Leverage Edu .

Sonal is a creative, enthusiastic writer and editor who has worked extensively for the Study Abroad domain. She splits her time between shooting fun insta reels and learning new tools for content marketing. If she is missing from her desk, you can find her with a group of people cracking silly jokes or petting neighbourhood dogs.

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212 Democracy Essay Topics & Research Questions about Democracy

Looking for interesting democracy titles for your assignments? Look no further! We present to you our excellent list of research questions about democracy, topics for presentation, and essay titles. They will surely inspire a great paper!

🏆 Best Democracy Titles for Essays

✍️ democracy essay topics for college, 👍 good democracy research topics & essay examples, 🎓 most interesting democracy topics for presentation, 📌 easy democracy essay topics, 💡 simple democracy essay ideas, ❓ research questions about democracy.

Direct Democracy from Rousseau’s Perspective
Democracy in Nigeria: Democratic Structure, Executive-Legislative Structure, and Electoral System
Majoritarian and Consensus Models of Democracy
Biotech, Corporate Power, and Democracy: Oryx and Crake
The Influence of Social Media on Democracy
“Democracy and Its Critics” by Robert Dahl
Ancient Civilizations: Athenian Democracy vs Australian Democracy
Democracy: Advantages and Disadvantages Democracy has developed in a setting where people feel oppressed and generally being dictated upon or were unfair.
Democracy in The Lottery by Jackson Politics is an essential part of nowadays life. Politics are obligations of a state in regard to society and personality.
Globalization and Democratization Relationship This paper explores the existing relationship between democracy and globalization. It focuses on democratization, globalization and their imperativeness.
Rights & Duties and Basis of Democracy The government protects unalienable human rights such as freedom of expression and equality before the law. In turn, citizens fulfill their responsibilities such as paying taxes.
Democracy: Strengths and Weaknesses According to Thucydides and Plato The ancient Greek civilization handed the world a model of democracy that has been borrowed by many democratic societies globally up to the modern times.
Democracy in the United States This paper will discuss democracy in the United States. It will determine how the United States exercises democracy and how it violates justice.
Astra Taylor’s “What Is Democracy?” Documentary Review Astra Taylor’s Documentary, What is Democracy? takes an in-depth look at the concept of democracy and its history, from its ancient Greek roots.
How Democratic Is the American Constitution? This essay paper discuss deeply the American constitution, how democratic and anti-democratic it has been, and how it should be improved to be more democratic.
How Lebanon Is Developing a Democracy Lebanon has quite a history of fighting for democratic values. The civil war that took place in 1975 and lasted for 15 years left a huge mark on citizens’ economic well-being.
Australia’s Liberal Democratic System This paper studies how Australia’s Liberal Democratic system that is a keystone of social policy in the country, enhances and or limits the well-being of its citizens.
“How Democratic Is the American Constitution?” by Robert A. Dahl The book How Democratic is the American Constitution? by Robert A. Dahl is a provocative examination of the American constitution.
Is Russia a Democracy? The essay states that Russian democracy is not a true democracy but an emerging democracy where people as yet have limited freedom and rights.
Athenian Democracy: A History of Rise and Fall The 5th-4th centuries BC were a period of the flourishing of polises. There were some outstanding statesman who contributed to the democratization.
Democratic Leadership Style and Responsibilities Democratic leadership style, which is also known as a participative style, is a leadership style that strives to involve employees in organizational management and decision making.
French Revolution as a Turning Point to Democracy The French Revolution is usually credited with overturning the monarchy characterized by royal absolutism and enforcing the Republic instead.
Capitalism and Democracy: The Problem of Coexistence The paper examines whether the coexistence of capitalism and democracy provides mutual benefits or enforces detremial mechanisms that strain the relationship between these forces.
Federalism, Consociational Democracy, Government Though federalism and consociational democracy overlap in many aspects, some distinctive features that divide them into two distinct terms.
Republican and Democratic Parties Comparison This paper compares and contrasts the Republican and Democratic parties, and discusses the benefits and drawbacks of the two-party system.
Digital Communication Systems and Its Impact on Democracy The contribution, which new media can make in the development of democracy, depends on the efforts of government and media groups to the large extent.
The Problems of Democratic Transition and Consolidation The Problems of Democratic Transition and Consolidation: Southern Europe, South America, and Post-Communist Europe book by Linz and Stepan explore the issue of democratic transitions.
Democratic Leadership and Management Style The paper analyzes democratic leadership as the management style adopted by the author’s group, and approach to management indicated by the management style questionnaire.
Democratic Political System Analysis The paper addresses the topic of democratic and authoritarian political systems, and answers the question: does a democratic system guarantee people’s will?
Impacts of the Democratization of Making Maps Democratization of Maps began in the late 1970s, although some geographers opposed the idea of democratization of maps with a view that it would lead to the demise of cartography.
Democracy: Principles and Critiques Having stemmed from the democratic principles, the ideas of diversity call for the promotion of tolerance and mutual respect.
Creating an Ideal State with Democratic Government The ideal country will accept the model of constitutional democracy because the constitution will play a significant role in stabilization and help overcome the political crisis.
Representative Democracy and Its Crisis Cases of crises associated with representative democracy include dictatorship, oligarchy, officials pursuing their own ambitions, and bribing of representatives.
Cultural Democracy and Internet Imperialism The source helps draw a connection between the conscious domination of cultural niches and its impact on global biases within media.
Foreign Direct Investments in Democratic Republic of Congo For a long time, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been considered a country unattractive for Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs).
Media and Democracy in “By the People: Debating American Government 5e” “By the People: Debating American Government” is an introduction to the American government, and the 9th chapter focuses on media and democracy in the US.
Concepts of Authoritarianism, Totalitarianism, Democracy Both authoritarian and totalitarian regimes are derived from an autocratic ideology, the doctrine that the government is resided in the hands of one individual or a group.
Leo Strauss and Friedrich Hayek on Democracy The analysis of the two philosophers, Leo Strauss and Friedrich August von Hayek and their beliefs and views on democracy has a common theme, which is described in the article.
Gender Inequality in Democratic Welfare States This paper is claimed to evaluate the strategies of Liberal and Social Democratic political forces aimed at the alleviation of gender inequalities.
Special Interest Groups as a Threat to Democracy Special interest groups are smaller communities within larger ones that promote specific interests attributed to their members.
The Concept of Democracy in Political Theory This paper includes a critical review of interdisciplinary research on the origins of democracy, its economic impact, and the concept of rights.
