Two and a half thousand years later, democracy has established itself as the political system preferred by all economically advanced nations. In the meantime, most people had been governed by hereditary monarchs, autocratic rulers or had effectively not been properly governed at all. So what is it about modern society that seems to make democracy so important? We can identify a number of theories to try to answer this question.
Democracy establishes and protects freedom
Towards the end of the eighteenth century a number of new philosophical and political movements developed. They were largely based on the principle that mankind should be free, both as individuals and collectively, as nations. The new democratic spirit was carried forward, in particular, by French and the Americans. For the revolutionaries, the monarchy ruled in the interests only of itself and the aristocracy; it was time the political system took into account the demands of the middle and working classes. If such people were to be truly free, they should also have a place in the new political system. Today democracy continues to ensure that no government can threaten freedom unless it is with the expressed consent of the people.
Democracy protects minorities
If a democracy is to be effective and enduring, the system must take into account the interests and demands of minority groups. Democracy ensures that all groups have access to the political process. It also guarantees that minorities have a free voice and are free from discrimination. Indeed, democracy is sometimes described as a political system where minorities rule. Of course, popular democracy can become little more than government by the majority, and early forms of democracy looked like this.
Democracy controls government power
It is a well-established belief that power tends to corrupt those who wield it. If those who govern us are left to their own devices, there is a danger that they will simply claim increasing amounts of power and begin to abuse their position. Therefore democracy is vital in preventing this. By making governments accountable to the people, by ensuring that they must submit themselves regularly to re-election and by guaranteeing that they are controlled by elected representatives, the people can feel safe from the corruption of power.
The alternative to democracy is a form of politics were decisions are made without reference to the people, where governments are not accountable to the people and where there are no guarantees that individuals and minorities will be protected.
Democracy encourages popular participation
As it is commonly believed that tyranny can be prevented by ensuring that the people are able to participate freely in politics, democracy is critical in ensuring the prevention of such tyranny.
In a free democracy the people have the opportunity to become informed and be directly involved in influencing decision making. A docile and uninformed population is vulnerable to autocratic government. Democracy can prevent such a situation arising, helping to ensure that citizens remain fully involved.
