Democracy is a form of government that relies on the people to make decisions. This means that everyone has a say in how society is run, through democratic elections and laws. Democracy also ensures that people are equal before the law and cannot be treated unfairly.
The best way to understand democracy is to experience it in action. Many young people start by getting involved in environmental groups or other protest movements – but the most important place to begin is in your own neighbourhood. By doing so, you will be more aware of the local issues that matter to you and those with whom you live, and more able to have a direct impact on their resolution.
There are several ways to participate in democracy, but the most obvious is to vote. It is essential that everyone votes in a regular election, and that they do so freely. Alternatively, you can also speak out about decisions that are being made “in your name”, or write to your elected representatives or the media.
There are many different forms of democracy, but all are based on the idea that the people should decide how their country is run. Democratic systems can nearly always be improved, by making them more inclusive of the views of all segments of the population, and more responsive to their influence. In a democracy, people must be willing to listen to different viewpoints, and not be so convinced of the rightness of their own position that they refuse to consider that there may be merit in a view with which they disagree.