Principles and Evolution of Democratic Systems

The Origins and Definition of Democracy

Democracy: The word comes from Greek and means "rule by the people." It originated in Greece, specifically in Athens, where in the 5th century BC, this system of government was created. Citizens gathered in the Assembly could vote on most matters of politics. Of course, the majority of the population was excluded from the vote, including women, the slave population, and foreigners.

Definition: A form of government in which the people elect their rulers. No one possesses absolute powers; instead, all are subject to the constitution and laws. Democracy requires that there be no major social inequalities. In countries where a minority monopolizes wealth and the rest live in poverty, people do not feel represented by parties that do not take them out of poverty or are corrupt. Even if elections are held, they often feature the same candidates, leading many people to abstain from voting.

Essential Elements of Democracy

• Popular or National Sovereignty: The essence of democracy means that political power resides in the people and is exercised through delegates chosen via voting.
• Separation of Powers: There are three distinct powers: the executive (government), the legislative (parliament), and the judicial (courts). If these powers were concentrated in a single institution, it would result in a dictatorial government.
• Political Pluralism: This means that there are many political parties so that citizens have choices when voting and being represented.
• Human Rights: These are the essentials for a dignified life as a person. Failure to meet these means one cannot speak of a full democracy; if a government does not respect them, it cannot be considered to represent the will of the people.
• Constitution: The set of basic principles governing a state. Any subsequent law cannot go against it.

Origins of Democracy in Spain

The Old Regime

The Old Regime was based economically on agriculture, with livestock as the major source of wealth. These were large estates in the hands of a minority. Socially, the dominant classes were the clergy and nobility (landowners) who held many privileges. The majority of the peasant population was poor and worked the land of the powerful. Politically, the government was an absolute monarchy where the king held all three powers and his authority was never disputed.

The Bourgeois Revolutions

During the late 18th century, the middle class was growing in number and economic influence, including merchants, businessmen, money lenders, bankers, professionals, and intellectuals. The bourgeoisie had no political power, but they decided to oust the monarchy to introduce a bourgeois democratic system. This system suppressed aristocratic class privileges but did not initially include rights for all; the people demanded a certain level of wealth even to vote, a system known as Censitary Democracy.