Why do differences arise in a democracy?

The National Conference of State Legislatures notes that though we may all have common goals of providing better schooling, better healthcare, better highways, etc., we can't always agree on the best course of action to accomplish these goals. Diverse nations have a plethora of individuals--each with a vast array of values, interests, priorities, and opinions. Settling small differences in one's personal life can prove difficult enough, and settling big differences in public life poses still more daunting challenges.

What do we do to overcome differences?

Deliberative methods like negotiation and compromise go a long way toward resolving differences, but some issues make negotiation and compromise more difficult than others. In a democracy, we often reach decisions by voting, with a majority prevailing. The process of deliberating, negotiating, and voting can be lengthy, but it helps ensure representation of diverse people and ideas necessary to democracy.

Want to try your hand at solving differences and running government at a county level? Check out this game from iCivics: Counties Work