The Evolution and Influence of Democracy

Democracy, recognized as one of the most prevalent forms of government globally, boasts a rich and transformative history, evolving from the early experiments of Rome and Athens to becoming the preferred form of governance worldwide. No other system has provided such enduring stability and peace in the annals of civilization. Abraham Lincoln aptly described democracy as, “Government of the people, by the people, for the people” (J.A. Langley, Washington Post). The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as, “a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections.

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As an ideology, democracy is anchored in the political values of liberty, equality, and justice (P. Naitthani, 2019). It is not merely a form of government but a way of life for its citizens, who are not only governed by it but are also the reason for its existence and functionality. Democracy thrives on five fundamental principles: equality, rule of law, the sovereignty of citizens, respect for human dignity, and individual liberty—all essential components that drive the democratic engine.

Yet, why has democracy persisted and succeeded? According to Plato in "The Republic," the ideal government would be led by a minority of the most qualified individuals—an aristocracy of “philosopher-kings” (R.A. Dahl, 2018). Plato contended that people are ‘ignorant’ and ‘stubborn’ and that a government run by the populace could not possibly succeed. So why do democracies like the USA and India not only exist but continue to thrive for decades? To understand this, we must delve into the historical beginnings of democracy. By examining the successes of the Athenian democracies and Roman republics, we can comprehend why these governments still exist today and why democracies are among the most successful countries worldwide.

This essay aims to explore the differences between ancient democracies and modern ones, investigating why ancient systems collapsed while ours endure. We will also examine why democracy was the feasible alternative for many nations post-independence and discuss the challenges faced by contemporary democracies. Furthermore, we will speculate on the future of democracy, both as a governmental form and in the context of individual nations, considering possible changes and evolutions in its structure.

Democracy in Prehistory

Athens is often celebrated as the world's first known democracy (V. Eaton; oldest.org), yet recent findings suggest democratic principles may have evolved much earlier. Ancient civilizations possibly pioneered popular government concepts, and several ancient Indian states had already developed democratic forms and primitive republics (U. Singh, 2008). Some scholars propose that prehistoric societies might have developed democratic concepts from civilization's dawn. Agrarian societies may have adopted democratic tendencies to ensure laws benefitting all individuals. However, these were not true democracies but rather ‘quasi-democracies,’ possessing elements of democracy but lacking its defining ideals and values.

The first true democracies emerged much later with the Roman Republic and Greek city-states.

Democracy Blooms in the Mediterranean

Athens

In 508 BCE, Athenian democracy was established, giving birth to D?mokratía, meaning ‘people’s rule.’ It was a direct democracy where Greek city-state citizens could participate in governmental decision-making and vote on various issues (J. Adows, Enotes). Athens, the first of the great Greek city-states to adopt this system, is considered an experimental democracy, a precursor to modern democratic systems worldwide.

Despite its pioneering status, Athenian democracy had inherent flaws. Only men with property and military training could vote; foreigners, women, slaves, and those not meeting age requirements were excluded. Thus, the state was controlled by a select few, resembling an oligarchy. Nevertheless, participating members received equal opportunities, with positions selected through a lottery system. The Boule, consisting of 500 individuals, ruled collectively, unlike modern presidential systems (C.W. Blackwell, 2003).

Athens' impact on global governance and modern democracies is profound. While it eventually succumbed to oligarchy, its ideas endured, forming the basis for democracies worldwide. It was Athenian democracy that helped fend off Persian invaders, preserving the teachings of this great civilization for future generations.

Rome

From 509 BCE to 27 BCE, the Roman Republic exemplified a successful democratic government, underpinning one of history's greatest empires. The Romans, after overthrowing the Etruscans, established an indirect democracy where elected representatives governed on behalf of the populace—a system prevalent in modern democracies today (R.A. Dahl, 2018).

Unlike Athens, Roman citizenship extended to both men and women, though only men could vote. Initially, voting rights varied, with plebeians (lower class) unable to vote on significant matters, which were dominated by the patricians. However, over time, plebeians gained power and influence, eventually allowing even enfranchised slaves to vote, albeit in the republic's later stages.

The Roman system operated with a class divide. Patricians comprised the Senate, electing two consuls as government heads. Later, plebeians could elect tribunes to veto Senate and consul decisions (S. Appleton; NGS, 2018). Rome was the first state to successfully employ indirect democracy for an extended period, influencing modern democracies like the USA and India. They even pioneered reservations in elections, a concept integrated into India's democratic structure. Like Athens, the Roman Republic had a lasting impact on future democracies.

Democracy in the Middle Ages

Following the Roman Empire's fall in 476 BCE, democracy and republican concepts were nearly lost. However, Italian city-states emerged, exercising power through republics, maintaining the original philosophy but on a smaller scale. These havens persisted while Europe plunged into the Dark Ages, dominated by feudalism and powerful lords.

The first significant revival of democratic concepts occurred in 1215 with the Magna Carta's signing (or stamping). Revised in 1216, 1217, and 1218, none matched the 1215 document's importance. This Great Charter revolutionized England's monarchy and laws, influencing the world. The American Revolution's battle cry, “No taxation without representation,” traces its roots to the Magna Carta (Bureau of International Information Programs, 2019).

The Magna Carta paved the way for parliament and constitutional monarchy, shaping the United Kingdom's government today. It guaranteed people's rights, promising relief from feudal oppression. While many promises remained unfulfilled, they propelled the world toward democracy as a government form, ensuring citizen rights and participation in decision-making, and safeguarding interests from power holders.

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