Modern Democracy Essay - 2092 Words

In 1947, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Winston Churchill, articulated a scathing opinion of the global political spectrum in the post-war era after witnessing the fall of European fascism in Germany and Italy as well as the impending rise of communism. He remarked, â€Å"It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried.† This essay agrees vehemently with Churchill’s assertion that democracy – for all of its faults – was, and still is, the world’s preeminent form of government when compared with all other alternatives, notably fascism and communism. By analyzing modern democracy in theory and in practice, this paper elucidates how democracy is at an intrinsic advantage in†¦show more content†¦This parallel growth is due to the fact that democracy is inherently malleable, which allows it to be altered to best serve the needs of the people. A level of guaranteed individu al freedom which was not necessary in antiquity is now required by humanity because of changes in progressive social views, technology, and the division of labor. For example, the abolition of slavery has had a measurable affect on modernity’s opinion of human rights. Professor Jeffrey Kopstein of the University of Toronto identifies the difference between modern and ancient liberties as an issue of â€Å"freedom to vs. freedom from†. Modern democracies guarantee individuals’ freedom from oppression, under the government or other individuals, which allows for the freedom of mobility. The modern citizen is entitled to, The right†¦to express his opinion, choose a profession and practice it, dispose of his own property and even to misuse it; the right to come and go without permission, and without explaining what one is doing or why; the right of each person to associate with other individuals – whether to discuss their interests, or join in worship, or simply to fill the time in any way that suits his fancy; and each person’s right to have some influence on the administration of the government – by electing all or some of the officials, or though representations, petitions, or demands that the authorities are more or less obliged to take into consideration. (Constant 2)Show MoreRelatedModern Society : Democracy And The Modernization Theory1414 Words   |  6 PagesIn modern society reaching democracy is a number one goal for many states. They like to reach it for plenty of reasons, civil and economic. First of all democracy is associated with wealth, a good material situat ion, and economic growth. We can clearly see it on example of The United States or large European democracies such as Germany or France. It is also believed that democratization brings high living standards, peaceful environment and overall happiness to the state; and The United States andRead Moreâ€Å"A written constitution, rather than gradual reform, is now essential for the UK to claim to be a modern democracy.†1246 Words   |  5 Pages â€Å"A written constitution, rather than gradual reform, is now essential for the UK to claim to be a modern democracy.† This essay will look at how a written constitution, according to some, would make Britain a modern democracy and it is therefore essential that the meaning of this phrase is fully understood before it can be explored in sufficient depth. A written constitution would outline the structures and powers of government in broad terms and the relationship betweenRead MoreThe American Constitution, A Staple Of Modern Democracy.2043 Words   |  9 PagesThe American Constitution, a staple of modern democracy. The shining jewel of how a country is supposed to be run effectively. In the 220+ years that this country has been founded, the powers of the federal government have grown exponentially. The Framers, influential white men from the original 13 colonies(minus Rhode Island), consisted of those who wanted a strong central government and those for strong state rights. Together, through a series of compromises, the Framers created the original unamendRead MoreThe Differences and Similarities in Ancient Athenian Democracy and Modern New Zealand Democracy.2292 Words   |  10 PagesAthenian Democracy and Modern New Zealand democracies This essay will explain the themes and patterns of ancient Athenian democracy and modern New Zealand democracy, their similarities and differences, cultural expectations and codes of behaviour. Greek civilizations thrived for almost 1300 years ago. Ancient Greeks lived in Greece and countries we now call Turkey and Bulgaria. They became very powerful they were the most powerful between 2000 BC and 146 BC. One king or monarch did not rule ancientRead MoreThomas Jefferson s Influence On Modern Day Democracy1616 Words   |  7 PagesThomas Jefferson’s Influence on Modern Day Democracy and Racism Thomas Jefferson created two facades when it came to racism and slavery. Thomas Jefferson had a personal history with slavery and owning a plantation, but in certain instances he appeared to support equality like in his letter to Benjamin Banneker. Different texts like Notes on the State of Virginia by Thomas Jefferson with the related documents edited by David Waldstreicher, and Banneker and Jefferson Letter Exchange are examples ofRead MoreDemocracy And Its Effect On Democracy894 Words   |  4 PagesDemocracy in its most basic form is a type of governing system ruled by the citizens of a particular society. The first form of democracy can be found in ancient Greece, and the modern form of Democracy was established in part by the French revolution because it brought back the idea of rule by the people. Although, for most of history democracy was not viewed in a positive light. According to Mintz, Close, and Croci many people feared democracy because they thought the masses would n ot act withRead More Democracy: An Analysis Essay1358 Words   |  6 Pagesonce remarked that â€Å"democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried†. In agreement with his statement, this paper will examine the problems of democratic governments using specific examples, and compare it to the failure of fascist governments in Nazi Germany and Italy and communist governments in the Soviet Union and China. Theoretically, democracy is a stable form of government where power is in the hands of the people. In a democracy, people have the libertyRead MoreAncient Greek Influences Essay886 Words   |  4 Pagesinfluential societies on modern day life. Ancient Greece has inspired the modern world in five main areas: theatre, government, philosophy, art, and architecture. Theatre flourished in Greece, particularly in Athens, between c. 550 BC and c. 220 BC. During its beginnings theatrical performances were part of Dionysia, a festival held in honour of the god Dionysus. The plot of the plays was always inspired by Greek mythology, a theme that is still common today. Many modern plays and movies have beenRead MoreWhat Extent Do Liberals Support Democracy712 Words   |  3 PagesTo what extent do liberals support democracy (45 marks) Democracy is the ultimate political form of ideological liberalism. It refers to the ideal form of state, and is common to both classical and modern liberals. In the 19th century, liberals often saw democracy as threatening or dangerous. Political theorists such as Plato and Aristotle viewed democracy as being a system of rule at the expense of wisdom and property. The principle that the will of the majority should prevail over the minorityRead MoreDemocracy Outlined by Plato and Aristotle Essay914 Words   |  4 Pagesstate or polis in all of Greece. This formation of Athenian ‘democracy’ holds the main principle that citizens should enjoy political equality in order to be free to rule and be ruled in turn. The word ‘democracy’ originates from the Greek words demos (meaning people) and kratos (meaning power) therefore demokratia means â€Å"the power of the people.† The famous funeral speech of Pericles states that â€Å"Our constitution is called democracy because power is in the hands not of a minority but of the whole