Democracy is often heralded as one of the greatest democracies in the world, and not without reason.
It is this system of governance which allows citizens to participate in the decision making process, establish rule of law and create a framework of checks and balances.
Yet, it took centuries of fighting and fighting for freedom for much of the world to reach the current state of democracy that we enjoy.
From the long journey of Ancient Greece to the more recent history of the United States, many countries have had to struggle through tyrannical rule, economic turmoil, and countless wars to lay the foundations of democracy.
In Ancient Greece, democracy was born out of necessity, as it was far more efficient and economical than the oligarchic systems of the old.
Greek citizens needed to coordinate large military campaigns as well as determine a legal framework for governing.
So after years of discussion and debate, a form of democracy emerged; one where all citizens were equal and had a say in how the country was run.
This system eventually spread across the Mediterranean and Europe, becoming a staple of governance in the region.
In the United States, democracy was a hard fought battle against a monarchy.
After the Declaration of Independence, the newly formed U.S. government was heavily focused on providing its citizens with the freedom and autonomy to pursue their goals. In 1787 the Constitution of the United States was drafted and eventually ratified, embodying the core principles of democracy such as freedom of speech, the right to vote, and equality under the law.
The bill of rights which ensured citizens certain rights was also created. Since then the United States has seen countless fights for civil liberties and protections for those in the minority.
The Civil Rights Movement was a major turning point in American democracy, as it helped to institutionalize and strengthen the voices of the marginalized.
The world is still far from a true state of democracy. Inequality, political corruption, and restriction of rights and freedoms are still rampant in many regions.
But throughout history, people have taken the hard road and laid the foundation for a democratic world. It is up to us now to fight for is and protect the democracy we have.
With hard work and dedication, together we can make sure our voices are heard, and we can continue down the road to democracy.