Lecture Notes: Democracy - Origins and Characteristics

Introduction

• Speaker: Brian Perez from Teaching and Digital Tools
• Topic: Democracy, its origins, and its characteristics

What is Democracy?

• Democracy is a form of government or a system of governance.
• The word 'Democracy' is of Greek origin:
  • Demos: People
  • Kratos: Government
• Definition: Government of the people.

Origin of Democracy

• Traces back to ancient Greece, specifically Athens in the 5th century BC.
• First society to discuss and modify laws; considered a form of direct democracy.
  • All "citizens" were equal before the law.
  • Public offices were decided by lottery, allowing possibilities for all citizens to participate.
  • Note: The term "all citizens" referred only to men who were Athenians, of legal age, and free. Excluded women, foreigners, and slaves.
  • Participation was direct and personal, differing from today's democracy.

Evolution of Democracy

• Modern democracies are different from ancient Greek democracy.
• Today:
  • Includes participation from all citizens, including women and foreigners.
  • Citizenship is a requirement for participation.
  • Direct democracy shifts to indirect or representative democracy.

Indirect (Representative) Democracy

• People elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf through suffrage.
• Characteristics:
  • Division of powers:
    • Executive Branch: Administration and execution of policies.
    • Legislative Branch: Creation and enactment of laws.
    • Judiciary Branch: Dispenses justice.
  • Elections must be:
    • Free, open, competitive, and periodic.
    • Main officials come from elections, avoiding concentration of power.

Electoral Process

• Suffrage is universal; all citizens have the right to vote and be elected.
• Freedom of Expression: Essential for voicing opinions about rulers, policies, and systems.
• Information Sources: Law must protect free and independent press.

Rights and Associations

• Citizens can associate freely in parties and interest groups.
• These groups are channels for the public voice and will.
• Political parties and NGOs play crucial roles.

Democracy as a Way of Life

• Beyond governance, democracy is about living with freedom and the ability to enjoy rights.
• Ensures equal opportunities without discrimination, respecting and protecting all rights.
• Importance of education in both scientific knowledge and values.
• Requires commitment to community and responsible participation.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to support the channel for more content.
• Democracy involves active citizen participation beyond just voting.

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