Exploratory Paper
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Dustin McClung
Professor Lakenhia Gould
English 112
Exploratory Paper
October 1, 2012
Democracy
Consider this question: What is democracy? It seems like it would be a simple question. However, in reality, there are so many different forms of it that nowadays many individuals have misconceptions of what democracy truly is. To start off, the word itself comes from two Greek words. “Demos,” meaning “the people” and “kratein,” which means “to rule.” “Compared to dictatorships, oligarchies, monarchies and aristocracies, in which the people have little or no say in who is elected and how the government is run, a democracy is often said to be the most challenging form of government, as input from those representing citizens determines the direction of the country” (Zimmermann 1). The three types of democracies chosen for this essay are Direct Democracy, Representative Democracy, and Parliamentary Democracy.
The original form of democracy is called Direct Democracy. It is also referred to as “Athenian Democracy” because the Athenians were the first to use it. It is in every sense of the phrase by the people, and also for the people (Parker 1). Direct Democracy does not have any sole leader, voted for or otherwise. “Pure Democracy,” as it is also called, is used in America on the state level in some states. The main feature that separates Direct Democracy from other forms is that the people choose as a whole, rather than voting for a representative or representatives. This makes it so that there is not as much corruption in polls on issues. However, this only works in smaller areas with little population. “Such smaller areas might have populations that are small enough to allow for direct drafting of bills and voting on such measures by the populace” (Wiesen 1)
“Representative democracy is a type of democracy in which the citizens delegate authority to elected representatives” (Aun 1). This is the type of Democracy that the United States uses. It...
Professor Lakenhia Gould
English 112
Exploratory Paper
October 1, 2012
Democracy
Consider this question: What is democracy? It seems like it would be a simple question. However, in reality, there are so many different forms of it that nowadays many individuals have misconceptions of what democracy truly is. To start off, the word itself comes from two Greek words. “Demos,” meaning “the people” and “kratein,” which means “to rule.” “Compared to dictatorships, oligarchies, monarchies and aristocracies, in which the people have little or no say in who is elected and how the government is run, a democracy is often said to be the most challenging form of government, as input from those representing citizens determines the direction of the country” (Zimmermann 1). The three types of democracies chosen for this essay are Direct Democracy, Representative Democracy, and Parliamentary Democracy.
The original form of democracy is called Direct Democracy. It is also referred to as “Athenian Democracy” because the Athenians were the first to use it. It is in every sense of the phrase by the people, and also for the people (Parker 1). Direct Democracy does not have any sole leader, voted for or otherwise. “Pure Democracy,” as it is also called, is used in America on the state level in some states. The main feature that separates Direct Democracy from other forms is that the people choose as a whole, rather than voting for a representative or representatives. This makes it so that there is not as much corruption in polls on issues. However, this only works in smaller areas with little population. “Such smaller areas might have populations that are small enough to allow for direct drafting of bills and voting on such measures by the populace” (Wiesen 1)
“Representative democracy is a type of democracy in which the citizens delegate authority to elected representatives” (Aun 1). This is the type of Democracy that the United States uses. It...