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DEMOCRACY AROUND THE WORLD | Citizens with a voice

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Democracy Thrives Around the World

Democracy is an ancient concept, dating back 2,500 years to the Athenian city-state.  But democratic ideals did not take root in the modern world until the late 18th century.  Since that time, this powerful system for social and political organization has spread around the globe and takes as many different forms as there are democratic countries.  One thing remains constant, however: a respect for all citizens’ right to participate in decisions about how they are governed.
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Quote BeginningDemocracy is literally changing the character of countries in the Americas. It is producing popular governments that are redefining their national interests, engaging with one another in new ways, and adapting their societies to be competitive in the global economy. End Quote

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, May 7, 2008

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  • Where the People Rule

    Democracy rests upon a social consensus to carry out the will of the majority while protecting the rights of the minority. These images, whether of an individual casting a ballot, a candidate seeking a vote, or protesters peaceably assembled to make known their views, depict layers of the rich social compact that supports a healthy democracy.
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