July 4, 2003
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What is your concept of democracy?

Democracy means government by the governed--usually through their elected servants.

Jill, 61
Saylorsburg, PA USA

In the classical sense, a democracy involved informed citizens directly voting on issues. That is one of the reasons the Greek city-states were so small. Today, the term tends to be applied to an environment in which every adult has the same legal rights and in which they choose representatives to support their positions. Although we now have a technology that would permit direct votes, the issues being decided have become so complex that informed votes by all would be a virtual impossibility. I'd like to see the US closer to a true

Jane, 63
West Linn, OR USA

Ohhh...I'm too tired from a long, hectic 4'th of July weekend to think about this one! Sorry!

Tam

Not having to be harrassed weekly by a gang of badged men in blue would be a welcome start.

A-Dog, 20
Eugene, OR USA

A government ruled by and for the people. Whatever structure that might occur in.

Felicia, 37
Lowell, MA USA

Democracy is government by the people. All people have the same rights and responsibilities, regardless of race, color, creed, or sexual preference. It doesn't exist now, but is a goal to strive for.

Cathie, 53
Novi, MI USA

Ruled by the people. I know that's the standard definition but that's still how I see it.

Alias Irrelevante

Probably the dictionary definition.

Karen, 23
Ames, IA USA

a nation in which government officials are elected by the citizens of that country

Melodi, 19
Gahanna, OH USA

A true democracy would be majority rule. A good idea, but practically, probably very hard to accomplish. It doesn't mean everybody gets to do or have everything they want. That would be anarchy and impossible because some people's wants might conflict with someone else's. Our representative democracy might have a few problems, but it basically works well.

Judy, 62
Easton, KS USA

No true democracy exits. The United States is more of a Republic than a Democracy. I believe that in a Democracy more people would take an interest in the governance of their world - from their block to their town to their county or precinct or whatever to their state and on up. Not just interested, but active participants. We talk loftily of freedom's price being high. And I am awed by the men and women who protect and defend our country, but there is another high price
that should be paid by every American and that is being there, taking part, taking responsibility, contributing.

Cindy, 41
VA USA

One person, one vote.

Laura, 38
Lowell, MA USA

Isn't democracy for the people by the people?

Karen, 23
Ames, IA USA

More or less the political system I'm living in. I don't find the American system democratic at all.

Keri-Jade, 23
Brampton, Ontario CANADA

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