Industrial Revolution, Democracy and Equality The impact of the industrial revolution on society should not be understated. It transformed mostly agrarian economies into those oriented towards goods and services.
Plato’s “Republic” – What Is Democracy? An idealized version of a parliamentary government is the redefinition of democracy. Plato failed to see the possibility of transforming ordinary people into intelligent members of the electorate.
American Democracy: The Formation of the United States The formation of the United States is linked to the replacement of the Articles of Confederation with the Constitution.
Divergence Between Republicans and Democrats Throughout history, a whole established platform of divergence between Republicans and Democrats has narrowed.
Republicans vs. Democrats on Separation of Church and State Most Republicans have a rather negative attitude towards separating it from the state. While many Democrats believe that faith should not interfere with any political processes.
The East German Democratic Republic: Problems and Challenges The East German Democratic Republic had major issues, including its political practices, which contributed to the country’s collapse rather than triumph.
Problems of Democratic Consolidation in Developing Countries The paper argues developing countries pursuing economic and political heights should strive to consolidate democratic forces.
Social Entrepreneurship and Democracy The article explores the integral role of social entrepreneurship in democratic societies, particularly in pre-democratic or emerging democracy contexts.
Slavery and Democracy in the United States On the road to progress and enlightenment, virtually all races have resorted to such a terrible form of social development as slavery.
Democrats and Republicans in the US Politics Democrats tend to be institutionalized mainly as the party of the economic elites. At the same time, Republicans represent working-class Americans.
Negative Impact of Modern Democracy on Political Process In recent years, there has been a lot of work by economists looking for factors that could explain the bias and inconsistency of the political process.
Negative Impact of Modern Democracy in the US The main cause of social imbalances in the United States is value conflict. This is a “seismic shift” in cultural stereotypes under the influence of new social phenomena.
American Democrats’ Pro-Abortion Beliefs The US political system consists of liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans. The chosen news article elaborates more on the Federal Abortion ban from these two perspectives.
Citizen Participation in a Representative Democracy Society’s quality of life is determined not only by the government’s influence but also by citizens’ interest in applying efforts to promote their well-being.
Jacksonian Democracy: Who Benefitted? The Jacksonian democracy enhanced the freedom and equality of citizens in the United States, giving people more power and representation in social visions.
Challenges to American Democracy Principles The surveillance of U.S. citizens by intelligence agencies is a fundamental departure from the principles of freedom and a serious blow to liberal principles.
The US Democracy Promotion in the Middle East This essay informs about the reasons for promoting democratic values by the US in the Middle East, which intends to establish a close relationship between the countries.
Japanese Political Power and Liberal Democratic Party Although there are many studies that dwell on the case of LDP and its success, the popularity and national devotion to the party remain rather vague.
Globalization and Democratic Peace Theory In the context of globalization, it is necessary to consider the theory of democratic peace, which recognizes democracy as the best form of government for society.
Utilitarianism Theory Applied to Western Democracy According to the theory of utilitarianism, there are ethical norms that must be followed. As a result, they overlook the other virtues that favor the few.
Populism as Integral Part of Democracy Populism cannot be perceived as a grotesque distortion of representative democracy’s objectives and practices since populism’s aim is to serve the interests of the masses.
All In: The Fight for Democracy Documentary All In: The Fight for Democracy is the 2020 documentary film. The film revolves around voter suppression in the United States. The central theme of the film is disenfranchisement.
Human Democracy and Technology Development The article explores the impact of technology on human rights and the human policies initiated to govern human rights and freedom in the digital era.
Corruption in the Democratic Republic of Congo While world economies are affected by a range of problems, some have remained entrenched in countries, impending national and regional growth.
Democracy in America: Unperfect, But Still Prevails The article looks at the views of French historian Alexis de Tocqueville on democracy and its potential dangers.
Expansion of Democracy in the United States before 1877 This paper discusses the rapid expansion of democracy for Americans before 1877 and explaines how government measures helped former slaves become citizens of the country.
Democracy in Iran & Culture and Politics Although, to some observers, democracy may seem as the undoubtedly superior form of government, it is not universally present in the world.
Democracy in the United States of America The paper states that democracy is a key factor in shaping the collective identity of US citizens as one nation rather than separate states.
Republic and Democracy in the United States The original Constitution guarantees every American state the Republican form of government, which protects the established U.S. system from the tyranny of the majority.
Poland: Democratic Nation vs. Communist Country Differences between people living in a democratic nation and a communist country are apparent by looking at Poland before and after communism.
The Shays’ Rebellion: Democratic Movement The Shays’ Rebellion was the culmination of the democratic movement in the United States in the 18th century’s last quarter.
The Democrats Attempt to Incorporate Immigration Issue in the Economic Bill Notably, the most recent development on immigration is that the Democrats presented a bill in an attempt to include immigrants who have not been accounted for in their economic bill.
The Crisis of Democracy of the 1930s The Soviet Union played a key role during Hitler’s despotic reign in Germany. Notably, the union was at war with itself, which added to the possible aggression anticipated from Germany.
Economic, Democracy, and the Distribution of Capital Ownership The article gives an overview of how capital ownership generally integrates with economic growth and democratic stability. It uses different economic theories.
Will the New Communications Technologies Bring a New “Age of Democracy”? Communication technologies are an integral part of the realities of the modern age, where every aspect of human existence is directly impacted by digital forces.
Economic Power of 2019 Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Movement In June 2019, there were protests in Hong Kong caused by the China government’s new plans to allow criminals’ extradition to Mainland China.
The Ideology of Political Liberalism and True Democratic Ideal True democracy implies the political courage of individuals that are determined to fight for the ideals of freedom and justice for everyone during crisis times.
Election in the United States in the Context of Democratic Values Evidently, the United States of America became one of the first nations in the world’s history, which were built upon the principles of democracy.
Will the New Communication Technologies Bring a New Age of Democracy? The use of information technology will not turn society into a society of direct democracy, and it will remain representative.
Walt Whitman as a Democratic Symbol Speaking of Whitman’s overall contribution to poetry, it may be safe to say that he was an innovator that would never be afraid of experimenting
