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Democracy
Democracy
Get to the root! What is democracy?
Get to the root! What is democracy?
The word democracy comes from two Greek words: demos and kratos. Demos means "people" and kratos means rule or power.
So you can think of democracy as "ruled by the people" or "power of the people".
Democracy is a way of governing that depends on the will of the people, or what the people want. We live in a democracy. We get a say in our government by voting in elections.
Democracy in Ancient Greece
Ancient Greece is credited with creating the world's first democracy. Greek ideas influenced how democracy developed around the world, including in the U.S.A. Click the buttons below to learn more!
What Our Democracy Looks Like Now
Did You Know?!
The oldest continuous democracy in North America is not the United States of America?
That title goes to the Haudenosaunee (hoh-DEE-noh-SHOH-nee) Confederacy, a Native American confederation of six nations based on peace and equity. Learn more below.
Voting Rights in the United States
Voting Rights in the United States
In the United States, the right to vote has changed over time. Watch this video for a brief history of how voting in America has changed.
Explore this timeline that gives an in-depth look at the history of voting rights in the United States.
Read More About the Fight for Voting Rights
American Institutions
American Institutions
During the election cycle, you will likely hear a lot of talk about American institutions, such as the electoral college, political parties, or branches of the government.
These short videos can help you understand what you might hear or see.
Branches of the US Government
Branches of the US Government
Electoral College
Electoral College
Political Parties
Political Parties
Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse
Get to the root! What does civil mean?
Get to the root! What does civil mean?
The word civil comes from the Latin word: civilis. Civilis means both "relating to a citizen" and “courteous”. So you can think of being civil as being pleasant, polite, or kind to others.
Civil discourse is a way of talking about ideas and issues respectfully, even when you have strong feelings and disagree with others.
We live in a democracy with other citizens. It is important to our democracy to use civil discourse to show each other respect and compassion, and keep us united.
Disagreements are part of a healthy democracy. It shows that people have different points of view and care enough to share them.
But sometimes disagreements can get heated and people can get angry. When that happens, we don’t really listen to each other or care for each other, so It is important that when we disagree or have different points of view that we stay civil and engage in civil discourse.
Media Literacy
Media Literacy
Even though you are young, it is important to our democracy that you use your voice! But before using your voice, you need to know that what you say or share is accurate and factual.
Media is the way information is shared (books, news, webpages, Instagram, etc.) Media can be full of misinformation, or information that is simply not true. You need to be media literate so you can sort fact from fiction.
Media literacy is the ability to identify different types of media and understand the messages in them. It involves skills such as fact-checking, lateral reading, understanding bias and credibility, thinking critically, and sharing information responsibly.
Videos
Articles
Tools
Try It!
Create a civic self-portrait to learn more about yourself.
What have you read about that has made you ask questions civil discourse or media literacy?
What voices, sources, or ideas do you listen to and how can you make sure they are reliable?
What do you care about? What is your passion? What are your hopes for the future?
Use Your Voice!
Use Your Voice!
Supporting our democracy is essential to maintaining personal freedoms and strong institutions. Democratic backsliding can increase corruption, economic inequality, and social unrest.
Even though you are young, you play a significant role in preserving our democracy and maintaining protection of our rights.
BE AN ENGAGED CITIZEN!
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