Introduction

In the vast expanse of human history, the concept of democracy has been a beacon of hope and progress. However, the term “democracy” itself is often misunderstood, leading to misconceptions about its true essence and the values it upholds.

NOTE: Democracy “is often misunderstood” because the concept difers greatly from its implementation.

This article aims to clarify these misunderstandings and delve into the core principles of democracy, emphasizing the importance of “democratism” as a guiding force for a truly democratic society.

NOTE: This article will not assume that the dominant political theory is simply accidentally misunderstood. This article will ask the somewhat novel approach of asking if democracy as it is promoted and used is a coherent ideal. Certainly, a majority vote system exists and can be used, so we are not going to question if such a system can possibly be used. However, we will question the entire remainder of democracy wherin majority vote is promoted and campaigned for as the system to be applied generally.

The Falacy of Democratization

The only one good claim of Democracy is that it redistributes power.

Even that statement is too generous. The claimed intent of democracy is that it will redistribute power. That’s the sales pitch, and that would be a good thing for it to do. However, the redistribution of power is the farthest thing from what democracy delivers, or is even designed to do. Democratists will redistributed all goods and services that they have plundered from their citizens in order to avoid having to redistribute power.

The Misunderstanding of Democracy

Democracy is often mistakenly equated with majority rule, where the will of the majority prevails over the rights and interests of minorities. This narrow interpretation fails to capture the essence of democracy, which is a system of governance that values individual rights, freedom, and equality. Democracy is not merely about voting for leaders or making decisions through popular referendums. It is a complex system that encompasses various institutions, processes, and norms that ensure the participation, representation, and accountability of all citizens.

NOTE: This is quite a misdirection. Democracy is rightfully equated with majority rule, because that’s how it’s implemented. However, the misdirection gives away the game by telling us that democracy is actually made up of “a complex system that encompasses various institutions”, and the rest is mere “convincing language”. Democracy itself does not value individual rights, for instance, and democratists (promoters of democracy) often malign individual self interest as “selfishness”, and in opposition to “the common good”.

..So, the remaining part of the misdirection is the “complex system of institutions” part. This is a common misdirection, and it’s a way to make democracy sound more complex and sophisticated than it is. In reality, democracy is a simple system: the majority rules. That’s it. The “complex system of institutions” are the millions of governmet funded agencies, NGOs, and other organizations that are used to influence public opinion and promote the agenda of the majority elect. These institutions are not part of democracy itself. They are a way of for elected officials to move portions of their agenda beyond the accountablity of the electorate.

The Core Principles of Democracy

To understand the true nature of democracy, let’s examine its core principles:

1. Sovereignty of the People: The ultimate source of power in a democratic society is the people themselves. Citizens have the right to govern themselves and make decisions that reflect their collective will.
2. Individual Rights and Freedoms: Democracy recognizes and protects the inherent rights and freedoms of every individual. These include the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as well as the right to equality before the law and the right to participate in the political process.
3. Separation of Powers: Democracy divides power among various institutions, such as the legislature, executive, and judiciary. This separation ensures that no single branch of government can exercise unchecked power and that checks and balances are in place to maintain the integrity of the system.
4. Rule of Law: Democracy is based on the principle of the rule of law, which means that all citizens, including government officials, are subject to the same laws and are equal before the law. This ensures that the law is applied fairly and consistently.
5. Representation and Accountability: Democracy requires that all citizens have the opportunity to be represented in the political process and that elected officials are held accountable for their actions. This can be achieved through various mechanisms, such as regular elections, term limits, and the ability to recall or impeach officials.

Democratism: A Guiding Force for Democracy

Democratism is a philosophy that serves as a guiding force for democracy. It emphasizes the importance of active citizenship, participation, and engagement in the political process. Democratism encourages individuals to take an active role in shaping their communities and society, rather than relying solely on elected officials to make decisions on their behalf. Democratism also emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and diversity in the political process. It recognizes that all voices should be heard and that decisions should be made in a way that reflects the diversity of the population. Democratism promotes the idea that democracy is not just about voting, but also about creating a society that is fair, just, and equitable for all.

