Dependence of Citizens on each other

The nature of democracy requires that its citizens be dependent upon one another.
Describe a specific situation in which citizens in a democracy might justifiably not be dependent upon one another. Discuss what you think determines when citizens in a democracy should be dependent upon one another.
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As the world's leading nation, the United States champions democracy as the optimal system for societies. In essence, democracy comprises the following core concepts: 1) free and open elections 2) ability of people to participate and be represented in the political process 3) guarding of human rights and 4) ensuring equality of all under the law. In order to remain viable, citizens must be dependent on each other to maintain the integrity of the rule of law and also to ensure basic human rights for the most vulnerable people of society. On the other hand, it is paramount that citizens feel a sense of political and economic independence in order for a nation to facilitate entrepreneurship and the birth of new ideas.

In a democracy, the government is obligated to make sure that people who are unable to help themselves are not left behind in the dust. It uses a system of wealth transfer to achieve this objective--that is mandating taxes based on income whereby the rich pay more and poor pay less (or nothing). This tax system, essentially involving citizen being dependent on each other, helps fund programs such as social security, Medicaid/care, head start programs. Without these taxes, poor people will suffer malnutrition, lack of educational opportunities, etc. A certain amount of dependence on citizens is essential in order for a democracy to ensure that the most vulnerable in society are taken care of.

A democracy also supports a sense of independence for its citizens. Those who are capable of supporting themselves are encouraged to plough their own paths--namely through education and a system that encourages entrepreneurship (ie., special tax breaks for small business owners). It is essential that a democracy produces more independent and viable citizens who will push a nation forward through innovation and leadership.

The citizens of the United States are essentially dependent on each other to maintain the integrity of a democratic system. People, as a whole, must uphold a covenant to ensure free and open elections. They must also respect the rule of law and the fact that all people are considered equal under law. If a large segment of society ignores the rule of law, chaos will ensue and possibly open path for a system that is nothing close to a democracy (i.e., dictatorship, autocracy). Citizens of democracy must also be dependent on each other in a sense that everyone's political participation is encouraged. Most of this participation takes form in representative government where people vote for leaders to represent their ideas in the making of public policy.

Citizens maintain their independence in cases such as voting. It is illegal for people to coerce others to vote a certain way and for the government to interfere with the free election process. A democracy also encourages independence in a sense that people are free to pursue their own choice of livelihood. If a person demonstrates talent and hard work, he or she is able to take advantage of educational and work opportunities.


Indeed, a democracy would not be possible without the dependence of its citizens on each other regarding aspects such as helping the vulnerable and upholding the rule of law. On the other hand, a democracy will flourish due to the independence a government encourages from its citizens---that is, respect for individual voices in the political process and the ability to pursue one's choice of livelihood.