Is America A Democracy?

In order to assess the quality of democracy in the United States, a set of criteria must first be utilized. I chose a long and specific definition of democracy developed by theorists, because I believe that a thorough analysis cannot be done with a broad, vague definition. For example, Abraham Lincoln's quote "of the people, by the people, for the people" expresses the general concept of democracy, but comes nowhere near setting down guidelines for what constitutes democracy and what doesn't. Instead, it leaves itself open to interpretation.

The precise description of democracy that I used incorporates nine basic requirements that must be met. These include the idea that control over government decisions about policy are constitutionally vested in elected representatives. It also states that elected representatives must be chosen in frequent and fair elections, and that they must exercise constitutional powers without over-riding opposition from un-elected officials. Additionally, all adults must have the right to vote in elections, run for public office, and express themselves on political matters without the risk of punishment by government. Citizens must possess the right to seek out alternative sources of information such as news; such sources must be protected by the law. Citizens need to have the right to form independent associations and organizations, including political parties and interest groups. Finally, the government must be autonomous and able to act independently from outside constraints such as organizations (aceproject.org).

My definition incorporates the basic ideas of other theories, such as Greenburg and Page's concept that democracy must include political equality, popular sovereignty, and political liberty. For example, "all adults have the right to vote in elections," (as seen in my definition) is in accordance with popular sovereignty, which states that the people rule. It also relates to political equality in that all citizens are deemed equal and therefore given equal voting rights. "Citizens have the right to seek news sources protected by law," and "citizens have the right to express themselves without government punishment," illustrates the larger point of political liberty (citizens are protected from government interference in exercise of free speech, association, and conscience) from Greenburg and Page's concept (Greenburg, p 6-7, 11-12).

Though comprehensive scrutiny of each of the nine elements in my definition is possible, I chose to select three issues and use them to examine the condition of democracy in the U.S. These three portions include "citizens can express themselves on matters without risk of punishment," "all adults have the right to vote in elections," and "news sources are free and protected by the law." By focusing on these three pieces, I will explain how America is more democratic than it was in the past. I will conclude by exploring the barriers that prevent a perfect democracy in today's society.

Freedom of speech, as defined in the First Amendment, plays an important role in democracy because it allows citizens to express themselves without risk of punishment (Greenburg, p 191). This demonstrates political equality (seen in Greenburg's definition of democracy) because it shows that everyone has equal rights to do and say what they want regardless of who they are. America is far more democratic than it was compared to many past time periods, including that of the 1950's. In 1951, in Dennis vs. the Supreme Court, judges tackled the case of twelve communist party members convicted under the Smith Act of 1940. This act banned speech that advocated the violent overthrow of government. The courts upheld the conviction, stating that it was unlawful to speak about rebelling against political authority. Shortly thereafter, in 1952, the case of Burstyn vs. Wilson supported the idea that New York held the power to ban the presentation of movies deemed "sacrilegious." 1957 brought the court case Roth vs. U.S. that determined "obscenity is not within the area of constitutionally protected speech or press" (findlaw.com).

Certainly today's citizens can speak of overthrowing government, view and produce movies involving almost any subject matter, and use profanity in public. In addition to these changes since the 1950's, many others demonstrate the changes that have occurred to make America more democratic. In 1992, R.A.V. vs. St. Paul concluded that hate-speech, no matter how hurtful, does not violate the first amendment (supct.law.cornell.edu). Then, in 1993, Boy Scouts were given the right to reject gay leaders based on freedom of speech and association. In 1996, liquor stores were given the privilege to advertise liquor prices publicly (supct.law.cornell.edu). Most recently, however, extreme displays of the right to freedom of speech can be observed. In Fresno, California, students at Bullard High School held signs and screamed that their family members would be deported if a new immigration bill was passed (FresnoFamous.com). Beginning in 2005 in "Thank God for Dead Soldiers." The group, led by a pastor's family, believes that the soldiers are fighting for a country that accepts homosexuals, and thus deserve to die (msnbc.com). Surely these radical acts of speech would not be exhibited in the 1950's, when such occurrences would be intolerable. Though many citizens may disagree with behavior, it contributes to freedom and democracy.

Another important factor to examine while evaluating democracy is the voting system. Because voting gives society an opportunity to voice their opinion, and be heard in a fair and equal manner, it plays a part in constructing a democracy. Today, the law allows for every citizen to be heard in elections. Uniformed soldiers overseas are given the opportunity to vote, as are Americans on vacation in foreign countries (via absentee ballots). Additionally, since 1971, 18-20 year olds have been allowed to vote as well. Regardless of race, gender, education, income, sexual orientation, or age (unless under 18), citizens are guaranteed the right to place votes. Furthermore, since 1960, the number of elected black officials in the United States has increased from 40 to more than 9,000 (Greenburg, p 234). This means that every demographic can be heard, recognized, and responded to, in order to make America accommodating to all of it's inhabitants (Greenburg, p 12).

Unfortunately, such rights have not always been a part of the United States, and therefore, democracy in these times was not as strong as it is today. Prior to 1820, for example, ownership of property was a pre-requisite to voting.