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Ariana Franco

Soto

Government

20 September 2018

“ In a democracy, citizen participation is both a right and a duty.” In the United States of

America the form of government currently in practice is a ​democratic republic​. In a republic

government, anyone who qualifies as a voter carries the ​exercise of ​electing representatives,

responsible to the people. A republic is similar to a democracy, which is another system of

government ruled by the people. By voting on representatives who share alike values, you are

giving them the responsibility to make laws.

“Democracy” comes from the Greek expression “demos” meaning the people, and the

expression “kratos” meaning rule. Hence, democracy is ruled by the people. When people

participate directly in democracy the will of the people render into policy. Not all governments

are generous allowing freedom in the lives of citizens. This can be seen in an authoritarian

government where they control the economic, political, and social lives of the people.

The government in an authoritarian has total control. However, some authoritarian

governments have democratic features. This is an outlet for making future leaders in charge. In

democracy, the government functions on citizen input to govern. Since the whole system is based

on people, this is an advantage to the majority’s intention. Freedom can also be a disadvantage in

democracy because in the end, democracy can only be as good as people’s intentions.

One principle of democracy that is most crucial to the government is “citizen

participation”. Since a democracy is ruled by the people it’s important that the principles of that
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foundation are focused on citizen activity. “Effective citizen participation builds a stronger

democracy” (Remy 19). An example of building democracy can be seen in attending community

meetings. Choosing to participate this way can help you better understand the community around

you and become an active member in shaping the laws. Another instance of citizen involvement

is serving in the military. Getting involved with war affairs is patriotic as well as fighting for the

principles of democracy. In addition to citizen participation, paying taxes is an effective duty. In

order to live in the democracy we do ​the salaries of government workers, supporting common

resources, ensuring the roads you travel on are safe, and etc are paid using your tax dollars is

required.

In conclusion, democracy is a form a government in which principles are applied to

insure power stays within the people. Republic government is similar to democracy because both

allow people to elect which representative of a specific geography would best enforce their rights

and needs.
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Work Cited:

Remy, Richard. (2018). ​United States Government: Our Democracy.

​McGraw Hill Education.8787 Orion Place: Columbus. PRINT.