Key Principles of Democratism

1. Active Citizenship: Democratism emphasizes the importance of active citizenship, which means that individuals should be engaged in the political process and take an active role in shaping their communities and society. This can be achieved through various means, such as voting, volunteering, and participating in community organizations.
2. Participation and Engagement: Democratism encourages individuals to be actively involved in the political process, rather than simply voting every few years. This can involve attending public meetings, joining community organizations, and engaging in online discussions and campaigns.
3. Inclusivity and Diversity: Democratism recognizes the importance of inclusivity and diversity in the political process. It promotes the idea that all voices should be heard and that decisions should be made in a way that reflects the diversity of the population. This can involve efforts to ensure that elections are fair and accessible, and that policies and programs are designed to meet the needs of all communities.
4. Fairness and Equity: Democratism emphasizes the importance of fairness and equity in society. It promotes the idea that all individuals should have equal access to opportunities and resources, and that decisions should be made in a way that benefits all members of society. This can involve efforts to address systemic inequalities and to ensure that policies and programs are designed to promote social justice and economic mobility.
5. Transparency and Accountability: Democratism values transparency and accountability in the political process. It promotes the idea that government should be open and accountable to its citizens, and that decisions should be made in a way that is transparent and easily understood. This can involve efforts to ensure that government records are publicly available, that officials are subject to regular audits, and that decisions are made in a way that is open to public scrutiny.
6. Collaboration and Cooperation: Democratism emphasizes the importance of collaboration and cooperation in the political process. It promotes the idea that decisions should be made in a way that involves the input and participation of a wide range of stakeholders, including individuals, communities, and organizations. This can involve efforts to build coalitions and partnerships, and to ensure that decisions are made in a way that reflects the needs and interests of all stakeholders.
7. Empowerment and Self-Determination: Democratism promotes the idea that individuals and communities should have the power to shape their own destinies. It emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals and communities to make decisions about their own lives, and to take control of their own futures. This can involve efforts to ensure that individuals have access to the resources and support they need to make informed decisions, and to ensure that communities have the autonomy to make decisions about their own affairs.
8. Inclusion and Equality: Democratism values inclusion and equality, and promotes the idea that all individuals and communities should be treated fairly and with respect. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all individuals have equal access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed, and that decisions are made in a way that reflects the needs and interests of all individuals and communities. This can involve efforts to address systemic inequalities and discrimination, and to ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to participate in the political process.
9. Participation and Engagement: Democratism values participation and engagement in the political process. It promotes the idea that individuals and communities should have the opportunity to participate in decision-making, and that their voices should be heard and respected. This can involve efforts to ensure that individuals have access to the information and resources they need to make informed decisions, and that they have the opportunity to participate in elections and other forms of political engagement.
10. Responsiveness and Accountability: Democratism values responsiveness and accountability in the political process. It promotes the idea that government should be responsive to the needs and concerns of its citizens, and that officials should be held accountable for their actions. This can involve efforts to ensure that government is responsive to public input and feedback, and that officials are held accountable for their decisions and actions.
11. Transparency and Openness: Democratism values transparency and openness in the political process. It promotes the idea that government should be open and accountable to its citizens, and that information should be made available to the public in a timely and accessible manner. This can involve efforts to ensure that government meetings and documents are open to the public, and that officials are required to disclose information about their financial interests and activities.
12. Rule of Law: Democratism values the rule of law, which means that all individuals and institutions are subject to the same laws and that those laws are enforced fairly and impartially. This promotes the idea that everyone is equal before the law, and that the law should be used to protect the rights and interests of all citizens.
13. Civil Society and Civil Liberties: Democratism values the role of civil society and civil liberties in a democratic society. It promotes the idea that civil society organizations and individuals should have the freedom to organize and engage in activities that promote the common good, and that individuals should have the freedom to express themselves and engage in political activity without fear of reprisal. This can involve efforts to protect the rights of individuals to freedom of speech, assembly, and association, and to promote the role of civil society organizations in addressing social and political issues.
