Characteristics of American Democracy

American society is characterized by the emphasis on liberty, equality, fraternity and democracy, highlighted by the chartered democratic principles. The characteristics of American Democracy can be enumerated as:

Rostrum for direct democracy as well as representative democracy:

While the former allows every member of American Society to take part in major decision making, the latter encourages a consensus of thought and ideal. Meetings and referendums are characteristics of this representative democracy. American democracy allows its citizens to take collective decisions and design laws.

Republican approach to the elected government:

American democracy is representative in spirit and hence a kind of 'republic' – 're': representing and 'public' the common man. This characteristic of the adopted democratic principles is very unlike those observed in self-appointed governments. A republic or government that is a representative of every citizen involves decision making from a wide spectrum of every segment of society.

Adoption of a democratic republic:

The US Constitution not only generates a rostrum for liberty, equality and fraternity, but also extols the definition of democracy as a 'government of the people, for the people and by the people', by Abraham Lincoln. There is no scope, in such a democracy, for aristocracy or a refusal to share power.

Development of a centralized, national government:

This characteristic of American democracy is designed to extend freedom to every citizen and back the right to vote. Elections and democratic provisions via state legislatures, electoral colleges and directly by the people are conducted to further and protect the interests of the citizens.

Federal form of government:

This form of representation and segregation of the executive, judiciary and administrative powers ensures adherence to the principles of a democratic republic. The power of the federal system of government to abolish and institutionalize certain essential core-issues enables the unification of thought. Issues like slavery, adult male suffrage and suffrage to women were and are handled from a strong platform that has all the three segments of government working individually and yet, in unison.

True representation of democracy by direct election:

This feature or characteristic of American democracy ensures that elections at grass-root level are handled directly by the voters. This not only makes the government democratic in form, but also establishes it as a republic.

Constitutional and systematic franchise:

American democracy recognizes equal rights of its non-white citizens. The ousting of poll taxes and lowered voting age are examples of this characteristic.

The characteristics of American democracy are in sync with the original plans enumerated within the Constitution. The principles are adhered to in spirit and law to assure every citizen of equal opportunity and right. The eradication of impediments related to qualifications of voters has made it possible for a majority of people to vote and ably express their preferences. There is no scope for monopolizing elections or fanning preference for special interest representatives. It is the very spirit of the characteristics of American democracy that empowers every citizen to stand up against corruption and question practices. The resilience and sense of self-worth of American people are the outcome of the stronghold provided by the democratic principles. The fabric of American society is the result of 'unity in diversity' and a belief in 'power vested in the common man' throughout American history. Without a doubt, characteristics of American democracy represent the power vested by the government in its people and vice versa.