Discussion: Democracy in the United States Round 2

We looked at couple of definitions of democracy in the earlier discussion. However, just because something meets the strict definition does not mean we cannot look at it more deeply.

Take the first definition of democracy we saw: rule by the people/the many. Think about what it means to say that somebody “rules.” In a Kingdom, the King is seen as having power. In an aristocracy, we say the few rule. So what does it mean to say that the people rule? What would a country like that look like?

Taking what you have learned about Civil Liberties, Rights, Democracy, Parties, Interest Groups, and Elections try and answer the following questions with your fellow students.

Create your own definition of “democracy.” Consider what you would include and not include as important criteria for democracy. In other words, what do you mean when you say “democracy?”

Using your own criteria of what constitutes a Democracy, does the United States meet this criteria?

If your answer is yes, be sure to provide evidence that this is the case. If your answer is now, be sure to provide evidence that this is the case. In both cases, what would you suggested would be needed to make it more democratic.