Beliefs of the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans With his followers, Thomas Jefferson strongly viewed the United States as more of a sovereign entity bound with a common interest.
Bureaucracy in a Democracy Bureaucracy is a considerable part of contemporary democratic society. Most organizations should be regulated by specific services to maintain uniformity because of their complexity.
Confrontation Between Democrats and Republicans The confrontation between Democrats and Republicans significantly affects America’s domestic and foreign policy.
Reconciling the Need for a Bureaucracy Versus All These Issues It Presents Against Democracy Although bureaucracy as a phenomenon has gained a rather negative coloring in the everyday use of the word, it is supposed to describe a neutral phenomenon.
Representing Democracy: Reference to American Constitution Controversies surrounded the 2018 senate election in the state of Florida, which occasioned recounting of the votes cast.
The Impact of the Locke’s Democratic Theory on the Contemporary Governance Locke’s ideas have influenced the development of the doctrine of the separation of powers, which is used around the world to create a balance of power within governments.
Prison System for a Democratic Society This report is designed to transform the corrections department to form a system favorable for democracy, seek to address the needs of different groups of offenders.
The Effects of Hate Crime Law on Democracy The hate crime law effectively protects people from different social groups and their freedom in spite of its potential risk to an individual’s right to express himself.
Democracy in America: Decision-Making It can be argued that politics in America are not genuinely democratic. The current approaches to decision-making do not account for the opinion of the citizens
Democracy in the American Government The American political system is regarded to be a representative democracy. The system is democratic due to regular elections and equal opportunities for civic participation.
The Health of American Democracy In this article, the author assesses the health of American democracy based on the political participation and political knowledge of ordinary Americans.
Representing a Democracy in Miami, Florida This paper analyzes three members of Congress from Miami, Florida by looking at their demographic profile, support base, policy issues of interest, and ideologies.
Principles and Literature Materials on Democracy and Governance There are numerous literature publications on democracy and governance whose main objective is to promote democracy and good governance.
Key Principles and Processes of Democracy and Their Influences on Public Policies Democratic principles are very vital during a public policy formulation, this is because democracy is becoming the most preferred form of government around the world.
The Concepts of Contemporary Democratic Governance and the Separation of Powers The federalism and the doctrine of the separation of powers are very important in terms of establishing democratic forms of governance.
Is the USA a Democracy? American Politics Although the United States of America prides itself on being the first democratic country, an opinion that the US is not a democracy has been gaining more traction in recent years.
The Issues of Democracy in Australia and the USA The democratic governance in both Australia and the USA has similarities and differences, it is also important that technology impacts different policy and governance areas.
G. Bush and B. Obama: Tools of Democracy, Public Policies, and Practices The use of tools of democracy provide a lot of alternatives through which the government may effectively influence the behavior of individuals for the benefit of the entire public.
The Clayton County Library System: The Effectiveness of Workplace Democracy Diversity in the workplace helps in promoting democratic principles in several ways, for example, ensuring diversity in the workplace fosters the spirit of participation.
Differences Between Presidential and Parliamentary Types of Democracy Using the American, British and Indian systems of democracies the essay explains the differences in the election process between the presidential and parliamentary governments.
Capitalism and Socialism, Democracy This kind of system is illustrated by having recognized equality rights and freedom both in a social setting and political locale.
The Democrat and the Dictator: Roosevelt’s and Hitler’s Speech The common ground for both Roosevelt and Hitler could be found in the fact that both of the leaders were reproaching the governmental leadership that existed at that time.
E-Consultation: Enabling Democracy Between Elections Increasing public involvement in political issues is a major issue in democracy. Most countries in the world are democratic.
Concept of Democracy in the Black Community The issue of sports and racism centers on the communal and biased implication associated with the issue of black athletic supremacy or the overall view of such presumed supremacy.
“The Transparency of Democracy” Research by Friedman The research “The Transparency of Democracy” by Friedman used the ideas founded in Lefebvre’s invention of space to evaluate the powers involving cultural and spatial formation.
Social Justice to Maintain Democracy in Australia This essay will look into the impact of social justice concepts in maintaining democracy in Australian society.
How Democracy Was Born? Since ancient times, democracy has been considered a favorable way of ruling which permits freedom and participation in state of affairs by all citizens.
Ethnic Parties and Democratic Stability in Divided Societies Many professional on divided societies and governmental designing generally declare that serious society divisions create a major predicament for democracy.
Democracy and de Facto Powers The main objective is to examine the challenges and results in order to make “more changes to become a full-fledged democracy”.
Ethical Issues of American Democracy The American democracy is experiencing metamorphosis, and on the ethical perspective, some issues are emerging.
Is the Labour Party Neo-Liberal or Social Democratic? The basis of the party is solely social democratic, and, in spite of the fact that some instances of liberalism could be traced in the principles of the party.
Parliamentary and Presidential Democracy Discussion At the beginning of the 21st century, parliamentary and presidential democracies are the main forms of power in the world.
The Effects of Leftist Movement on Democracy in Latin America The paper is about the relationship between the adoption of neo-liberal policies and the social impact of economic development in geographically adjacent Latin American countries.
Democratic Capitalism and Morality in America The problem of the level of the salary in the modern world remains core in economics in the condition of the free market.
America Transformed Timelines and Democracy Growth This paper discusses America’s transformed timeline highlighting the changes in political parties and the significant events that marked the growth of democracy.
Challenges of Democracy Promotion in the United States The challenges of democracy in the United States center on promotion of democracy in all the government systems and departments.
Is Russia a Real Democracy? Thus, a difficult question of whether there is a democracy in Russia is considered with a negative response in most parameters when comparing with other developed countries.
“The Role of the United Nations Development Programme in Post-conflict Peace-Building”: Article Analysis Endorsement of democratic values and supporting policies of good governance have become trademark characteristics of the UN in the approaches adopted to deal with issues.
Republican and Democratic Parties Major Differences Many political ideologies exist in the U.S. ranging from far right-wing conservatism to far-leftist philosophy. Two major parties are Republican and Democratic.
Democracy in Islamic World The urgent problem of modern society nowadays is the state of democracy in Islamic countries that claims attention of politicians and common people all around the world.
