The Concepts and Fundamental Principles of （的概念和基本原则）.pdf

III The Concepts and Fundamental Principles of Democracy 3 The Overall Concept of Democracy 4 Popular Sovereignty 5 “The People” in a Democracy 6 Democracy and Equality 7 The Common Good 8 Majority Rule/Minority Rights 9 Democracy and Human Rights 10 Democracy and Representation 11 The Vocabulary of Politics: The Meaning of Common Terms 11 3 The Overall Concept of Democracy Democracy originated more than 2,400 years ago in ancient Greece. The word “democracy” means “rule by the people.” While this definition tells us that the citizens of a democracy govern their nation, it omits essential parts of the idea of democracy as practiced in countries around the world. The principal purposes for which the People establish democratic government are the protection and promotion of their rights, interests, and welfare. Democracy requires that each individual be free to participate in the political community’s self-government. Thus political freedom lies at the heart of the concept of democracy. The overall concept of modern democracy has three principal parts: “democracy,” “constitutional- ism,” and “liberalism.” Each must exist in a political system for it to be a genuine democracy. Democracy— Rule by the People through free and fair elections and other forms of participation Popular sovereignty—the idea that the People are the ultimate authority and the source of the authority of government—is a fundamental principle of democracy. The political equality of all citizens is an essential principle of democracy. In a democracy, the just powers of government are based upon the consent of the governed. Free elections and other forms of civic participation are essential to democracy.