Reasons and Ideas of Democracy - Essay Example

Information Reasons and Ideas of Democracy In the past, centuries ago democracy was unheard of and communication was probably the hardest thing then. This was worse, considering that political ideologies would only be contributed and known within the politically powerful people. Reflecting on the past, five centuries ago democracy was vividly realized but not until a certain priest provided several theses to the castle church in Germany, creating an upheaval of the ideology towards reformation. The written thesis was very powerful that it brought about a revolution. Years later, political conversation was readily available at the hands of the people, despite several factors such as communication means, language barriers and illiteracy. In the current age, political conversations are easily disseminated to the people through the media, amongst other means, digital technology being the most preferable. This brings about a major point of concern, in which only the best ways of embracing democracy, are employed. Democracy in modern age is best known by the notion, of a people’s governance style. Usually, a government stands at the epitome of authority and is most likely able to govern its people in accordance to its interests, whether good or bad, preferable or not. Democracy, in the ancient times was first realized among the Greeks in the early century. The word democracy, in Greek is a two-word meaning “the people” and “to rule”, thus can be seen as a rule governed by the people. At the time, the Greek were closer to their people and better at communication than any other country in the world. The monarchial system was viewed as probably the worst to use in governance. In their governance, everybody was involved in making decisions that affected the country. This made them the most civilized nation then. Greek at the time had not embodied democracy maximally as women were still serving as slaves. Fifty years later, this was no longer the case since women slavery was slowly diminishing, thus embracing full democracy. This idea of democracy was later adapted by several countries but hugely by the Romans. Their government was divided into two branches and issues were voted on in order to make sure that democracy was maintained. In the eighteenth century, several ideas had become prevalent. This was especially enhanced by Christianity that teaches that everyone is equal before the eyes of God. This idea of equality became deeply ingrained by the people, and hence a crucial way of determining how decisions were to be handled in government. Some people may view democracy as the best form of governance while others may see it as the worst form of governance. Freedom has been seen as an essential point of governance especially that Democracy is consisted of it. This makes it the best form to use in governance. Democratic nations have people with freer options as compared to those that use autocracy. These rights include voting for the system of power and determining decisions that impact the country. Other include, working as the opposition in criticizing the government and freedom of speech and expression. The representative democracy started when colonialists wanted a fairer system of taxation, thus including representation of people to be able to have a say in the governance of the country. America may not have followed in the Athenian form of democracy but the representative seemed to work really fine, especially in recognizing people’s rights. While in Cairo, president Obama expressed the different forms of democracy within the United States and showed how they may be embraced by other nations in embracing peace. He showed how ideology was recognized for making democracy more effective as a system of governance. The White House, (2009), in the speech that president Obama delivered in Cairo, the president explains how democracy has helped eliminate religious wars and instill peace within his country. He states that the United States, being amongst the most influential nation through the progress it has made around the world. America was revolutionized against a dictatorial empire, and then founded on the idea that everyone was created equal and blood was shed for years to give meaning to this. America is shaped by culture, from all over the world and is dedicated is the service of one out of many. Freedom to practice any religion one is in is indivisible in America, and that is the reason why every state in should have at least a mosque within its borders. The U.S government has even gone as far as going to court to make sure that rights of both women and girls are protected and allowed to wear the Hijab as the practice that is common among the Muslim. Democracy runs under basic ideas that may seem similar to the reasons of democratic existence. These ideas revolve around political systems, protection of human rights, laws of the country and the people’s participation in politics and governance of their country. A look at the ideas of democracy into detail can help better understand and be able to differentiate between the evolving of ideas and the reasons that led to this. There are usually eight basic reasons that cause these ideas. Freedom to carry on what one may wish. In such a kind of system, there should be consideration on the majority group. Since democracy is to be practiced, they should be given control and say over the minority. Everyone is worthy and has personal dignity that should be upheld. Everyone is important thus equity of people should be considered in every aspect. Values based on expression of ideas freely. Freedom to every person, that is, even though some people’s rights may limit those of their fellow citizens. Balance of freedom over authority and controlled individual freedom, since total freedom may cause a country to be anarchical, with complete lack in proper governance. One can believe in an idea and still have a valid reason to believe in another. Believing in one idea does not necessarily mean that one is limited to think and argue only along that line of ideology. For people, reasons create the true meaning of why democracy was necessary in any nation. An idea is just a thought that came as an explanation of a reason, to try and define the best approaches to use in upholding democracy. A reason could be such as; one may want that in the future, that they may be able to decide what governing system should be used or creating the laws to be used within a constitution in their country. A country must not let the reason be the core foundations of democracy as it may crumble down disastrously due to excessive freedom given to its citizens, and with the wrong reasons, unstable systems are established. These systems, such as the governing law or the constitution may be permanent and may slowly destroy a country or limit its level of growth. In this case, this may not be referred to as democracy but rather a failed system of governance that tarnishes democracy. Providential causes that spike the democracy of a republic such as the United States are inclusive of reasons which in this case are way different from the idea behind democracies. In the early American age, there were no neighboring people, no wars, no political disasters and no taxes that would cause a reason for any system of governance. Thus the answer to the question of whether ideas of democracy and reason are tightly linked is not true, considering that democracy was, in earlier times determined by people and other factors that could not, any way be similar to the ideology behind different democracies. If ideas were similar to the reasons relevant, then democracy would not have its basis on revolutionary needs but would be based on preferences as a system of governance. Democracies have with time become greatly embraced by several countries due to the freedom that people, governments and institutions enjoy. In practically all democratic nations throughout ancient times, the governance consisted of the high elite group of the country until flow of ideology was experienced in the mid ages. Since democratic governments are expected to have their views voiced by the people, modern civilization can help provide consistent democracy that prevents the destruction of a country through uncontrolled decisions made by just any person. Word List The White House. Remarks by the President on a New Beginning, Cairo: Cairo University, June 4, 2009. http://m.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-cairo-university-6-04-09 Read More