Democratic Capitalism and Individual Liberty Democratic capitalism is the economic and political system based on individuals’ potentials in an environment of cooperation and trust.
The Feasibility of Transforming Iraq into a Democratic Nation The essay explains the dynamics of ethnic composition of Iraq and how the cultural characteristics of Mideast societies make it difficult for them to adopt Western concepts.
Liberal Democracy and the Problem of Political Organization Liberal democracy cannot be the final solution to the political organization as it is limited by the Constitution and strict laws and regulations within the state.
Leadership and Democratic Action: Leadership Ability Analysis Analysis of the leadership style of leaders: Martin Luther King, Wayne Gretzky, Nelson Mandela, Adolf Hitler, Margaret Thatcher, and the consequences of their approach to leadership.
How Far Did General Chun Doo Hwan Prevent a Democratic Development in South Korea During the Late 1980s to Early 1990s? The paper examines the lengths to which the general went to ensure that his military rule continued and also examines how he subverted the democratic process.
Dominican Republic Developing a Democracy The author presents the facts from the history of the Dominican Republic, the barriers to building democracy in the country, and solutions in this way.
Illiberal Democracy in Hungary and Turkey Today in Hungary and Turkey one can observe the process of establishment of the so-called illiberal democracy, although with different roots and manifestations.
Democratic Republic vs. Socialist State This paper aims to examine and compare the Democratic Republic and the Socialist State and present a personal opinion regarding the two systems.
Political Environment: Democrats and Republicans The contemporary American political environment has been impacted by the dichotomous role of two leading political parties: the Democratic Party and the Republican Party.
The Socratic Identification of Knowledge and Athenian Democracy It is clear that knowledge and wisdom are essential ingredients of life worth living because ignorance and the lack of understanding make life similar to animals.
Russian Federation: Developing a Democracy As one of the advanced developing countries, Russian Federation also passes through the stage of democracy establishment.
Russian Federation: Political History and Democracy The present paper will outline the key events in the political history of the Russian Federation and the barriers faced by the country in achieving democracy.
Belarus: Developing a Democracy Belarus is one of the states that requires political changes to ensure that its citizens are given indefeasible rights to which they are entitled according to the basic principles of democracy.
How Russian Federation Is Developing a Democracy Almost 30 years after, the modern political regime in Russia cannot be referred to as a democratic one, as its leader is represented by only one political party.
How Botswana Is Developing a Democracy To avoid the system of authoritarian rule, Botswana people will require reinforcing the influence of its Democratic Party and other political alliances.
How South Africa Is Developing a Democracy The lack of democratization within South African society can be seen as the primary problem that has to be managed for democratic principles to be established within the republic.
American Democracy and Landmark Supreme Court Cases This essay ponders the key values of American democracy and describes landmark Supreme Court cases that have contributed to the formation of the political system.
The Birth of the United States’ Democracy This paper discusses the theme of American democracy to understand its origins, why it was important, and who was involved in the process starting from 1776.
Is the United States a Model Democracy? The US is a model democracy because it holds free, frequent, and inclusive elections, its citizens enjoy a wide range of individual freedoms and rights.
Democracy Principles in the United States This essay will provide four reasons as to why the US was not built on the principles of democracy and has not genuinely complied with them to date.
Democratization in El Salvador El Salvador’s residents were fed with a false notion of democracy under the thin veneer of which the authoritarian government promoted rightist ideas.
American Foreign Policy Exporting Democracy American foreign policy is designed to meet several international goals but the priority areas over the years have been national security and defense.
Americans for Democratic Action This paper discusses Americans for Democratic Action, abbreviated as ADA. Representatives of ADA tend to focus on the importance of such values as liberty and justice.
Technologies and Equality for Democratic Society Education is a fundamental aspect of any democratic society or state. The fact is that ignorance and the lack of knowledge create the basis for speculations.
American Democrat and German Dictator in 1933 The new Chancellor of Germany, Adolf Hitler, and the new President of the US, Franklin D. Roosevelt, came to the power in quite a difficult time.
Democratic Deficit in Global Governance A democratic system does not automatically mean the exercise of authority directly by citizens, but rather through its elected agents.
Mass Culture and Democratization
Pro-Democratic Political Position in the US
Sexism, Democracy, and Modernization
Contemporary Democratic Ideals and Christian Tradition
Revolutionary Communism vs. Democratic Socialism
Democratic Theory Questions: “Missing and Murdered”
Brazil’s Democracy and National Economic Performance
Opioid Crisis Policy by Democrats and Republicans
Democratic Views on Pro-Immigration
South African Democracy and National Economic Performance
The Concept of Democracy as a Historical Fiasco
Dream Act as an Institution of American Democracy
Democrats and Republicans in the New York State
US Democracy and Its Media Representation
Russian Democracy and Political Stability
Wealth Inequality Effects on American Democracy
Indian Democracy and National Economic Performance
Jacksonian Democracy and Manifest Destiny
Roosevelt and Hitler: Democrat and Dictator
India and Brazil Democracy Analysis
Pauli Murray’s Contribution to American Democracy
Nigerian Democracy and National Economic Performance
Natural Resources and Democracy in Political Economy
The Arab Spring: New Patterns for Democracy
Democratic Communities and Third-Party Conflict Management
“Democracy in America” by Alexis de Tocqueville
Political Sciences: Building Global Democracy
Democracy in America Between 1780 and 1830
How Wealth Inequality Affects Democracy in America?
Political Culture: Failure of Democracy in Iraq
Representative Democracy and Its Crisis in Europe
Political Parties in the Democratic World
Democracy and National Economic Performance in China
Should Democracy Be Promoted in Africa?
Are Free Elections Necessary to Have a Democracy?
Are Pressure Groups Good for Democracy?
Which Country Has the Best Democracy in the World?
How Does Democracy Help the World?
Can Democracy Remedy Africa’s Problem?
How Many Countries Have Democracy?
Does Democracy Ensure Freedom?
In Which Counties There Is No Democracy?
Does Democracy Produce Worse Government Than Dictatorship Produce?
Why Democracy Is a Good Form of Government?
Does Democracy Work for the Entire World?
What Is the World’s Oldest Democracy?
How Did Hindenburg Undermine German Democracy in 1925-33?
What Is the Role of Citizens in a Democracy?
How Effective Was Athenian Democracy?
Why Is Democracy Considered Much Superior?
How Far Had Britain Moved Towards a Full Democracy by 1928?
Who Started Democracy in the World?
What Are the Freedoms of Living in a Democracy?
Is Indian Democracy Alive and Kicking?
Why Democracy Is Better Than Its Alternatives?
When Democracy Is Considered Successful?
Should Poorer Countries Embrace Democracy?
What Are the Two Most Important Ideals of Democracy?
What Is the Most Basic Outcome of Democracy?
Was the First World War a War for More Democracy?
What Are the Unique Traits of Athenian Democracy?
What Are the Issues in Which Democracy Has Failed?
What True Majority Democracy Is About?

