history

The theory of democracy is commonly thought to date back at least to ancient Greek times - but it has
overcomed a series of historical events that transformed it, giving it a more complete definition and
becoming the dominant form of political organisation during the 20th century. The word "democracy"
comes from the Greek words demos (meaning people) and kratos (meaning rule). By putting these two
words together it can be derived that democracy means "government by the people". In a democratic
systems citizens elect officials to structure political decisions, formulate laws, and administer
programs for the public good. In the name of the people, such officials can deliberate on complex
public issues in a thoughtful and systematic manner that requires an investment of time and energy
that is often impractical for the vast majority of private citizens. In the dictionary definition,
democracy is defined as "government in which the poeple hold the ruling power either directly ...