What Does Democracy Mean to You?

Democracy, the governmental system that serves the American people, is a landscape that shifts frequently. Democratic shifts among the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government are necessary for the country to work and serve its citizens, said John Adams, the second president of the United States.

“It is by balancing each of these powers against the other two, that the efforts inhuman nature toward tyranny can alone be checked and restrained,” Adams said.

Below, local residents and students in the Washington metropolitan area answer a simple question: What does democracy mean to you?

These vignettes were reported by HUNewsService.com senior correspondents Jordyn Britton, Vida Poyner-Chillious and Kayla Smirnoff for U.S. Democracy Day, a nationwide collaborative on Sept. 15, the International Day of Democracy, in which news organizations cover how democracy works and the threats it faces. To learn more, visit usdemocracyday.org.

Fundamental Rights

“To me, democracy embodies collective decision-making where power comes from the people. Democracy systems are in place to help Americans share their ideals, and that idea is inherently good. It represents the need for political systems; it is a commitment that says every individual has a voice in shaping their society. Democracy thrives on the exchange of ideas, respect for diverse opinions and the protection of fundamental rights. At its core, democracy is about empowering people to influence their destinies in an environment where fairness can flourish. Now sometimes ‘from the outside looking in’, it is rough more times than not for democracy to win in ‘this game of fairness’ when the scale can already be tipped. I use hand quotes, because
throughout history everything politically based genuinely has not been fair or considered all classes of Americans. But it is an ongoing process that demands active participation and a
dedication to the common good.”

— Carolyn Keegan,
Retired Macy’s sales associate from Washington

Shaping Society

“To me, democracy means the ability for every individual to have a voice in shaping the society they live in. It’s about equality, inclusivity, and ensuring that power is shared among the people, not concentrated in the hands of a few. Democracy thrives when citizens are informed, engaged,
and empowered to participate in the decisions that affect their lives. It’s not just about voting, but about accountability, transparency, and protecting the rights and freedoms of all individuals, especially those who have historically been marginalized.”

— Sidney Broome

Howard University senior majoring in legal communications and minoring in psychology from Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Continual Reform

“In my opinion, democracy is good, because it represents both an ideal and a challenge. People who are Democrats generally believe that if an American’s rights are being ignored, we as a people can fight the system to change it. While it promises equality and representation, democracy often falls short of its principles. In practice, democracy can be undermined by unequal access to power and influence, where the voices of the privileged overshadows those without one based on race, economy, etc. Characters like Trump have lived throughout politics before and will continue to reappear for generations, because that is how the system works and thrives. The promises of democracy to be equal representation for all sometimes clashes with the reality of corruption and the manipulation of public opinion. While democracy is a powerful concept, its effectiveness depends on the active engagement of its citizens. It serves as a reminder that while democracy has the potential for great good, it required continual reform to truly serve a purpose.”

— Arden Sofia

Social media manager for Eileen Fisher, Irvington, New York

Checks and Balances

“Democracy means nothing more than hope in the checks and balances system of life. We have Republicans in America who have ideals that don’t match the left, and democracy is necessary for those with deeper critical-thinking skills. In some way or another, everyone leans one way or another and that’s the greatest war we fight as Americans, given the duty to debate over every part of human life down to what women want to do with their children. It’s a nonsense system at its core, but it’s the best way for all parties to exist for the time being.”