DEMOCRACY
DEMOCRACY

Author(s): Tijana Vladisavljević
Subject(s): Politics, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Government/Political systems, Electoral systems, Politics and society, Societal Essay
Published by: Helsinški odbor za ljudska prava u Srbiji
Keywords: Tijana Vladisavljević; democracy; free direct and secret elections; human rights; party pluralism; majority rule;
Summary/Abstract: The notion of democracy means the rule of the people. The very concept and the way of governing a society appeared at the time of flourishing of ancient Greece. Etymologically, it signifies people (demos) and rule (kratos). Democratic practice has come into being as an opposition to tyranny which had dominated earlier history. In the societies in which there had been no democracy, the rule over people was exercised by individuals or groups. These individuals had the titles of kings, pharaohs or despots, who imposed their will on people like the Scourge of God. The groups which exercised power were called oligarchies, juntas and alike.

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