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StudyCorgi. (2021, September 9). 212 Democracy Essay Topics & Research Questions about Democracy. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/democracy-essay-topics/

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StudyCorgi . "212 Democracy Essay Topics & Research Questions about Democracy." September 9, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/democracy-essay-topics/.

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Democracy Arguments For and Against Essay

Introduction, arguments for democracy, arguments against democracy, works cited.

Contrary to other ideas in political science such as justice and liberty, democracy is a term that can be easily explained. It mainly relates to the government by the majority. Although characterizing democracy is not difficult, the latest political theory is often left this out. No strong argument is provided by political theorists regarding the reason for representative democracy.

On the other hand, if any is given, it lacks strength. One would anticipate that great literature can be created from the reasons for the promotion and institution of democracy. On the contrary, popular literature does not delve so much into why democracy is desirable, but instead, get to explain the reasons for the improvement of the current democracy. This essay examines what different philosophers have had to argue both for and against democracy.

One of the arguments is that democracy is important because it can be embraced and made deliberative. This implies that deliberation of a dialogical nature is vital to the democratic society. When democracy is made deliberate in a given society, instead of people’s mere adaptation to circumstance, their preferences are not only informed but also made clear.

Democracy also helps to remove points of difference among people without necessarily making them agree. At times, democracy requires that people be compelled to embrace a general perspective. As such, both their imagination and empathy are stretched. In the same vein of the deliberateness of democracy, selfish concerns can be separated from public-oriented considerations thus encouraging public reasoning for participants who are free and equal (Sosa & Villanueva 287-288).

Research also indicates that making democratic to be more deliberative is likely to result to other benefits such as legitimizing all decisions that are arrived at, encouraging the powerless to voice their concerns in decision making, promoting transparency among group members and enhancing outcomes that are just.

Another argument that favors the importance of democracy in deliberation is one that aims at making deliberation democratic and not vice versa. This implies that whenever there is democratic deliberation, then the probability of reaching the truth based on reliability increases with the presence of a democratic decision-making regime.

Moreover, democracy enhances the proper allocation of resources to appropriate uses. This argument is supported by the fact dictatorial leaders are not fully accountable to citizens and do not have motivations to put the total output into maximum use. Instead, they focus on their selfish ends.

Consequently, democracy ensures that property rights are protected hence allowing investors to have a long term perspective. Besides, allowing free flow of information ensures that the quality of economic decisions made is high (Dahl 448).

In attempting to argue against democracy, Gordon takes on several philosophers who have argued in favor of democracy. He does this by revealing how such arguments fail to hold water when based on democracy because, in his perspective, the proponents of democracy do not express the desirability of democracy as it were. A good example of writers who have omitted this fact is Bernard Barber.

He dismisses other philosophers on this matter arguing that a just political order can only be reached at through a discussion and not by avoiding it. Questions of distributive justice can properly be dealt with by individuals rather than by philosophers alone since it would be undemocratic to do the reverse. However, Barber does not clearly explain why people should value democracy.

His concern is that individuals thinking on their own can reach wiser decisions than a group of individuals discussing the same issue. He’s satisfied with the fact that Rousseau concurs with the issue. If he were to be correct about this empirical matter, then it would be sound to conclude that if democratic governance would guide a society, then it would be prudent to arrive at decisions in such a society through discussions.

