North South University

Presentation Report

Submitted By
1. Tahmid Galib ( 1822077642)
2. Taheer Mahmud (1911304642)
3. Tasnia Ishrat (1911539642)
4. Eshrat Tarabi Shimla (2211281030)

Submiited To
Dr. Rizwan Khair (Rzk)

Course: POL101
Section: 12
Challenges of Democracy as a form Government in 21st
century

Introduction:
The ancient Greeks were the first to create a democracy. The word ‘democracy’ comes from the
Greek word ‘demokratia’, which means ‘rule by the people.’ It’s used to describe a system of
government where power is held by the citizens. They can impact important decisions, either
directly or through the people they elect. (the universal destinations platform, 2023)

The first known democracy in the world was in Athens. Athenian democracy developed around
the fifth century B.C.E. The Greek idea of democracy was different from present-day democracy
because, in Athens, all adult citizens were required to take an active part in the government. If
they did not fulfill their duty they would be fined and sometimes marked with red paint. The
Athenian definition of “citizens” was also different from modern-day citizens: only free men
were considered citizens in Athens. Women, children, and slaves were not considered citizens
and therefore could not vote. (Society, 2022)

A democracy is a form of government that empowers the people to exercise political control,
limits the power of the head of state, provides for the separation of powers between
governmental entities, and ensures the protection of natural rights and civil liberties. In practice,
democracy takes many different forms. Along with the two most common types of
democracies—direct and representative—variants such as participatory, liberal, parliamentary,
pluralist, constitutional, and socialist democracies can be found in use today. (Longley, 2021)

When talking about the importance of democracy it is important to define it accurately. Democracy is
popular sovereignty – in Abraham Lincoln’s words, ‘government of the people, by the people, for the
people’. At its heart is the concept of the population choosing a government through regular, free, and
fair elections. In Europe and the English-speaking world it is often assumed democracy naturally takes
the form of liberal democracy – popular sovereignty but limited by a constitution which guarantees
individual freedoms (such as speech) and rights (such as to a fair trial). Crucially these essential
freedoms are not subject to a democratic vote.
In fact, democracy does not necessarily have to be liberal. Certain nations today have illiberal
democracies where voting continues but liberal characteristics, such as an independent judiciary
and free press, have been compromised. Defenders of liberal democracy say this actually makes
these societies inherently undemocratic, as stripping away liberal guarantees leads to
intimidation and coercion by the state, undermining elections. The guarantees of liberal
democracy are intended to ensure no ethnic, geographic, class, or business interest dominates or
exploits others to an unreasonable degree, and that there is fair and universal consent gained for
government policies.

Arguably the importance of liberal democracy is two-fold: no other system of government

guarantees the right to free expression of political preference; and no other system promotes
progress through peaceful competition between different interests and ideas. (CHATHAM
HOUSE, 2021)

History OF Democracy
Athenian democracy: 5th century BC

In the 5th century BC Athens pioneers an experiment in direct democracy, as opposed to the
representative democracy of modern societies. It is copied by her Greek allies and colonies at the
time, but it has rarely been attempted anywhere else since (Switzerland in the 13th century is
one example).

Democracy of this kind has two preconditions. The community must be small enough for
citizens to be capable of attending debates and voting on issues. And its economy must give
these citizens enough leisure to engage in politics; in the ancient world this means that there must
be slaves to do most of the work. Both circumstances prevail in Athens.

The citizen democrats of Athens are those males, over the age of eighteen, who are sons of an
Athenian father (after 451 BC the mother must be Athenian as well). They number no more than
50,000 in the whole of Attica. In addition to these citizens the population includes about 25,000
metics (metoikoi, or foreigners trading in Athens, for this is a major commercial centre), together
with free women and children and perhaps 100,000 slaves. This gives a total of about 300,000
people. So the voting citizens form at most 20% of the population.
Democracy is achieved in several stages, through reforms linked with Solon in 594, with the Ten
tribes of Cleisthenes in 508, and with Pericles in 462. (History World, 2021)

Democracy survives the defeat of Athens in the Peloponnesian War, in 404 BC, only to come to
an abrupt end a century later. After the death of Alexander the Great, the Athenians join other
Greek states in an unsuccessful revolt against Macedonian rule. The Macedonians retaliate in
322 by placing a garrison in Attica. An oligarchy is imposed, with the franchise restricted to the
rich.

Among modern countries where democracy is the favoured system, the Athenian experiment
eventually acquires a hallowed status. But more than 2000 years will pass, after the heyday of
Athens, before anyone again regards with approval the dangerous idea of giving real power to
the people.
(History World, 2023)

The Early Years

The early rulers of Rome were Etruscan kings. However, in 509 B.C.E. the last king was deposed
and Rome declared itself a republic. There was no formal written constitution that established the
new government. Rather, systems were formed which evolved and changed over time.

Although there were elements of democracy, the Roman Republic was much different than any
modern state. Within Rome were slaves who essentially had no rights. Women could not vote or
participate in government. During the early Roman Republic, there were severe class distinctions
and barriers between the aristocratic patricians and the lower class plebeians.

