The Evolution of Democracy: History, Structure, Types, and Values

The History of Democracy 

Start with a definition or 2 of DEMOCRACY (cite your source(s) and then discuss the history in a time line.  DO NOT mix the periods up follow the timeline.  Look for how the implementation of Democracy changed with each period.  This section should focus on the “evolution” of the concept of democracy.  This should include a little on each of the following:

A) The Ancient Greeks

B) The Romans

C) England – Magna Carta

D) America’s Great Experiment with Democracy

III  The structure of Democracy Start by discussing the global institutions that have researched governance and have determined that countries must have these elements to be considered a Democracy.  Include at least 3 of the i.e.: Freedom House, the United Nations, the World Bank, The Organization for Economic Development, [you can add others to the list if you find them].  YOU ARE NOT WRITING A REVIEW of THESE ORGANIZATIONS.  They are simply the references or sources for the structural elements.

Name the structural elements necessary for democratic governance.  Then discuss at least 5 of the structural elements in detail i.e.   Citizenship, Participation, Representation, Multiple parties, Free, fair and frequent elections, a Free judiciary .....there are more I am sure you can think of them. 

IV   Types of MODERN  Democracies 

There are two types of modern democracy

Discuss each separately then in the final part of this section in a paragraph or two discuss the similarities and differences in separation of power and other elements.  YOU ARE NOT TRYING

TO PROVE THAT ONE IS BETTER THAN THE OTHER - ONLY HOW THEY DIFFER.  This is about the generic form of Democratic governance.  The United States is NOT the only democratic Republic in the world. And, England is NOT the only parliament.  So, do not make this section just about them.  If you give examples please diversify them so that you are not just focused on one country.

V    Democratic Values 

This section is key to your other writing assignments.  The three values that you focus on here will be the ones you reference in the next two writing assignments.  

Start with a broad discussion about how democracy is inculcated into the hearts and minds of people.  Structural elements of the previous section are “necessary-but-insufficient” for successfully transforming a nation of people.  The underlying values of democracy including respect and dignity for all people are critical to the success of truly achieving a “moral” democracy.      

Then name many of the democratic values discussed in the readings and that we cover in the course materials.  Then choose 3 that you feel are critical to discuss in great detail. 

This assignment should end up being around 7-10 pages double spaced.  Do NOT write in the First person.  That means no personal pronouns like “I,” or “in my opinion.” This assignment should come from proper sources – not your opinions or beliefs.  Please find other sources besides the textbook and the notes provided in class.  Consult your APA manual and cite everything properly. Work that is not cited is considered plagiarism and carries serious penalties in the university.  Please err on the side of caution.