Although this point is still devoid of the desirability of democracy, it centers on the importance of democracy in discussing policy publicly. Deliberating on issues publicly is not a compulsory ingredient for democracy. For instance, during the nineteenth century, there was no democracy in the British government although public issues could be discussed broadly (Gordon para.5).

Plato presents a couple of arguments against democracy. First, Plato describes democracies as societies that are anarchic. He believes that societies that are democratic are marked with anarchy. For example, his attack describes governments that are democratic for being libertarian in such a manner every citizen can carry out their life issues in a way that appeals to them.

In this way, he asserts that people mistake anarchy for freedom. Plato criticizes democratic societies again by asserting that since they are characterized with anarchy, they are devoid of unity. They are not united on two fronts. First, due to the lack of political structure and are not politically organized. Second, democratic societies do not have a leadership structure since everyone can speak on political issues.

Second, Plato argues that democratic societies are likely to adhere to what their citizens want hence lacking any concern for the good of all. If anarchy is what features in democracies, then every individual has the freedom to choose what will ultimately benefit him or her. These choices may clash and encourage people to value their own needs rather those of others as well.

This is a clear pursuit of personal desires which may encourage loss of the common good. Since citizens have no idea of what ruling is, it happens that they pursue their passions and not the reason because reason cannot be applied in such pursuits. Any leaders that are elected through democracy are therefore servants who are out to satisfy the individual desires and appetites of the citizens.

Plato further argues that citizens who are guided by democracy are likened to individuals who grope in darkness since they do not have what it takes to execute governance (Kofmel 20). Moreover, Plato lists two more difficulties. First, numerous individuals falsely believe that they have adequate political proficiency that can qualify them to take part in political issues.

Citizens are not bothered by the fact that on account of their political standing, they are entitled to an equal political voice with each other. Second, when people get involved in a philosophical investigation with each other, they are more concerned with winning arguments instead of the following truth.

Therefore, even though citizens may be endowed with enough political expertise, it may be concluded that they will not be able to manage it effectively (Kofmel 21). The best remedy to this problem is to limit popular involvement in politics and allowing those who have sufficient political know-how in matters of governance to take the lead in the political decision-making process. Such are the people who can guide the citizens into achieving their common good.

Democracy is a term that is perceived differently by different people. Arguments put forth in favor of it are that it encourages fair allocation of resources, sound decision making especially by the powerless and allows for transparency and justice through deliberation.

Arguments against democracy are that it is not the best option for decision making, it encourages anarchy and hence lack of unity and that democracy encourages people who do not have sufficient political expertise to be involved in decision making. This results in a lack of common good.

Dahl, Robert. The Democracy Sourcebook. NY: MIT Press, 2003. June 19, 2011.

Gordon, David. What’s the Argument for Democracy? LeRockwell.com, 1992. June 19, 2011.

Kofmel, Erich. Anti-Democratic Thought. Exeter, UK: Imprint Academic, 2008. June 19, 2011.

Sosa, Ernest & Villanueva, Enrique. Social, Political and Legal Philosophy, Volume 1. Malden, USA: Blackwell Publishers, 2001. June 19, 2011.

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Machiavelli’s Views on Democratization and Their Relation to Modern Politics
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A Passion for Democracy

Benjamin R. Barber

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A Passion for Democracy: American Essays

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Benjamin Barber is one of America’s preeminent political theorists. He has been a significant voice in the continuing debate about the nature and role of democracy in the contemporary world. A Passion for Democracy collects twenty of his most important writings on American democracy. Together they refine his distinctive position in democratic theory. Barber’s conception of “strong democracy” contrasts with traditional concepts of “liberal democracy,” especially in its emphasis on citizen participation in central issues of public debate. These essays critique the “thin representation” of liberal democracy and buttress the arguments presented in Barber’s twelve books, most recently in his well-received Jihad vs. McWorld: How Globalism and Tribalism Are Re-shaping the World . In these pieces, Barber argues for participatory democracy without dependence on abstract metaphysical foundations, and he stresses the relationship among democracy and civil society, civic education, and culture. A Passion for Democracy is divided into four sections. In the first, “American Theory: Democracy, Liberalism, and Rights,” Barber addresses issues of ongoing relevance to today’s debates about the roots of participatory democracy, including individualism vs. community, the importance of consent, and the irrelevance of Marxism. Essays in the second section, “American Practice: Leadership, Citizenship, and Censorship” provide a “strong democracy” critique of American democratic practice. “Education for Democracy: Civic Education, Service, and Citizenship” applies Barber’s theories to three related topics and includes his much-discussed essay “America Skips School.” The final section, “Democracy and Technology: Endless Frontier or End of Democracy?” provides glimpses into a future that technology alone cannot secure for democracy. In his preface, Barber writes: “In these essays … I have been hard on my country. Like most ardent democrats, I want more for it than it has achieved, despite the fact that it has achieved more than most people have dared to want.” This wide-ranging collection displays not only his passion for democracy, but also his unique perspective on issues of abiding importance for the democratic process.

