Democracy

Democracy?

There are four key concepts that define what we know as democracy. One such concept is that democracy is the rule of many, this simple definition is taking from the Greek derivatives of democracy, "demos" meaning the many and "kratos" meaning rule. However, ancient Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle differed on their views of this simple concept of democracy being the rule of many. Plato believed that if the many ruled government than that meant the lower, uneducated class would rule over the educated citizenry. In essence, he believed that the poor and uneducated where not properly equipped to partake in government issues. Aristotle's view was that in order to have a productive government than everyone must be able to contribute their thoughts and beliefs through representation in government.

Another concept of democracy is that citizens should be active agents in government. To be an active agent the citizen must be involved and knowledgeable of government issues and policies because they are directly affected by the decisions that are made on their behalf. There are two arguments to the concept of being an active agent; the moral argument suggests that a citizen should not just stand on the sidelines and watch things happen they should be directly involved in their government by contributing to development of laws and policies. The prudential argument suggests the active citizen should be less involved with government and

should have more trust in the people that run the government for them. According, to this argument the government would be a stronger and better government this way.

The third concept of democracy is the general will of the citizen. This concept suggests that every individual has the undeniable right to voice his concerns and beliefs in regard to government matters. The common person should have an equal voice with the highly educated, that tend to be deeply involved in government affairs. Class status should not play a role in political participation, it should not matter how educated or how much money an individual has because these things are not the necessary tools to building or creating government. These themes were emphasized by Jean Ð'-Jacques Rousseau's social contract theory, which was influenced by philosophers Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. Rousseau's theory, suggest that man must evolve from ideas of self-preservation to the collective well-being of their society.

The final concept is modern democracy which is found in painstakingly detailed constitutions of the United States and various other democratic nations. These constitutions have provided an undeniable record of individual rights, they are legally binding and upheld in the highest courts of the land. These rights allow individuals to participate actively in government whether though representation or on their own accords, it allows for an understanding of equality and enough freedom to express ones beliefs and ideas, but with enough restraints to prevent treading on the next individuals rights.

Democracy is difficult concept to define it is ever evolving and highly subjective based on ones perspective however a few basic guidelines are inherent, democracy is the rule of many; every individual is represented in government by elected officials they have chosen to represent

them. Democracy allows for an individual to be an active agent, to be involved at any level in government affairs. To be involved you must have the general will, a democratic society

functions on individuals voicing their concerns and beliefs and these individuals have the right to be heard regardless of class status.

Democracy in Iraq is possible but it will be a difficult task to achieve.