WHAT IS

DEMOCRACY?
Democracy: (from the Greek demos, the people; kratein, to rule) a political system in
which the people of a country rule through any form of government they choose to establish
Democracy is the best way to meet the diverse needs of the people
People make decisions that reflect the will of the majority
True democratic citizens not only enjoy their rights and freedoms, but they also take
very seriously the responsibilities of living democratically
Open communication and mass participation are also important responsibilities of the
democratic citizen
The democratic citizen upholds
Human dignity
Respects the rights
Works for the common good
Has a sense of responsibility for other people

ELEMENTS OF
DEMOCRACY
Rule of Law: Rule of Law is the principle that all people and institutions are subject to and
accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced; the principle of government by law.
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/rule-of-law
Political Equality: political equality refers to the equality of each citizen's individual rights
and liberty. In a politically equal society, citizens who are unequal socially or financially still
possess identical voting rights and have the right to expect equitable treatment under the
law.
https://www.reference.com/government-politics/political-equality-946b2c401d490b32#
Common Good: Common good is the advantage or benefit of all people in society or in a
group:
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/common-good

Personal Freedom: Personal Freedom is freedom of the person in going and coming,
equality before the courts, security of private property, freedom of opinion and its
expression, and freedom of conscience subject to the rights of others and of the
public
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/personal%20freedom
Human Dignity: Human dignity is protecting and upholding the dignity of all people.
http://teachers.wrdsb.ca/cruickshank/ffp/8-elements-of-democracy/
Political Freedom: Political freedom, by which is meant rights such as the right to vote, the
right of free association and the right to free expression, enables individuals to determine who
their rulers shall be and how they shall be ruled.
http://www.ourcivilisation.com/cooray/btof/chap5i.htm
Being Informed and getting involved: Citizens should be informed and participate in
issues that affect their community, province, nation and world.
http://teachers.wrdsb.ca/cruickshank/ffp/8-elements-of-democracy/
Respect: Individuals should respect the rights of others
http://teachers.wrdsb.ca/cruickshank/ffp/8-elements-of-democracy/