Democracy’s Beginnings

Image Source: History

Democracy traces its steps back to Ancient Greece, where it was initially conceived. At the epicenter of it all, Democracy’s true introduction began in Athens, Greece. The concept was far more primitive in nature as there were several barriers which impeded the impact the “common” man and especially women had in the political process. At the time, only a mere 30% of the population could vote, with a barring on women, foreigners, and slaves being completely excluded from the political process within Athens altogether. Only a male citizen within Athens had the unique opportunity to be able to vote.

Fast-forward to more present times, the introduction of democracy as we know it today on a contemporary paradigm, began taking form within the United States by the Founding Fathers. The Founding Fathers rejected the notion of “classical democracy”, otherwise known as direct democracy, which encompassed the democratic practices that were originally introduced within Athens, Greece around 500 BC. This rejection was formally put into place by the signing of the historic Declaration of Independence.

These ideas were further reinforced in James Madison’s Federalist №10 in 1787, where it was emphasized government was meant to be a natural aristocracy rather than a republic built upon the equality of all, where the “elite” were entitled to a place within Congress and would represent the public.

“Pure democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention; have ever been found incompatible with personal security, or the rights of property; and have, in general, been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their deaths”. — James Madison

As time passed, social barriers to political participation began to contract with the passing of the 19th Amendment in 1920, effectively giving women the right to vote on executive positions and legislation. Although, it took significant time after this for African Americans to gain their right to participate in the political process, as they were historically disenfranchised from participating with discriminatory practices such as literacy tests, and poll taxes prior to voting. With the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, African Americans were eventually given the opportunity to participate in the political process, outlawing the discriminatory practices of literacy tests prior to voting in the southern United States. With this outcome and the 26th Amendment, allowing all citizens who are of at least 18 years of age to vote, our contemporary paradigm of democracy began to usher and take form.