Question

Which statement best summarizes the role citizens play in a democracy

Answer 1

Citizens are expected to actively participate in the political process.

A democracy cannot function well unless the people (the "demos" in ancient Greek language) take an active role in educating themselves about issues in society and participating in civic life.  Citizens exercise their rights to free speech and freedom of assembly, and especially cast their votes on issues (in referendum ballots) and for candidates for leadership offices.  Some citizens may run for public offices and serve in that way, but all citizens are expected to be part of the political processes that keep the city, state or country operating in beneficial ways.

In his famous work from the 1830s, Democracy in America, Alexis de Tocqueville put great stress upon the direct involvement of all citizens in the democratic functioning of society, through their regular association with one another in civic groups. Tocqueville urged that in a democracy, individual citizens need to learn to unite in association with one another to work as a group to protect their freedoms against the encroachment of tyranny. Tocqueville said that the most democratic country on earth is, above all, where individuals have "most perfected the art of pursuing the object of their common desires in common." He thought there is a "necessary relation between associations and equality."

Answer 2

The correct answer is D) Citizens are the source of political sovereignty.

The statement that best summarizes the role citizens play in a democracy is "Citizens are the source of political sovereignty."

It was Cleisthenes, the ancient Greek leader, that created democracy, a new political system in which citizens could elect their rulers. It was a great influence on the formation of modern countries like the United States. Democracy relies on the active participation of the citizens who have the right to elect their rulers and representants, and demand the fulfilling of the compromises candidates expressed during their respective campaigns.

The other options of the question were A) citizens are the defenders of the country. B) Citizens are the creators of new democratic principles. C) Citizens are the political representatives of non-citizens.