James'+stuff+4

"//Democracy is a government; of the people, by the people, and for the people."// This is a well known quote said by Abraham Lincoln. This is one of the many opinions about the true definition of democracy.

John Lewis, US representative says "//Democracy is an act. It is an act that requires participation, organization, and dedication to the highest principles."// These two quotes are very different. It is 2008 now, and we still cannot come across a true definition of democracy.

Some people say democracy has to do with the people making decisions, like who the next president will be, which laws should be passed, things like that.

Many people also believe that democracy has to do with freedom. The feedom to to speak against what you don't agree with. The freedom to share your ideas and perspectives, and the freedom to vote.

The word democracy, originates from the greek word, demokratia. My mom is greek, and she says that demokratia means the power of the people. She says that in a democracy, people should have a voice, and that the government should consider these opinions in making decisions.

Personally, I think that democracy could be all of the listed things. To me, it is about the people, freedom, and it is like an act. The people need to take action to do things like vote.

//"Democracy forever teases us with the contrast between its ideals and its realities, between its heroic possibilities and its sorry achievements."// ~Anges Repplier.~