Democratism is a political ideology that supports the idea of democracy. The pronunciation of this word is /dɛˈmɑkrətɪzəm/. The first syllable is pronounced as "deh," with a short "e" sound, followed by the stress on the second syllable, pronounced as "MAK," with a long "a" sound. The third syllable is pronounced as "ruh," with a short "u" sound, and the final syllable is pronounced as "tiz-uhm," with the stress on the "tiz" and a short "i" sound in "tiz" and a schwa sound in "uhm."
Democratism is a political ideology and system that emphasizes and upholds the principles and values of democracy. It is characterized by the belief in the power and sovereignty of the people, where popular consent and participation play a vital role in the decision-making processes of governance. This ideology embodies the notion that political authority should derive from the will of the majority rather than being concentrated in the hands of a few individuals or groups.
At its core, democratism advocates for equality, freedom, and fairness within society. It stresses the importance of civil liberties, human rights, and equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their social or economic background. It advocates for the establishment of robust democratic institutions, including free and fair elections, separation of powers, and constitutional safeguards, to ensure that political power is distributed among different branches and levels of government.
Democratism values open dialogues, public deliberation, and the ability of citizens to freely express their opinions and dissent without fear of reprisal. It emphasizes the empowerment of individuals and the importance of citizen participation in decision-making processes, encouraging a collective responsibility for shaping the course of governance.
While democratism recognizes the need for government intervention and regulation, it favors limited governmental power and champions individual autonomy and self-determination. It encompasses pluralism, accommodating diverse viewpoints and encouraging political pluralism, where multiple parties and ideologies compete for power, fostering a healthy democratic discourse and accountability.
Overall, democratism serves as an ideological framework that champions the principles, values, and practices of democracy, ultimately aiming to create a society that is inclusive, egalitarian, and participatory.
The word "Democratism" is a relatively modern term that combines two components: "Democracy" and the suffix "-ism". Here's a breakdown of the etymology of each component:
1. Democracy: The word "democracy" originates from ancient Greek. It combines the Greek words "demos", meaning "people", and "kratos", meaning "rule" or "power". Therefore, "democracy" literally means "rule/power of the people". It first appeared in English in the late 16th century and originally referred to the political system of ancient Athens, where citizens had a direct voice in decision-making.
2. -ism: The suffix "-ism" is derived from the Greek "-ismos" or the Latin "-ismus" and is used to form nouns that denote a system, belief, doctrine, or principle.