Civic Issue

Currently in America there are many people who feel they have a good grasp of what democracy means. If not, they most likely have a feint idea or a strong conviction in what they feel it should be. It’s is an ideal that many have sacrificed themselves for, but also has been used to shroud greed and hate in messages. In spite of that, it could be beneficial to explore what the word meant to its progenitors and the original values associated with it they may have been lost throughout the years.

Hints of the democratic process can be observed in history quite some time before the era many claim it began at, namely, the fifth century. Studies suggest democratic values seemed second nature to the close knit tribes made up of early human hunter-gathers. The natural tendency towards democracy reflects the wholistic view these societies held in regards to the survival of the group. Conditions were so harsh, the smartest way to make it through winters and dry seasons was compromise and teamwork. As humans began to outwit Mother Nature and Father Time more and more, some became filled with avarice, evident by the rise of lopsided monarchical systems that appeared and eventually became the norm for civilizations. This shift could also explain why democracy felt like such a new idea by the time of the Greeks. The classical period of the Hellenic city-states saw Athens, one of the most affluent and excellent societies of the time, start a system of government which emphasized the voices and needs of the people. In this system the demos, or people that make up the government, gathered basically every week to discuss and vote on certain issues that pertained to the them and the rest of the citizens. This assembly gave men over the age of 18 a way to represent the interests of themselves and their families and also a chance to actually see some change if enough agreed with them or they were presented a persuasive enough argument. In other city-states, for example Sparta, if a commoner had an issue with any ruling of the king and the king either refused to change it or take action the only option they would have would be to rebel. Even if they did find themselves courageous enough to attempt that, it would most likely see the them and their families slaughtered. Although the two styles of governing differ when it comes t0 the perseverance of the average, the Athenians did not create their system out of fear, but out of efficiency. Although it did not have the cruel reputation of the Spartans, Athens was nevertheless a prominent military power throughout the majority of its existence. More importantly it was a Mecca for those who excelled in the realm or thinking. Outstanding philosophers such as Plato and Socrates hailed from this place and shaped the vestiges of modern western civilization so common currently. These people yearned to know as much about the world and its inhabitants as they could. So after a long time of reasoning and consideration they figured the best way to run groups is to keep everyone happy. Compromise and open-mindedness are contingent on the machinery of democracy remaining greased and well functioning. Oppression and disregard for the masses only breeds resentment and anger towards authority, and while one man may not be enough for a revolution, sleight enough and he will have no shortage of comrades given enough time. Democracy can also be associated with higher moral standards than autocracy. This would be due to underlying tones of fairness and equality that inseparable from the ideology. No system is perfect however. Like previous mentioned, the Athenian assembly was only comprised of men over 18 and excluded the slaves who consisted of half their total population. This is extremely similar to the early voting requirements of the United States. Here, seemingly found the Goldilocks circumstances to arise yet again and prove to be effective globally. Even still, currently many do not trust those representing them and resentment is rising undoubtedly. If only more in charge would understand that everything is easier when everyone is happy.

source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/democracy/Democratic-institutions#ref233829

https://www.historyextra.com/period/ancient-greece/what-is-democracy-definition-history-facts-solon-peisistratos-ekklesia/

Last semester I took PLSC 3: Comparative Politics and one of the topics we discussed was data and reach done to see if there are some cultural determinants of democracy. Montesquieu states the most optimal type of government for a  country was one that “leads men by following their propensities and inclinations” and “best agrees with the humor and disposition of the people in whose favor it is established”. In other words, people should be governed based on what they are like. With this in mind, I would like to analyze the current United States of America under some of these cultural factor lenses to help better understand why the country became one of the most staggering proponents of democracy.

One of the most prevalent theories in this subject is cultural modernization, which claims that as a country develops economically, cultural changes will inevitably occur, that cause a shift toward democracy. Some argue that industrial growth is a direct cause of a rise in democracy, but those in favor of the cultural modernization theory believe the is an extra shift concerning culture in the process. If this theory holds true it would be safe to assume that the most prolific economy would have the most economic culture. This does seem to be the case with the United States, whose president is heralded as the “leader of the free world”, also boasts the largest GDP and has been for quite some time. While cultural modernization theory helps explain how largely agrarian economies adopt more democratic values as they expand, America’s economy had the cocoon of democracy to nurtures itself into the massive industrial butterfly it has become. All based around the capitalistic mindset citizens have cultivated for decades. The American Dream, a commonplace synonymous with the identity of the nation, is grounded in the fact everyone believes they have the freedom to succeed in the U.S.

A change that cultural modernization theory cites as being one of the most important for the suitability of country for democracy is a civivc culture. Civic culture is defined by 4 major factors, the first of which being how much individuals feel they can influence a political decision. During this past election, this aspect of America was very prevalent. The left especially, collectively used their rights in order to set in motion the change they desire and end an administration they believed to be diminishing the same democratic values they made full use of. With the election being fairly tight, even greater emphasis and responsibility was placed on those voting in states where the decision could be finalized such as Georgia and Pennsylvania. Social Media and technology has inflated the averages persons belief on how much their voice and opinion can influence policy, to the point where some feel leaving a hateful comment will bring the legislation they desire to light. The second factor is a positive feeling toward the political system. Although some may have their qualms with things such as the electoral college and government aid, this past year made many in the states realize this government is the only system that will effect them and the have to abide by, so even though tensions are high between both parties, most still have faith the country can achieve the state they personally desire if who they prefer are in charge. Through both mask requirements and stimulus checks, Americans recognize the influence the government can have on their daily lives and this translates to faith in its effectiveness. Interpersonal trust is the third factor for civic culture and even with the nation so divided a form of this can still be observed. Party alignment plays a huge role in politics here in America, and that is true more than ever. The left and right both feel their values are threatened by the other, but on the other hand many are placing large amounts of faith in the representatives they support. Trump became a megaphone for many who felt overlooked and disregarded, echoing their sense of unease towards topics like immigration and liberal policy. Biden is being regarded by some as a savior, here to right all the wrongs of the Trump administration. The line in the sand has never been so defined, but each side takes great solace in banding together with those like minded. Finally, the fourth factor is preferences for gradual societal change. Change can not come any quicker for either side, with the “make America great again” slogan becoming a conservative rallying cry and liberals pushing for leaps in social justice and acceptance. However the want for change is still there, meaning citizens are not content with things the way they are.

Historically, America has been an outstanding example for democratic values, with studies showing it has been the most stable democracy of all. The country has developed underneath a constitution written hundreds of years ago and still proving to be effective and with the state of current social issues, there will be no other optimal form of government in the future.

sources: https://us.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-assets/81275_book_item_81275.pdf

https://eml.berkeley.edu/~ygorodni/gorrolpolculture.pdf