Option 1

Democracy is a form of governance where people vote their elected representatives into parliament or power. A system of government of the people by the people and for the people. It is a system of control of an organization, country, or society by most of its members. It is the foundation of any country where the majority rules, thereby giving the common person the opportunity to have a voice in their political community. It gives its members power and civic responsibility directly or through their democratically elected representatives. Democracy also gives people the privilege to have the same rights, equal value and to be able to think and believe and express their views openly in writing or speech. According to Greenberg & Page, (2018) The basic idea behind democracy is for the citizens to express their political influence through regular elections.

Although it is a fundamental human right to vote, the struggles and challenges that have faced this system of government since its conception are undoubtedly enormous.” Although the right to vote is fundamental to democracy, African Americans in the South were not able to vote in any numbers until after 1965, despite passage of the Fifteenth Amendment in 1870, which prohibited discrimination in voting on the basis of race, color, or previous condition of servitude” (Greenberg & Page, p. 670). It is difficult during a crisis when problems need immediate attention, too many ideas or opinions by the people and can cause some to feel devalued if their ideas are not followed, and the multiple perspectives to consider, makes decision making of this system of government to be slowed down.

“Democracy works best when governments have incentives to pursue broadly encompassing policies that benefit the citizen as a whole.” Shapiro, I. and Froomkin,(2023). These benefits promote ways to resolve issues and conflicts, peaceful resolutions are encouraged. It creates involvement and respect for human dignity. The freedom to act, speak and think freely. Equality before the law. Promoting an egalitarian environment. Believing in the principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities, thereby discouraging sovereignty.

Finally, a democratic system of government benefits cannot be overlooked. Democratically governed nations are more likely to secure the peace of the people, deter aggression, expand open markets, promote economic development, protect American citizens, combat international terrorism and crime, avoid humanitarian crises and refugee flows, improve the global environment that allow for future reform for the betterment of its community and the society at large.

Reference

Greenberg, E. S., & Page, B. I. (2018). The Struggle for Democracy, 2018 Elections and Updates Edition (12th ed.). Pearson.

Shapiro, I. and Froomkin, . David (2023, July 12). challenges to democracy. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/challenges-to-democracy