DEMOCRACY IN OUR DAYS Democracy is a form of government widely used all over the world, generally considered as the

perfect model of it, the final stage of freedom, in which each one of the citizens can participate, express themselves freely and equally in regard to by whom or how their country will be run. Democracy is the political system which allows all the members of society to participate equally in the different aspects of the development of their country. The term democracy originates from the Greek (dmokrata) "rule of the people", which can be divided into (dmos) "people" and (kratos) "power" or "rule". Used in the 5th century B.C. to denote the political systems then existing in Greek city-states, notably Athens. The Athenian democracy introduced by Cleisthenes was based in freedom and equality, favoring the many instead of the few. Moreover, the election of officials and juries, who run the city and deliver justice, were selecting by lot, in which an Athenian citizen could be chosen only once, in order to avoid any kind of corruption, and if their lives were somehow affected they would receive a modest financial compensation. The principal form of taking decision in Athens was debating, in which the majority of people decided what to do. All male citizens over 20 years old could participate in it. Athenians did not only like taking consensual decisions but they also enjoyed the idea of living in a city that is not under the power of others, and most importantly by not being subjects themselves to the rule of another person. Nevertheless, Athenians claim to be democratic, they did exclude women, slaves, foreigners, non-landowners and males under 20 years old from citizenship. Even though, there is no a final definition of democracy, it can be said that the principal characteristics of it are liberty and equality, all citizens are equal before the law. These principles are principally represented in the right of vote. For instance, in a democratic election every vote has equal weight, and anyone can become a representative. In a democratic government decisions are taken by the people using direct (decisions taken by people themselves) or indirect (decisions taken by politicians elected by the people) mechanisms. Consequently, democracy has four important elements: Election of governments freely and fairly. Active participation of citizens in politics and civic life. Protection of human rights. Law apply equally to all citizens.