"Barber opens up the way for reexamining just what our role must be in the cause of Democracy. A stunning and sobering look at civil society at the century's end."— Virginia Quarterly Review

"Overall, the work is typical Barber: well written, conceptually fascinating, and astutely relevant."— Choice

"Enlightening.... Politicians and history teachers, citizens even, would be wise to pick up this collection."—Kathleen Daley, Newark Star-Ledger

"The essays in A Passion for Democracy offer nuggets of keen historical insight and every so often connect with a sharp dart to the complacent regions of liberal capitalism. . . . It doesn't hurt that, in an arena in which turgid, jargon-ridden prose is the rule, Barber can spin a phrase with the dexterity of Derek Jeter turning a double-play at second base."—Loren Lomasky, Reason

"If I were to put together a short list of a dozen scholars who might. . .contribute to the rhetoric and thought of a presidency, I would put Ben Barber on the list."—William Galston, former deputy assistant for domestic policy to Bill Clinton (quoted in The Chronicle of Higher Education

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Democracy in United States

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Legal Right and Social Democracy: Essays in Legal and Political Philosophy

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This book provides a collection of interrelated chapters that investigate and argue about issues of concern for contemporary lawyers and politicians. The chapters combine a scholarly regard for leading thinkers of the past and present, and a stringently argued view about questions of political obligation.

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The Regulatory Review In Depth

Strengthening Democracy Through Tax Policy

Brian connor.

Scholar proposes a set of democracy-centered criteria for evaluating tax regulations.

What makes for good tax policy?

Efficiency, equity, and administrability are the traditional measures for evaluating the efficacy of tax policy. But in a forthcoming article , Clint Wallace , a professor at the University of South Carolina School of Law , argues that promoting democratic governance should be a key goal of tax policy as well.

Governments can design tax systems to advance or impede democracy, according to Wallace. An autocrat wishing to consolidate power might impose tax regulations that place a heavier tax burden on unpopular populations. This sort of preferential treatment can create different standards of living for different groups depending on their fealty to the autocrat.

By the same token, democratic governments can use tax policy to empower citizens and strengthen democratic institutions through direct democratic measures.

Wallace suggests , for example, that taxation can be used as a lever to promote faith in democracy. He argues that the tax system can require all members of the community to pay their fair share of taxes, which will in turn build solidarity. By contrast, a tax policy that appears to relieve only the wealthy of their tax burdens can lead to anger and division in a society, ultimately undermining democratic governance.

An example Wallace raises as a policy that generates anxiety and distrust among citizens is the current requirement that United States taxpayers self-assess and report their income. Many believe this policy shows that “their government is essentially out to get them.” U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) warned that the tax status quo “causes people to lose faith in government, lose faith in democracy.”

Wallace advises that governments should focus on improving public participation in the tax system in order to facilitate solidarity and trust in democratic institutions. He explains that paying taxes can give taxpayers a “voice in the form of personal control over their government.” For instance, taxpayers can effectively enlist the federal government as a “co-investor” in their charitable activities through charitable tax deductions.

Wallace further connects tax policy and democratic participation by pointing to the public education system. Wallace describes empirical evidence showing that “investment in early childhood education results in gains in recipients’ abilities to engage politically.” Yet the United States’s tax policy related to education provides greater benefit to wealthier communities, Wallace argues.

Through the home mortgage interest deduction, the U.S. government subsidizes home ownership, contributing to the property tax bases that finance local education. Wallace argues that this policy favors individuals living in wealthier communities, since bigger and more expensive houses will generate greater property taxes.

In addition, Wallace adds, tax credits and breaks for private schools favor the wealthy since those schools are more expensive to attend.

Wallace favors using taxation to help policymakers manage the economy in a manner that fosters inclusivity. Taxation plays a central role in redistribution, and Wallace argues that the tax system can help to reduce economic inequality and curb control based on wealth.

The typical justifications for progressive taxation include taxing based on individuals’ ability to pay and based on their share of benefits received. As Wallace explains , these justifications fail to capture that the earliest United States income tax laws were motivated by “collective power concerns” and were accompanied by warnings about the “communism of combined wealth and capital.”

Other scholars have considered the equity of a hypothetical wealth tax by analyzing the predicted impact on the tax base and how the tax would burden taxpayers of different income levels. Wallace contends that this type of analysis pays “no attention to governing context, effectiveness of democratic decision making, or power dynamics potentially facilitated by wealth.”

To demonstrate his analytical framework, Wallace evaluates recent wealth tax proposals presented by U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) during the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

Wallace argues that a wealth tax could help increase faith in democracy by signaling that the tax system applies to everybody, including the wealthy. Wallace also notes that a wealth tax could promote democratic participation by providing better funding for education. Indeed, he cites the “ultra-millionaire” tax proposed by Senator Warren, which was designed to channel revenue toward technical education, tuition-free college, and universal preschool.

Given the present challenges of climate change, racial inequity, and economic inequality, Wallace determines , democratic considerations should take on increased focus. The presented democratic framework, Wallace concludes, may serve as a starting point.

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Joseph Epstein, conservative provocateur, tells his life story in full

In two new books, the longtime essayist and culture warrior shows off his wry observations about himself and the world

Humorous, common-sensical, temperamentally conservative, Joseph Epstein may be the best familiar — that is casual, personal — essayist of the last half-century. Not, as he might point out, that there’s a lot of competition. Though occasionally a scourge of modern society’s errancies, Epstein sees himself as essentially a serious reader and “a hedonist of the intellect.” His writing is playful and bookish, the reflections of a wry observer alternately amused and appalled by the world’s never-ending carnival.

Now 87, Epstein has just published his autobiography, “ Never Say You’ve Had a Lucky Life: Especially if You’ve Had a Lucky Life ,” in tandem with “ Familiarity Breeds Content: New and Selected Essays .” This pair of books brings the Epstein oeuvre up to around 30 volumes of sophisticated literary entertainment. While there are some short-story collections (“The Goldin Boys,” “Fabulous Small Jews”), all the other books focus on writers, observations on American life, and topics as various as ambition, envy, snobbery, friendship, charm and gossip. For the record, let me add that I own 14 volumes of Epstein’s views and reviews and would like to own them all.