Although Rome was a city-state at first, similar to Athens, through war it would expand
significantly over time. First it conquered the rest of the Italian peninsula. Eventually, Rome
would rule over most Mediterranean lands.
There were checks and balances in Rome’s government, but some political bodies were more
powerful than others. After replacing the king as head of state, two Consuls were elected annually
to lead. The reason for having two Consuls instead of one was so that each could veto the other if
necessary. This structure was meant to keep total power out of the hands of one man. (Shiffer,
2021)

American and French Revolution

The American and French Revolutions were two significant events in the late 18th century that
marked the pursuit of democracy and the overthrow of monarchical rule. While both revolutions
shared a common desire for liberty and equality, they differed in their causes, approaches, and
outcomes.

The American Revolution, which took place from 1775 to 1783, was primarily driven by the
American colonists' discontent with British colonial rule. The revolution aimed to establish an
independent nation with democratic principles. Key events included acts of resistance such as the
Boston Tea Party, the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and the Revolutionary
War fought against the British. The revolution culminated in the creation of the United States
Constitution in 1787, which established a federal republic with a system of checks and balances,
guaranteeing individual rights and liberties. (USA.gov, 2009)On the other hand, the French
Revolution, which occurred from 1789 to 1799, was sparked by a combination of economic
hardships, social inequality, and political grievances. The revolution sought to abolish the
monarchy, dismantle the feudal system, and establish a more egalitarian society. Notable events
of the French Revolution included the storming of the Bastille, the rise of the National
Assembly, the Reign of Terror, and the subsequent rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. The revolution
led to the establishment of the First French Republic in 1792, which aimed to implement
democratic ideals and transform French society.

While the American Revolution resulted in the successful creation of a stable democratic nation,
the French Revolution faced greater challenges and underwent periods of political instability.
The French Revolution witnessed internal conflicts, factional struggles, and eventually the rise of
Napoleon as a military dictator. However, the ideals of the French Revolution, such as equality
before the law and the idea of popular sovereignty, had a profound impact on subsequent
political developments in France and Europe. (Rummel, n.d.)

Both revolutions left a lasting legacy on the development of democracy. They inspired
movements for independence and self-governance in various parts of the world and promoted the
principles of individual rights, representative democracy, and the rule of law. The American and
French Revolutions remain significant milestones in the evolution of democratic governance,
serving as reminders of the ongoing struggle for freedom, equality, and participatory governance
in societies around the globe.

19th and 20th century Democracy

In the 19th and 20th centuries, democracy underwent significant developments and
transformations worldwide. These periods witnessed the rise of democratic movements, the
expansion of suffrage, the establishment of constitutional frameworks, and the struggles for civil
rights and social equality.

During the 19th century, there was a gradual expansion of suffrage rights as various countries
extended voting rights to previously excluded groups. Liberal democratic principles gained
prominence, emphasizing individual freedoms, limited government, and the protection of civil
liberties. Nationalist movements also emerged, leading to the dismantling of colonial empires
and the establishment of democratic governance in post-colonial societies. (Muscato, 2023)

In the 20th century, significant advancements were made in terms of women's suffrage rights.
Several countries granted women the right to vote, paving the way for gender equality and
increased democratic participation. The concept of social democracy gained traction, advocating
for a balance between free-market capitalism and social welfare policies. Civil rights movements
fought against racial segregation and discrimination, leading to landmark legislation and progress
towards equal rights.
However, the 20th century also witnessed challenges to democracy. The rise of authoritarian
regimes and totalitarian ideologies threatened democratic values, leading to major conflicts such
as World War II. Technological advancements, including mass media and the internet, played
crucial roles in shaping democracy, facilitating information dissemination, and political
participation. (Leonid Grinin, 2022)

Despite challenges, many countries consolidated their democratic institutions, fostering political
stability and the rule of law. Waves of democratization occurred globally, with the fall of the
Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union leading to the spread of democracy in Eastern
Europe. Contemporary challenges faced by democracies include the influence of money in
politics, the rise of populism, erosion of trust in institutions, and addressing global issues such as
climate change and economic inequality.

Overall, the 19th and 20th centuries were marked by the expansion, evolution, and consolidation
of democracy, with progress made in suffrage rights, civil rights, and the establishment of
democratic principles. These periods shaped the foundations of modern democratic systems and
continue to influence democratic movements and struggles around the world.

Benefits of Democracy
Democracy offers a number of benefits to the people but there are a few disadvantages too.

Advantages of democracy
As already said above that in a democratic country the people have the right to vote so that
they can choose the people they trust. The citizens of the country participate in taking the
important decisions thus ensuring the smooth running of the government.

Democracy ensures that the people of the country are equal and they have similar rights to
cast a vote and choose the officials of their choice. Thus it helps in maintaining equality
which brings the people together and establishes harmony as well.
 With democracy people come to know about the political condition of the country as which
party is good and which one is more efficient. Based on the information, the people decide as
which party is good for the country and should be elected for the next term. So democracy is
definitely a source to guide people about the political scenario of the nation. (EduBirdie
Writing platform, 2023)

Disadvantages of democracy
Sometimes democracy can lead to wrong decisions as people might not be able to make the
right choice. Thus, in turn, will affect the political condition of the country thereby increasing
the chaos.