14. Pluralism and Diversity: Democratism values pluralism and diversity, which means that it recognizes and respects the diversity of ideas, cultures, and backgrounds within a society. It promotes the idea that a democratic society should be inclusive and welcoming to all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. This can involve efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in government, education, and other institutions, and to ensure that the voices of marginalized and underrepresented groups are heard and respected.
15. Sustainability and Long-Term Thinking: Democratism values sustainability and long-term thinking, which means that it recognizes the need to consider the impact of decisions on future generations. It promotes the idea that decisions should be made with an eye towards the long-term well-being of society, and that the environment and natural resources should be protected and managed in a sustainable manner. This can involve efforts to promote sustainable development, to address climate change, and to ensure that decisions are made with an eye towards the long-term interests of society.
16. Citizen Participation and Empowerment: Democratism values citizen participation and empowerment, which means that it recognizes the importance of involving citizens in the democratic process and empowering them to make informed decisions about their own lives. It promotes the idea that citizens should have the opportunity to participate in government, to have their voices heard, and to make a difference in their communities. This can involve efforts to promote civic education, to increase voter turnout, and to ensure that citizens have access to the information and resources they need to make informed decisions.
17. Rule of Law and Due Process: Democratism values the rule of law and due process, which means that it recognizes the importance of following the law and ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and equally under the law. It promotes the idea that the government should be bound by the law, and that individuals should have the right to due process and a fair trial. This can involve efforts to promote transparency and accountability in government, to ensure that the legal system is fair and impartial, and to protect the rights and liberties of individuals.
18. Freedom of Expression and Assembly: Democratism values freedom of expression and assembly, which means that it recognizes the importance of allowing individuals to freely express their ideas and opinions, and to peacefully assemble and organize. It promotes the idea that individuals should have the right to speak out against injustice, to protest peacefully, and to organize and advocate for their interests. This can involve efforts to promote freedom of speech, to protect the rights of journalists and other media professionals, and to ensure that individuals have the opportunity to express their views and opinions in a safe and supportive environment.
19. Equality and Non-Discrimination: Democratism values equality and non-discrimination, which means that it recognizes the importance of treating all individuals equally and without discrimination. It promotes the idea that all individuals should have the same rights and opportunities, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. This can involve efforts to promote equal opportunities in education, employment, and other areas of life, and to ensure that individuals are not discriminated against on the basis of their identity or background.
20. Responsibility and Accountability: Democratism values responsibility and accountability, which means that it recognizes the importance of holding individuals and institutions accountable for their actions. It promotes the idea that individuals should be held responsible for their decisions and actions, and that institutions should be held accountable for their performance. This can involve efforts to promote transparency and accountability in government, to ensure that individuals are held responsible for their actions, and to hold institutions to high standards of performance.
21. Participation and Inclusion: Democratism values participation and inclusion, which means that it recognizes the importance of involving all individuals in the decision-making process and ensuring that all voices are heard. It promotes the idea that democracy should be a participatory process, in which all individuals have the opportunity to participate in decision-making and to have their voices heard. This can involve efforts to promote political participation, to ensure that marginalized groups are included in the decision-making process, and to promote dialogue and collaboration among individuals with different backgrounds and perspectives.
22. Rule of Law: Democratism values the rule of law, which means that it recognizes the importance of following the law and upholding the principles of justice. It promotes the idea that all individuals should be subject to the same laws, and that the laws should be fair, just, and transparent. This can involve efforts to promote legal reform, to ensure that the legal system is accessible to all individuals, and to promote the principles of justice and fairness in the legal system.
23. Civil Society and Civil Liberties: Democratism values civil society and civil liberties, which means that it recognizes the importance of protecting the rights and freedoms of individuals and promoting the development of civil society. It promotes the idea that individuals should have the freedom to express themselves, to associate with others, and to participate in civil society. This can involve efforts to promote freedom of speech, to protect the rights of marginalized groups, and to promote the development of civil society organizations and institutions.