About Democracy
The hallmark of a democratic government is that people choose leaders by voting.
The word democracy comes from two Greek words. “Demos,” means people and “kratos” means power.
The Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution are the foundational documents of America’s democratic system. The First Amendment to the Constitution, made through the Bill of Rights, provide important freedoms and protect the right to speak; this right allows democracy to work.
Democracy: noun, a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.
First Amendment
Important tenets of democracy include the rights granted by the First Amendment.
The First Amendment is part of the U.S. Constitution. It is comprised of 45 words that create the rights of free speech, freedom of the press, right to peaceably assemble, freedom of religion and the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
As a public university, CSU is required to comply with the First Amendment.The open exchange of ideas is the foundation of democracy – and of a great university. Universities are places for discourse, debate and learning from people with different views and experiences.
Learn more about the First Amendment and how it applies at CSU.
Learn more about democracy
These books and readings on democracy are recommended by Morgan Library in collaboration with CSU scholars.