Democracy and Citizenship: The Voice of the People in Action

Imagine being part of the decisions that affect your school, your city, and even your country. Actively participating in these choices is one of the pillars of democracy. Just like on social media, where you can like, comment, and share your opinions, democracy allows you to have a voice in the issues that shape the society we live in. However, unlike a post that can be edited or deleted, democratic decisions have lasting and deep impacts on everyone's lives.

Today, we live in a world where information is just a click away, and citizen participation has never been more accessible. Social movements, online petitions, and public debates are some of the ways people express their opinions and fight for changes. Understanding how democracy works and the role of active citizenship is essential to navigate this landscape and contribute positively to society.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the word 'democracy' comes from the Greek 'demos', which means 'people', and 'kratos', which means 'power' or 'government'? In Ancient Greece, where democracy originated, citizens would gather in public squares to debate and vote on important issues. Today, we have the internet and social media, but the essence of popular participation remains the same!

Warming Up

Democracy is a system of government where power is exercised by the people, either directly or through elected representatives. In Ancient Greece, for example, direct democracy allowed all citizens to participate actively in political decisions. They would gather in public assemblies to discuss and vote on matters of common interest. Over time, democracy evolved and adapted to different historical and cultural contexts.

Nowadays, most democracies are representative, where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. Despite differences in models, the essence of democracy remains the same: it is a system that seeks to ensure the participation and equality of all citizens. Understanding this evolution is fundamental to valuing our civic participation and making informed and responsible choices.

I Already Know That...

On a sheet of paper, write down everything you already know about Democracy and Citizenship.

I Want to Know About...

On the same sheet of paper, write down everything you want to learn about Democracy and Citizenship.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the historical evolution of democracy, from Ancient Greece to the present day.
• Explore the fundamental concepts of democracy and its transformation over time.
• Recognize the importance of active citizenship in the current democratic context.

Definition of Democracy

Democracy is a system of government where power resides with the people. This means that citizens have the ability to participate in political decisions, either directly or by electing representatives. In Ancient Greece, for example, citizens would meet in public assemblies to debate and vote on important issues. This model is known as direct democracy, where each citizen has a vote in all decisions.

Over time, democracy evolved and adapted to different historical and cultural contexts. Today, most democracies are representative, meaning that citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. These representatives are responsible for reflecting the interests and opinions of their constituents, creating laws and policies that benefit society as a whole. Despite the differences in democratic models, the essence remains the same: to ensure the participation and equality of all citizens.

Modern democracy also involves the protection of human rights and the promotion of social justice. This includes freedom of expression, the right to vote, equality before the law, and political participation. These principles are fundamental to ensuring that all citizens have the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of society and make informed and responsible decisions.

Reflections

Think of a moment when you had the opportunity to express your opinion in a group or community. How did you feel knowing that your voice would be heard and considered? Democracy offers this opportunity on a larger scale, allowing every citizen to contribute to building a fair and equitable society.

History of Democracy in Ancient Greece

Democracy emerged in Ancient Greece, specifically in Athens, around the 5th century BCE. At that time, Athenian citizens would gather in the Ekklesia, a public assembly where they debated and voted on important questions for the city-state. Another important institution was the Boule, a council of 500 citizens chosen by lottery that prepared the proposals to be voted on by the Ekklesia. This system allowed for direct and active participation of citizens in political decisions.

However, it is important to highlight that Athenian democracy was not as inclusive as modern democracies. Only adult men born in Athens were considered citizens and had the right to participate in assemblies. Women, foreigners, and slaves did not have these rights. Despite these limitations, Athenian democracy was a milestone in political history, establishing principles of citizen participation that influence democracies even today.

The democratic experience of Athens teaches us about the importance of active participation and public debate in building a just society. The idea that citizens have the right and responsibility to participate in decisions that affect their lives is a lasting legacy of Athenian democracy.

