Esaay- 3,8 Democracy

Question 1

Key components to successful democracy?

Answer 1

Rule of law: same laws apply to all gov, gov officials and citizens. All receive same penalty for breaking law.

Freedom of expression: freedom to speak and write whatever you want to without fear of punishment. Citizens have free access to info.

Freedom of the press: includes all media, essential part of democracy. Citizens only source of info about gov. Democracy threatened with censorship.

Free elections: freedom to choose leader through elections. Candidates can’t use fear or force to sway voters. Voting must be universal and run honestly.

Respect for minority rights: gov and citizens must watch for tyranny of majority. May not impose views, moralities, and taste on the minorities.

Question 2

Evolution of democracy?

Answer 2

• originated from Athens 2500 years ago in city-states
• 1215 Magna Carta was made to protect all people equally under the law
• declaration of independence in US separated executive and legislative branches
• the French Revolution demanded democratic rights in 1789, led to liberty equality and fraternity