Little wonder, then, that Epstein’s idea of a good time is an afternoon spent hunched over Herodotus’s “Histories,” Marguerite Yourcenar’s “Memoirs of Hadrian” or almost anything by Henry James, with an occasional break to enjoy the latest issue of one of the magazines he subscribes to. In his younger days, there were as many as 25, and most of them probably featured Epstein’s literary journalism at one time or another. In the case of Commentary, he has been contributing pieces for more than 60 years.

As Epstein tells it, no one would have predicted this sort of intellectual life for a kid from Chicago whose main interests while growing up were sports, hanging out, smoking Lucky Strikes and sex. A lackadaisical C student, Myron Joseph Epstein placed 169th in a high school graduating class of 213. Still, he did go on to college — the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign — because that’s what was expected of a son from an upper-middle-class Jewish family. But Urbana-Champaign wasn’t a good fit for a jokester and slacker: As he points out, the president of his college fraternity “had all the playfulness of a member of the president’s Council of Economic Advisers.” No matter. Caught peddling stolen copies of an upcoming accounting exam for $5 a pop, Epstein was summarily expelled.

Fortunately, our lad had already applied for a transfer to the University of Chicago, to which he was admitted the next fall. Given his record, this shows a surprising laxity of standards by that distinguished institution, but for Epstein the move was life-changing. In short order, he underwent a spiritual conversion from good ol’ boy to European intellectual in the making. In the years to come, he would count the novelist Saul Bellow and the sociologist Edward Shils among his close friends, edit the American Scholar, and teach at Northwestern University. His students, he recalls, were “good at school, a skill without any necessary carry-over, like being good at pole-vaulting or playing the harmonica.”

Note the edge to that remark. While “Never Say You’ve Had a Lucky Life” is nostalgia-laden, there’s a hard nut at its center. Epstein feels utter contempt for our nation’s “radical change from a traditionally moral culture to a therapeutic one.” As he explains: “Our parents’ culture and that which came long before them was about the formation of character; the therapeutic culture was about achieving happiness. The former was about courage and honor, the latter about self-esteem and freedom from stress.” This view of America’s current ethos may come across as curmudgeonly and reductionist, but many readers — whatever their political and cultural leanings — would agree with it. Still, such comments have sometimes made their author the focus of nearly histrionic vilification.

Throughout his autobiography, this lifelong Chicagoan seems able to remember the full names of everyone he’s ever met, which suggests Epstein started keeping a journal at an early age. He forthrightly despises several older writers rather similar to himself, calling Clifton Fadiman, author of “The Lifetime Reading Plan,” pretentious, then quite cruelly comparing Mortimer J. Adler, general editor of the “Great Books of the Western World” series, with Sir William Haley, one of those deft, widely read English journalists who make all Americans feel provincial. To Epstein, “no two men were more unalike; Sir William, modest, suave, intellectually sophisticated; Mortimer vain, coarse, intellectually crude.” In effect, Fadiman and Adler are both presented as cultural snake-oil salesmen. Of course, both authors were popularizers and adept at marketing their work, but helping to enrich the intellectual lives of ordinary people doesn’t strike me as an ignoble purpose.

In his own work, Epstein regularly employs humor, bits of slang or wordplay, and brief anecdotes to keep his readers smiling. For instance, in a chapter about an editorial stint at the Encyclopaedia Britannica, Epstein relates this story about a colleague named Martin Self:

“During those days, when anti-Vietnam War protests were rife, a young woman in the office wearing a protester’s black armband, asked Martin if he were going to that afternoon’s protest march. ‘No, Naomi,’ he said, ‘afternoons such as this I generally spend at the graveside of George Santayana.’”

Learned wit, no doubt, but everything — syntax, diction, the choice of the philosopher Santayana for reverence — is just perfect.

But Epstein can be earthier, too. Another colleague “was a skirt-chaser extraordinaire," a man "you would not feel safe leaving alone with your great-grandmother.” And of himself, he declares: “I don’t for a moment wish to give the impression that I live unrelievedly on the highbrow level of culture. I live there with a great deal of relief.”

In his many essays, including the sampling in “Familiarity Breeds Content,” Epstein is also markedly “quotacious,” often citing passages from his wide reading to add authority to an argument or simply to share his pleasure in a well-turned observation. Oddly enough, such borrowed finery is largely absent from “Never Say You’ve Had a Happy Life.” One partial exception might be the unpronounceable adjective “immitigable,” which appears all too often. It means unable to be mitigated or softened, and Epstein almost certainly stole it from his friend Shils, who was fond of the word.

Despite his autobiography’s jaunty title, Epstein has seen his share of trouble. As a young man working for an anti-poverty program in Little Rock, he married a waitress after she became pregnant with his child. When they separated a decade later, he found himself with four sons to care for — two from her previous marriage, two from theirs. Burt, the youngest, lost an eye in an accident while a toddler, couldn’t keep a job, fathered a child out of wedlock and eventually died of an opioid overdose at 28. Initially hesitant, Epstein came to adore Burt’s daughter, Annabelle, as did his second wife, Barbara, whom he married when they were both just past 40.

Some pages of “Never Say You’ve Had a Lucky Life” will be familiar to inveterate readers of Epstein’s literary journalism, all of which carries a strong first-person vibe. Not surprisingly, however, the recycled anecdotage feels less sharp or witty the second time around. But overall, this look back over a long life is consistently entertaining, certainly more page-turner than page-stopper. To enjoy Epstein at his very best, though, you should seek out his earlier essay collections such as “The Middle of My Tether,” “Partial Payments” and “A Line Out for a Walk.” Whether he writes about napping or name-dropping or a neglected writer such as Somerset Maugham, his real subject is always, at heart, the wonder and strangeness of human nature.

Never Say You’ve Had a Lucky Life

Especially if You’ve Had a Lucky Life

By Joseph Epstein

Free Press. 304 pp. $29.99

Familiarity Breeds Content

New and Selected Essays

Simon & Schuster. 464 pp. $20.99

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