Reflections

How do you think it would be to live in a society where only a small group of people has the right to make important decisions? The exclusion of certain groups from political participation can lead to injustices and inequalities. Reflecting on this helps us value inclusion and equality in our own society.

Evolution of Democracy in the Middle Ages and Modern Era

During the Middle Ages, democracy practically disappeared in Europe, giving way to feudal systems where power was concentrated in the hands of kings and feudal lords. However, some democratic ideas began to resurface with the development of city-states and the growth of trade. The Magna Carta, signed in 1215 by King John of England, is an important example of this evolution. This document limited the king's absolute power and established some fundamental rights for citizens, such as the right to a fair trial.

With the Renaissance and the Enlightenment, democratic ideas gained strength again. Thinkers such as John Locke and Montesquieu advocated for the separation of powers and the natural rights of individuals. The American Revolution (1775-1783) and the French Revolution (1789-1799) were crucial events that propelled the formation of modern democracies. These revolutionary movements fought against absolutism and sought to establish systems of government based on equality, freedom, and brotherhood.

The evolution of democracy throughout history shows how ideals of participation and equality can overcome oppressive systems. Each advancement in democracy has brought with it new forms of inclusion and rights for citizens. The struggle for democracy is a testament to the power of the people to transform society and promote justice.

Reflections

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a world without fundamental rights and freedoms? The historical struggles for democracy show us the importance of defending these rights. Think about how you can contribute to protect and promote democracy in your community.

Impact on Current Society

Democracy has a profound impact on today's society, influencing not only politics but also culture, economy, and social relationships. In a democracy, citizens have the power to influence decisions that affect their lives, from lawmaking to the implementation of public policies. This promotes a sense of collective responsibility and encourages active participation in building a more just and equitable society.

Additionally, democracy also promotes the protection of human rights and social justice. By guaranteeing freedom of expression, the right to vote, and equality before the law, democracy creates an environment where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive. This inclusion is fundamental to the development of a resilient and cohesive society, where differences are respected and the voices of all are heard.

Recapping

• Democracy is a system of government where power resides with the people.
• In Ancient Greece, direct democracy allowed active participation of citizens in political decisions, while today most democracies are representative.
• Athenian democracy was a milestone in political history, establishing principles of citizen participation that influence democracies even today.
• The Magna Carta of 1215 limited the absolute power of the king and established fundamental rights for citizens.
• The American and French Revolutions propelled the formation of modern democracies, fighting against absolutism and establishing systems of government based on equality, freedom, and brotherhood.
• The evolution of democracy shows how ideals of participation and equality can overcome oppressive systems.
• Modern democracy involves the protection of human rights and the promotion of social justice, including freedom of expression, the right to vote, and equality before the law.
• Active citizenship is essential in the current democratic context, allowing citizens to influence decisions that affect their lives.

Conclusions

• Democracy allows active participation of citizens in political decisions, either directly or through elected representatives.
• The historical evolution of democracy, from Ancient Greece to today, shows the importance of citizen participation in building a just and equitable society.
• Athenian democracy, despite its limitations, established principles of participation that influence modern democracies.
• The Magna Carta and the revolutions of the 18th and 19th centuries were important milestones in the formation of modern democracies.
• Modern democracy protects human rights and promotes social justice, ensuring freedom of expression, the right to vote, and equality before the law.
• Active citizenship is crucial for democracy, allowing citizens to influence decisions that affect their lives and contribute to building a more just society.

What I Learned?

• How can you actively participate in decisions that affect your community and daily life?
• Think of a situation where your opinion was heard and considered. How did you feel? How does this relate to the principles of democracy?
• In what ways can you contribute to protecting and promoting democracy in your community?

Going Beyond

• Research about direct democracy and representative democracy. Compare the two systems and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each.
• Write an essay about the importance of active citizenship in the current democratic context. Provide examples of how citizens can influence political decisions.
• Participate in a debate on a current topic related to democracy and citizenship. Practice active listening and respectful argumentation.