For others, it means globalization and its 24-7 partner, the Internet, which transcends political boundaries. Political analyst Fareed Zakaria differentiates between these various forms in terms of “liberal democracy” and “illiberal democracy.”įor some, “the rule of the people” is the panacea for all problems relating to personal liberty, human rights and freedom in general. On the other hand, several African leaders see themselves as presiding over democracies in that they have been brought to power by the people, yet once in office they rule as dictators. The Philippines is an example, having done just that in recent years. America’s founding fathers envisioned what Abraham Lincoln later termed “government of the people, by the people, for the people.” In many republics, “people power” means that the masses of ordinary citizens can exercise their power to remove an elected president from office.

While there are many modern variations of democracy, all involve “the people” in processes that either express the will of the majority or act as checks and balances on a centralized authority. Today, the ancient philosopher’s concept of the polis (city) as the basis for democracy has given rise to national and even global models.

No doubt the breadth of contemporary applications would surprise him. The term demokratia comes from kratos, “rule,” and demos, “people.” Hence the definition, “the rule of the people.” Aristotle thought that the ideal number of men participating in each democratic system would be about five thousand. It comes in many shapes, sizes and colors and means different things to different people.ĭemocracy is generally recognized as originating with the Greeks, when revolts in Athens brought to an end a dynasty of tyrants in the fourth and fifth centuries B.C.E. Whatever your view, one thing is certain: democracy has no set definition. Perhaps we should first ask whether the capacity to do so is even inherent in the democratic system. John Adams, second president of the United States, in letter to John Taylor, 1814 There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide.” It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. Indeed, compared with the rule of feudal lords, tyrant kings and despotic dictators, who would argue that government based on the needs and desires of ordinary people isn’t a significant step forward? Will democracy therefore continue to spread through the world system, gradually subduing all other forms of government and bringing peace and well-being to all? They point out that through the evolution of government and the rise of democratic principles in politics and institutions, the world stands at the brink of a positive era. Some describe the time we live in as the democratic age. In fact, no nation can claim it has achieved this enviable state for all its inhabitants. Is there any form of government that humanity has not tried across time in its quest for harmony? Yet peace, happiness and prosperity remain out of the grasp of most. We look to our governments to create the conditions required for peace. And if happiness and prosperity accompany it, then so much the better.

Peace is a basic desire of people everywhere.

Power to the people