Democracy in a country is among one of the most fundamental backbones in the positive progress of a country, particularly since it involves the freedom of the citizens. The main concept behind democracy is equality among all classes in the society. Democracy refers to a form of government whereby the ruling power is not vested in any social class, but the society in general. Democracy advocates for the rights of the majority without overlooking the rights of the minority. The main principle behind democracy is equality. Modern-day democracy focuses on adult suffrage and the participative role of the society in the government. In their books, Herbert Croly and Walter Lippmann discuss the importance of democracy and its impact on the development and progress of the country. In Progressive Democracy, Croly focuses on economic democracy and paints a portrait of what the aspirations of American democracy look like. Conversely, Lippmann argues that democracy is not the most viable solution to social issues affecting the country. An assessment of both books will provide an insight into the integration of democracy in the United States. It will also reveal the different types of democracies practiced and how their interaction influences the country’s progress.
Democracy
There is a crucial need for democracy particularly in the economic world. Croly points out that democracy is revealed through the presence of an authentically popular system which acts as the representative of the government. This representative functions to provide a general voice in the community to cater for the desires and requirements of the society. He further expounds that these needs were inclusive of information on key political issues, vigorous public debates and other pertinent issues affecting the society. With this in mind, the system of government in America during the 19th Century required revision. This was particularly due to the combination of legal review and lawful limits, which restrained political power. He explained that democracy in America was suppressed and required awakening to realize its meaning and responsibilities to the people. From this, it is evident that rationalization of political power does not involve limiting it. However, it involves acceptance of the threat to peace in the country and developing logical thinking based on the situation.
To add on to that, education is a key aspect in the inculcation of democracy. The development of an effective system used to educate people is indispensable for both social conservation and social amelioration. Education plays a significant role in the promotion of democracy as it encourages the growth of a morally, intellectually and financially independent population. If people cannot depend on themselves or competently practice self-mastery, it is impossible to have economic, industrial or political democracy. The society requires liberal education to educate them and consequently emancipate them from their intellectual and moral dependency. Therefore, education goes a long way as to ensure that the majority and minority in the societal consideration. This is contrary to the previous education system which only allowed the privileged in the society to become independent and consequently dominant over the masses.
Lippmann argues that democracy is not capable of addressing societal problems because it does not command discipline and lacks intentionality. He suggests that a complete comprehension of the movement that could only come if the country’s leaders. This is also possible alongside citizens who understand the facts about democracy and are wise enough to rationalize it. He encourages the implementation of a progressive vision which would seek to create an improved society through coherent and scientific order. This would require rejection of Marxist and conservative thinking.
Democracy has had a considerable impact on the labor movement. Lippmann presents an argument that labor unions are devised to create an essential safeguard for the workers against oppressive capitalism and consequently encourage democracy in the industry. The labor unions are mandatory to democracy and the country’s general progress. Further than that, the unions are the core of industrial democracy. In this sense, the unions control democracy in America since the industries are the most essential part of the America. They control the country’s economy and the population by creating employment and promoting consumerism. He gives the example of the railway unions which protect the rights of their employees and consequently the population. A lot of criticism has befallen radical unions as that they do not consider their members and their tangible gains.
Economical democracy has also been hindered by trusts. Lippmann examines the antagonism to trusts arguing that a lot of hostility can be attributed to their virtual newness rather than their unethical actions. In this line, Lippmann is critical about politicians who encourage a sense of indignation in novel economic arrangements and trusts. He is particularly stern on people who create trusts for wrongful purposes and antitrust leaders who focus on the disintegration of significant business corporations. He opposes this since it causes disunity and brutal competition between small and medium enterprises. Institutions, as well as democracies, ought to adapt to changes particularly regarding the simplicity of institutions and the complex nature of societal problems.
Both Croly and Lippmann agree on the necessity for progress to a country’s population and governance. They insist on the need to adapt to change as it happens in order to ensure that positive results are achieved. They encourage collective action, in the form of economic, industrial and political democracy, and its application in the society. They also support actuality and the perception of the current world as it is, rather than the proposed democracy for the country. Evidently, democracy in the country is currently suppressed due to the existence of inequality and corruption in different departments. The ultimate goal of democracy is, therefore, not achieved. However, focusing on industrial and economic democracy would be the most effective solution in encouraging positive democracy.
Conclusion
In summary, it is necessary to understand democracy and its importance in a country’s progress. Integration of democracy, economics and education would result in a well-informed population and consequently an effective form of governance. Democracy also requires an independent population. People should be educated in order to support themselves and avoid depending on the government for their economic and moral support. The key purpose of having democracy in a country is to have representation for the public and ensure that the majority’s rights are adhered to as well as the minority. Economic democracy plays a key role in stabilizing the country and preventing possible violence from occurring. With this in mind, progressive development should be encouraged through successful implementation of proficient democratic statutes. In order for democracy to function, it requires integration with other social issues controlled under the authority of the leaders and the public.