Democratic governance

Definition

Democratic governance refers to a system of rule where power is vested in the people, who exercise that power directly or through elected representatives. This concept emphasizes principles like participation, accountability, and the protection of individual rights, which are crucial for fostering a fair and just society. The emergence of democratic governance during significant historical movements has shaped modern political structures and encouraged citizens to engage in the political process.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Awakening inspired individuals to question traditional authority, leading to a greater emphasis on personal belief and community involvement in governance.
2. The Enlightenment introduced ideas about reason, individual rights, and the separation of powers, which are foundational to democratic governance.
3. Democratic governance fosters an environment where civic engagement is encouraged, enabling people to actively participate in decision-making processes.
4. Key figures from the Enlightenment, such as John Locke and Montesquieu, significantly influenced the development of democratic ideals in American political thought.
5. The push for democratic governance during this period laid the groundwork for later political revolutions and movements advocating for civil liberties and human rights.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Awakening contribute to the development of democratic governance in early America?
  • The Great Awakening encouraged people to challenge established religious authorities and emphasized personal faith, which fostered a spirit of questioning traditional structures. This movement promoted individualism and a sense of equality among believers, leading to increased public discourse on governance and rights. As people began to demand greater participation in both religious and political spheres, the foundations for democratic governance were strengthened.
• In what ways did Enlightenment thinkers influence the concepts underpinning democratic governance?
  • Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Montesquieu introduced vital concepts such as natural rights, separation of powers, and social contracts that became fundamental to democratic governance. Their ideas argued that governments should be based on the consent of the governed and that individual freedoms must be protected against tyranny. These principles not only shaped American democracy but also inspired revolutionary movements across Europe and beyond.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of democratic governance initiated during the Great Awakening and Enlightenment on contemporary political systems.
  • The emergence of democratic governance during the Great Awakening and Enlightenment has profoundly impacted contemporary political systems worldwide. The principles established during these movements—like popular sovereignty, individual rights, and accountability—remain central to modern democracies. Today, these concepts continue to inspire movements advocating for democracy and human rights globally, demonstrating their enduring relevance in shaping just societies.

Related terms

Social Contract: A theory that individuals consent to form a government in exchange for protection of their rights and maintenance of social order.

Popular Sovereignty: The principle that the authority of a state and its government are created and sustained by the consent of its people, typically through their elected representatives.

Checks and Balances: A system that ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others.