Democracy

Democracy is the way the United States is run.  In our government's political system, power comes from the people.  We use consensus by voting and acting on the majority opinion in the end.  We elect officials to represent us, our views, our ideas, and our hopes.  In a democracy, all citizens are seen as equal under the law and one is assumed to be innocent until they can be proven guilty by others.  Freedom and equality are fundamental aspects of democracy.
Living in a democracy gives us more power than we would have living under an authoritarian or dictatorship government.  We get to elect people to represent us.  One can get involved in the political process by voting, volunteering or working for candidates, and getting informed about the current issues the people will deal with.  The freedoms of speech, press, and religion allow us to make our own decisions.  We know that we are free to think and act as we like, and we also know the consequences of denying other people's right to these things.

Having a democracy makes us feel free and entitled to that freedom.  We have some say in how our government should work, since we elect representatives and we can vote in elections.  Being American makes us automatically represent our country wherever we go, so the ideals of democracy are constantly with us, even if we do not agree with how the current leadership is working.

The best aspect of democracy is the freedom of speech.  Ideas, dreams, emotions, and facts are all expressed through words and actions.  Having access to information can make Americans knowledgeable and curious about the world.  Freedom of speech supports a healthy economy and government too, where people can find the best sources and information to make the best possible decisions.

Democracy's worst aspect is how people start to think that it is the only way to go.  We sometimes feel entitled to our way of life.  We like to think that everyone loves democracy, when in reality many countries do not live like us.  It is wrong to force our beliefs on anyone else, or assume that we are better than others.  After Iraq's elections the United States government was unsatisfied with the people's choice in a new leader.  Many Americans think Haiti should build a new democracy in their process of rebuilding.  Even now in Tunisia and Egypt where there are huge protests against the current leadership, a true democracy may not be the best solution.  Democracy works for us, but it does not work for everyone.

We do democracy by trying to be fair in our daily lives.  When decisions are being made, people often vote on what they think should be done.  We try to expect the best in someone and demand evidence and facts to back up suspicions of bad behavior or intentions.  Independence makes us strong individuals because we are taught to take care of ourselves, work hard, and be self-sufficient.