Unethical activities take place during the voting as every party wants to be at the top. So this
leads to wrong practices being followed or people being bribed for the same.

Not all the people go to cast their vote as per the achievements of the party and get carried
with people who belong to their caste. This is an injustice because the one who is efficient
and competent may lose due to fewer votes.

There are cases when the decisions are not clear and this wastes a lot of time as well as
money. Re-elections have to be conducted in such a case so that a clear decision can be
reached.

Democracy brings change from time to time. If people are not satisfied with the working of
any party or their officials, they can always re-elect another party thus bringing a huge
revolution. So the parties and officials ensure to please the citizens in every manner. With
democracy, a sense of participation comes from the people that help them in bringing the
desired change. (BYJU'S exam prep, 2023)

Challenges OF 21st Century Democracy

21st-century democracy refers to the practice of democratic principles and ideals in the
contemporary era, specifically in the 21st century. It encompasses the application and adaptation
of democratic values, institutions, and practices to address the unique challenges and
opportunities of the modern world.

The 21st century has brought forth unique challenges to democracy, many of which are driven by
technological advancements, globalization, and shifting societal dynamics.

Digital Disinformation and Fake News

The rapid spread of digital information, coupled with the rise of social media, has made it easier
to manipulate and disseminate false or misleading information. The spread of disinformation
poses a threat to the credibility of democratic processes, as it can influence public opinion,
undermine trust in institutions, and distort the public discourse. (CIVICA THE EUROPEON
UNIVERSITY AND SOCIAL SCIENCE, 2022)

Erosion of Trust in Institutions

Many democracies have witnessed a decline in public trust in political institutions, including
governments, legislatures, and political parties. Factors such as corruption scandals, ineffective
governance, and perceived elitism contribute to a growing sense of disillusionment and
skepticism towards democratic institutions. (Bollyky, 2023)

Populism and Polarization

Populist movements, characterized by their anti-establishment rhetoric and appeals to the
grievances of certain segments of society, have gained traction in many democracies. Populist
leaders often exploit societal divisions and promote polarizing narratives, which can undermine
democratic norms, institutions, and inclusive decision-making processes. (Roberts, 2021)

Rising Inequality
Economic inequality has been on the rise in many countries, leading to social tensions and a
sense of exclusion. Democracies face the challenge of addressing these inequalities and ensuring
that the benefits of economic growth are widely shared, as persistent disparities can strain social
cohesion and erode trust in democratic institutions.
Threats to Privacy and Civil Liberties
Advancements in technology have raised concerns about the protection of privacy and civil
liberties. Surveillance programs, data breaches, and invasive technologies pose challenges to
personal freedoms and the right to privacy, potentially undermining the democratic principles of
individual autonomy and freedom from state intrusion. (Nojeim, 2001)

Global Challenges and Governance

The 21st century has presented complex global challenges, such as climate change, migration,
and terrorism, which require international cooperation and collective action. Democracies face
the task of navigating these challenges while maintaining democratic values, striking a balance
between national interests and global responsibilities, and effectively coordinating with other
nations. (Riaz, 2022)

Political Influence of Money

The influence of money in politics has become a significant challenge in many democracies. The
role of wealthy individuals, corporations, and interest groups in shaping political agendas and
policies can undermine the fairness and integrity of democratic processes, potentially eroding
public trust in the system.

Addressing these challenges requires proactive measures and adaptations in democratic systems.
It includes efforts to enhance media literacy, promote fact-checking and transparency, strengthen
accountability mechanisms, foster inclusive governance, bridge societal divisions, protect civil
liberties, and ensure the resilience of democratic institutions in the face of evolving technological
and societal dynamics .
Conclusion
In conclusion, democracy is a form of governance that offers numerous benefits and has been a
prevailing system in many countries around the world. It is characterized by political
participation, protection of rights and freedoms, peaceful conflict resolution, accountability,
transparency, economic development, social stability, and adaptability.

Democracy empowers citizens to have a voice in decision-making processes, protects their

fundamental rights, and promotes peaceful and inclusive societies. It fosters transparency and
accountability, ensuring that elected officials are answerable to the people they represent.
Democracies have historically shown a correlation with economic prosperity and have provided
a stable environment for entrepreneurship and innovation.

However, democracy is not without its challenges. The 21st century has introduced new
complexities, including digital disinformation, erosion of trust in institutions, populism, rising
inequality, threats to privacy, and global governance issues. These challenges necessitate
continuous efforts to strengthen democratic systems, address societal divisions, protect civil
liberties, and ensure that democratic values remain robust in the face of evolving circumstances.

Democracy requires the active participation of citizens, a commitment to upholding democratic

principles, and a willingness to address its inherent challenges. It is an ongoing journey that
demands continuous vigilance, adaptability, and collective efforts to sustain and improve
democratic practices for the betterment of societies and the realization of the democratic ideals of
equality, freedom, and justice.
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