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VIDEO

Democracy: People Power

Democracy: People Power

Learn how democracy in the United States is different from that of the ancient Greeks.

Grades

6 - 12

Subjects

Anthropology, Geography, Human Geography, Social Studies, World History

The ancient Greeks are credited with inventing democracy as a form of government. Demos kratos literally translates to “people power.”

The United States government is based on an idea of a democracy where people have power—but citizens do not actually vote on every issue. Rather, they elect people (representatives) who vote on matters for them. This is different than the direct democracy of Athens.

Do you think a democracy in which everything is voted on by every citizen is possible where you live?

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Writer
Jeanna Sullivan, National Geographic Society
Editor
Caryl-Sue Micalizio, National Geographic Society
Producer
Sarah Appleton, National Geographic Society, National Geographic Society
other
Last Updated

November 1, 2024

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Funder
Arthur Vining Davis