Democracy


 * Democracy**



Democracy is a system of government in which the people governed maintain power over the government. Democracy has many forms and was initially brought about in ancient Greece. There are a few types of democracy and many variations on each, but the underlying principles in each are that of equality and freedom. Democracy is generally characterized by its main feature of voting and majority rule. The people each having an equal vote make decision based on a vote. This can be accomplished in a number of ways, from the populace directly voting on an issue, or voting for representatives who in turn vote on issues. or even elect people to make the decisions for them.

There are three key theories of democracy:


 * Elite Democracy:** This democracy limits the citizens' role to choosing among competing leaders. In this democracy the average citizen his or her input ends after a leader has been chosen. Some view this democracy as one where the actual political decisions are made by the elite and not elected officials. For this reason it appears as if the citizens are making decisions in elections, but they really aren't.


 * pluralist democracy:** This democracy holds that citizen membership in groups is key to political power. In regards to this democracy it has been argued that individual citizens have little power, unless organized in groups as there is more than one center of power. Democracies are by definition pluralist as they allow freedom of association. Although citizens have little power individually, collectively they can be a force through interest groups who will have more knowledge. There duties are to obey laws enacted by government and improve the quality of civic life. Having separation of powers allows for a balancing in the government which allows for social diversity to take place. These interest groups will represent the masses and have a more effective approach on politicians.


 * participatory democracy:** This democracy holds that citizens should actively and directly control all aspects of their lives. This government creates opportunities for its members and creates a decision-making process to interpret much information that is gathered for success. This puts a great deal of power and responsibility on the people living within such a system. From voting directly on issues to voting for all levels of representaives in multiple branches of government, a citizen needs to be aware of the duties of the governments branches, ann be able to be aware of how their elected officials will best carry out their interests.