Until recently, I didn’t fully understand what democracy means. I thought democracy and politics were the same thing. Politics is the process by which we make decisions about how to govern, while democracy is the ideal that guides those decisions, ensuring the participation and representation of the people.
Democracy is an idea. It is not a thing, an external institution that exists separate from us “out there.” It is expressed through our actions, conversations and relationships. Democracy requires a deep desire to govern ourselves. Its lifeblood is the active participation and engagement of citizens every day to create a more perfect union.
The Founders’ vision helps clarify what democracy means. When they chose a representative democracy as our form of government, they embraced fundamental ideals. They believed deeply in the dignity of every person, recognizing that each individual has the right to participate in shaping their own future. Their desire for freedom from oppression meant ensuring people could speak their minds, pursue their dreams and live without fear of tyranny.
The Founders also held great hope for the future, envisioning a society where peace, fairness and justice would prevail. They understood the importance of community, believing that collaboration and mutual support were essential to achieving great things. Their commitment to equality meant striving for equal opportunities and fair treatment for all citizens. They believed in self-determination, empowering individuals to elect leaders, influence laws and live with agency and self-respect. Most importantly, they envisioned a government rooted in compassion—a government that serves its people with care and a commitment to the common good.
The Founders’ vision was rooted in love for their fellow citizens and a deep hope for a just and beautiful future. In order to preserve democracy, we must cultivate a personal connection to it. In his book Callings, Gregg Levoy tells the story of someone who fell in love with a river and devoted his life to protecting it. That story inspired me to reflect on my own relationship with democracy. I realized that I had taken both democracy and the United States for granted.
I began to ask myself important questions: Why does democracy matter to me? Why is it important to protect and strengthen it? What do I love about democracy and this country? I came to realize that when we love something, we nurture and protect it. Democracy, too, requires this level of care and dedication.
Living democracy is not something we do only during election years—it’s a way of life. It involves practicing democratic principles in our daily interactions, workplaces and communities. It means speaking with hope, respect and a focus on unity, rather than division. By staying true to the Founders’ ideals and contributing to our communities, we strengthen democracy for future generations.
Each morning, I ask myself, “What can I do to enhance democracy today?” By remaining open-minded and open-hearted in pursuit of what is good, we can all participate in creating a more just and democratic future.
I contribute to the Faith Matters section of The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, and this article I wrote was recently published there.
Peggy O'Neal
Comentarios