The People Who Rule
Source 1 – “Greek” http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0058%3Aentry%3Ddhmokrati%2Fa Source 2 – “Democracy, definition” http://web.stanford.edu/~ldiamond/iraq/WhaIsDemocracy012004.htm Source 3 -
“The People Who Rule”
1. Greek δημοκρατία (dēmokratía) "rule of the people"
2. Definition:
a) A political system for choosing and replacing the government through free and fair elections.
b) The active participation of the people, as citizens, in politics and civic life.
c) Protection of the human rights of all citizens.
d) A rule of law, in which the laws and procedures apply equally to all citizens.
3. The role of the people in democracy:
The key role of citizens in a democracy is to participate in public life.
Citizens have an obligation to become informed about public issues, to watch carefully how their political leaders and representatives use their powers, and to express their own opinions and interests.
Voting in elections is another important civic duty of all citizens.
But to vote wisely, each citizen should listen to the views of the different parties and candidates, and then make his or her own decision on whom to support.
Participation can also involve campaigning for a political party or candidate, standing as a candidate for political office, debating public issues, attending community meetings, petitioning the government, and even protesting.
A vital form of participation comes through active membership in independent, non-governmental organizations, what we call “civil society.”
These organizations represent a variety of interests and beliefs: farmers, workers, doctors, teachers, business owners, religious believers, women, students, human rights activists.
It is important that women participate fully both in politics and in civil society.
This requires efforts by civil society organizations to educate women about their democratic rights and responsibilities, improve their political skills, represent
“The People Who Rule”
1. Greek δημοκρατία (dēmokratía) "rule of the people"
2. Definition:
a) A political system for choosing and replacing the government through free and fair elections.
b) The active participation of the people, as citizens, in politics and civic life.
c) Protection of the human rights of all citizens.
d) A rule of law, in which the laws and procedures apply equally to all citizens.
3. The role of the people in democracy:
The key role of citizens in a democracy is to participate in public life.
Citizens have an obligation to become informed about public issues, to watch carefully how their political leaders and representatives use their powers, and to express their own opinions and interests.
Voting in elections is another important civic duty of all citizens.
But to vote wisely, each citizen should listen to the views of the different parties and candidates, and then make his or her own decision on whom to support.
Participation can also involve campaigning for a political party or candidate, standing as a candidate for political office, debating public issues, attending community meetings, petitioning the government, and even protesting.
A vital form of participation comes through active membership in independent, non-governmental organizations, what we call “civil society.”
These organizations represent a variety of interests and beliefs: farmers, workers, doctors, teachers, business owners, religious believers, women, students, human rights activists.
It is important that women participate fully both in politics and in civil society.
This requires efforts by civil society organizations to educate women about their democratic rights and responsibilities, improve their political skills, represent