Is democracy a good thing?

For a university application, I need to write a 300-500 word essay on is democracy a viable form of government. I have some ideas on what I am going to do, however I just thought I would see if I could get some insight for others.

 
id say its the only viable form of government. anything that requires violent suppression of the population to maintain control is inherently unstable
 
Everyone is going to have a different opinion on it. Instead of using other peoples ideas/opinions of Democracy research the pro's and con's, what countries have it, the specs and from there form your own opinion on it.
 
Here's a great idea: Write on how democracy would be a wonderful idea pertaining to the views of both a mother and a father regarding abortion. Use the example of your mother being set on having a child (you), while your father wished to abort the child (you). Make a case for what an idiot you turned out to be, and why abortion would have been a great choice in your particular case. Use supporting details such as beginning paragraphs with the word "For," how you phrase questions within a larger context, and how you can't even answer a really simple question FOR YOUR OWN APPLICATION.

I would suggest going into greater detail, setting up a true democracy. Put into place a system for deciding ties (such as your mother and father representing an opposing 50% tie). I would draw your extended family into this, and include how they will garner a place on the voting panel. Perhaps a system of seven should be used, copying the judiciary procedure of jury selection.

End your essay with a statement such as "Because my family represents a failed attempt at democracy, I am unfortunately alive and well, and wish to enroll in your university. It is my hope that through my studies I will be able to effect widespread change, thus limiting future instances of such atrocities."

(note to mods...please exercise your sense of humor when reading the above)
 
Every government has its pros and cons so address those that lie in democracy and from there branch off to say whether or not you feel it is viable given the pros and cons you listed. It's a college essay so delve into your personal opinions and morals and how that influences your view of democracy. College essays are designed not just to analyze your intelligence and writing abilities, but more importantly who you are as a person (morals, ethics, values, etc.)
 
Read chapter VIII of the republic. You can draw many similarities between the decline of the Polis and Democracy. I would tread lightly though when reading The Republic now though. The fundamentals of Politics have changed drastically in the past 70 years. Unless you have a firm understanding of the progression of political and economic philosophy, I suggest reading only book VIII
 
I have been, I was just trying to see some different insight and opinions. I have quite a good idea already of what it will say, but it cant hurt to see different opinions
 
No. Democracy is a terrible idea. The average American is so staggeringly stupid giving them voting power to run this country scares the shit outta me. I think most congressmen are lying douches and I really don't like the people in charge of the US, but at least they're educated.Hey pop quiz, when did Ancient Rome fall?

A few years after they switched from a republic to a democracy.
 
"Democracy... is a charming form of government, full of variety and disorder; and dispensing a sort of equality to equals and unequals alike." - Plato
"As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of democracy." - Ab Lincoln

 
democracy seems to be the most functional out of anything we've tried so far...

but my view is that a democratic base with a pinch of socialism and a dash of communism worked in is a good way to run the show.
 
300-500 word essay to get into uni?

Wrote 1500 word essay in one night on jurassic park in year 9 (when i was 13)

Want to go to America
 
but i think democracy is bad because people just try to get the most votes and cant voice their true opinions and say what they believe
 
except for the fact that plato was a collectivist, which is akin to modern day socialism. how does that make you feel? you just quoted a socialist, mr. junior romney.
 
@iFlip: hilarious, got a good laugh out of it

to the guy with the minor communism argument: communism is not a form of government. its a type of market.

you could be democratic and communist.

and in general i think that communism (as americans call it) has some good elements, just because i live in europe, and were scary communist for you guys and things are pretty good.
 
It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried.

Sir Winston Churchill

British politician (1874 - 1965)
 
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