Saylorsburg, PA Democracy. Apart from the clinical dictionary definition or a reference to American ideas, "democracy" means that people are involved in a process of decision-making and that some sort of group consensus is arrived at as a result of that process. It also, means that everyone gets a chance to be heard and participate no matter what. Even if their concerns or ideas don't ultimately get implemented. Felicia, 34
Somerville, MA I guess, theoretically, a democracy is a nation in which common citizens have a say in the government. Karen, 20
Marshelltown/Ames, IA The only viable solution that America has for disposing of this silly-@ss 2 party republic system bullsh*t that the bulk us us voters have been convinced is the only "American" way to run things. I say again, bullsh*t! We should each have a vote, and should have the ability to vote directly on the bills and issues themselves instead of "this puppet over here tells me what I want to hear" "no, i disagree, THIS puppet is more to my liking". We have the technology, we can make America stronger... But, then again, I really think this idea should be applied to the world as a whole and stop this territorial bickering. One vote, one world, united under allusions to the Six-Million Dollar Man. Anthony, 24
Baton Rouge, LA Democracy is: Allowing the people who are going to be affected by a decision to have a choice in the decision. They may be overruled, but the fact that they were allowed to make an informed decision is key. That will give them the right to speak out against the decision later. If they do not take advantage of their rights, they have no right to complain later. America is one of the few countries that the right to vote is extended to all law-abiding Americans over the age of 18. This right is sacred, and it should be exercised as often as possible. This November, it is imperative that Americans take advantage of their right and make informed decisions about the candidates that are presented to us. If you like a candidate, get out and vote in the primary. He may not be the official candidate of the party, but YOUR VOICE WAS HEARD on the issues. That's what is really important. Lindsay, 21
Harrisonburg, VA NIKE....oops...just kidding!!....Democracy is freedom of speech thought, and to read and write. Allowing every citizen the OPPORTUNITY to express their opinions/thoughts without fear of recrimination. Helena, 31
Sydney AUSTRALIA I'm pretty sure the technical dfinition is "ruled by the populace." Whether or not we have one is an entirely different argument. Alias Irrelevante I'm not sure. I've never really thought about what my precise definition is. My liberal nature always wars with my love of intellect you realize. Sometimes people are just stupid. I'm not talking about book smarts and education, I'm talking just plain dumb. It's usually those people I have a problem with. Unfortunately, they're the ones who always get power. Amy, 23
Baton Rouge, LA I believe a democracy to be a government where people are free to choose their own leaders and rules, and not under the rule of a tyrannist or other such powerful leader. America is a good example of one, but not the best...I think we could be improved upon in many areas. Nicole
Elk Grove, CA That's not an easy question: My definition of democracy is a society in which the people elect their representatives. It is a state in which people have the right to disagree with the government without being harassed or thrown in jail. Ernest, 28
Washington, DC (I hate this question. . . .) Uh. . . . it's the political system the United States works under, sort of. . .Actually we're a democratic republic, where we don't have a direct, personal voice in government decisions, but we have a hand in determining who makes those decisions. . . mothmc, 35
Pensacola, FL I'm not in the mood to discuss anything even remotely related to politics. Kristin, 20
IA USA