In the week seven of trimester 2, I have learnt about Democracy. The term democracy comes from the Greek language and means “rule by the (simple) people”. The so-called “democracies” in classical antiquity (Athens and Rome) represent precursors of modern democracies. Like modern democracy, they were created as a reaction to a concentration and abuse of power by the rulers.
There some basic elements of democracy: A political system of choosing the government through free and fair elections Active participation of the people in all sectors Protections of the human rights for the citizen Laws apply equally to all citizens Democracy: Political system of competition for power People choose their leaders and hold them accountable for their policies and their conduct Government is based on the current of the governed Power flows from the people to the leaders Laws and policies require majority support in parliament Here also I understand that the most applied government system worldwide is Representative Democracy.
Philosophical and intellectual foundations of democracy Begin with the age of enlightment; it is cultural movement of intellectuals in the 17th and 18th centuries, which began first in Europe and later in American colonies. The figures are John Locke, Jacques Rousseau, Francois Marie Arovt, and Voltaire. Jacques Rousseau said that each citizen should have a religion that makes him love his duties.
French Secularism The French revolution of July 1789: a revolution against the political power and against the church. In August 23rd, 1789, stated that no one shall be bothered on account of his opinions, even religion, if their expression does not disturb the public order established by law.
There are some changes resulted by modernity in Europe: The old world crumbles, the birth of scientific-technical age. Here we conclude that the democracy is a part of modernity. At the last part of our lecture, the lecturers explained to us about the task which is Panel Discussion. They asked the students to form a group consists of 5 students and find a topic to discuss.
Week 7
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