The Evolution Of Democracy Essay Research Paper free essay sample

The Evolution Of Democracy Essay, Research Paper Claire Munger The Evolution of Democracy Democracy is more a Utopian aspiration instead than a concrete description of any authorities. A common apprehension of democracy, frequently applied to unworthy state of affairss, is merely that the multitudes will regulate themselves. This apprehension was articulated by an Athenian solon, Pericles, # 8220 ; Our Fundamental law is named a democracy, because it is in the custodies non of the few, but of the many # 8221 ; ( Cummings A ; Wise, 1971, p.20 ) . This thought of democracy was extended through all of the statements and testaments since its first acknowledgment in Greece. A realistic and come-at-able position of democracy has more to make with brotherhood than political relations. Once the realisation that societal issues can non be kept from authorities, so a full apprehension of the intent and executing of authorities will take topographic point. # 8220 ; A democratic society was one in which the mass of the people played an active function instead than a inactive func tion, and in which the old traditions of respect and subordination had been replaced by a sense of equality among the people # 8211 ; the feeling that one adult male, or even one individual, is every bit good as another, or at least has an equal right to be respected and listened to # 8221 ; ( Arblaster, 1994, p. We will write a custom essay sample on The Evolution Of Democracy Essay Research Paper or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page 42 ) Democracy was in its purest signifier during its early phase O f evolution in ancient Greece. Athens is a select example and â€Å"the most stable long-lived, and important culturally the most brilliant and creative of all the city-states†(Arblaster, 1994, p.14). Athens, however, did not believe all citizens to be equal. The inherent flaw within this original democracy is the exemption of citizenship to women and slaves. Only men who were born and lived in a city-state could be citizens. The idea of â€Å"self-governing†(Arblaster, 1994, p.14) was right in theory, but in actuality it was interpreted to exclude more than half of the population on basis of citizenship. Athens was a direct democracy. After much reformation all free men were allowed to participate in the assembly, a lawmaking body. These men participated in different positions through what is understood to be a lottery. â€Å"The essence of it was the direct personal participation of the citizen body in the government of the city†(Arblaster, 1994, p.17). Altho ugh popular sovereignty came forth in England in the 1640’s, it was evident in ancient Greece. The government was run by a perpetual governance of the people and never halted to delegate responsibility. The fact that Athenian government was not coordinated through representatives but through the people themselves was the key point to Athens’ uniqueness. This was in part because the population was so limited. Any later att