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Wellsprings
politics

Democracy

δημοκρατία

Rule by the people — power in the hands of the dēmos rather than a king or a wealthy few.

Democracy, or demokratia in Greek, literally means "rule by the people" and emerged as a political system in Athens during the fifth century BCE. Rather than power residing with a single ruler or aristocratic elite, democratic systems vest authority in the citizenry, who participate directly in major decisions and hold office through selection or vote. The Athenian version, developed and refined over decades, became the ancient world's most famous experiment in popular governance.

The system prioritized liberty as its central value, allowing citizens freedom from arbitrary compulsion in matters of war, peace, and political obligation. However, early democracies like Athens were often established through conflict: the poor would seize power, eliminate rival factions, and redistribute citizenship rights equally among survivors. This volatile foundation meant that while democracy promised equal participation and freedom, it could also be tumultuous, with critics noting its tolerance for unpredictable outcomes and its vulnerability to the passions of the assembled masses.

Where this idea shows up

126 Greek sources

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