Foundations of Democracy 3 4 What is Democracy

Foundations of Democracy

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What is Democracy? Rule by the people Demos = many Examples are the USA & Canada A democracy is different from a monarchy or autocracy (rule by one like a king or queen)

Ancient Greece The First to Develop a Democracy The Greeks first created Democracy Greek democratic ideas are still used today: ▪ Voting rights ▪ Juries ▪ Fair set of laws ▪ Ending of slavery

The Greek Philosophers Philosopher = “lovers of wisdom” Inspired the spread of democracy Great thinkers like Aristotle, Socrates and Plato emerged at this time. They were focused on understanding the universe, human society and morality (right from wrong).

Socrates Plato Aristotle

Ancient Rome As the Greek civilization was declining, the Romans were becoming more powerful. The Romans created a type of democracy known as a Republic= representative democracy like the US; we vote for people who do the government work for us!

More Roman Contributions to Democracy… Justice for all people and property All citizens were equal under the law Innocent until proven guilty Written laws Can you name one country that follows these traditions today? Answer: USA!

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How did Religion Influence the Development of Democracy? • 2 major world religions influenced • • • democracy: Christianity & Judaism Humans were created in God’s image. Humans have freedom of choice Written law: The 10 commandments Fight injustice All people are created equal (a central belief to democracy)

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Renaissance

Renaissance A cultural movement that began in the 14 th century – Ren. artists included da Vinci and Michelangelo Renaissance means “rebirth” – artists and writers were “rebirthing” ideas from ancient Greece and Rome The Renaissance focused on the importance of the individual – This idea would influence future democracy-based revolutions like the American Rev. and French Rev.

Reformation

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Reformation The Catholic Church was full of corruption and needed reform – Example: Priests were doing things they shouldn’t, like having kids Martin Luther, a German monk, was fed up with the church and wrote down his complaints in 1517 – Called the 95 Theses – Foundation for the Protestant Church because Luther “protested” against the Catholic Church

Protestantism added to the growth of democracy by challenging the authority of the Pope and stressing the importance of the individual.