... Plato's Republic, Socrates defines a democracy though the discussion of six important characteristics. The freedom of speech, and license to do what ever they may desire, allows for individuals of a democracy to have an active voice in their government and live their lives in a manner which best suites their appetites (557b). The plurality of the individuals in the democracy creates a society containing many constitutions (557c-d). Once the ... his desires to grow and eventually rule over him one by one for the better or the worse (561b-c). These are the men who become tyrannical by ind...

• Word Count: 893
• Approx Pages: 4
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... grants power to an entire people, whereas a republic grants the power to a select group chosen to represent the people. In a democracy the "majority rules" - and the minority loses. This system is subject to abuse however, because as Plato said "A democracy is a state in which the poor gaining the upper hand, kill some and banish others, and then divide the offices among the remaining citizens equally." This is to say that ... occurs throughout the history of the Republic: Class division, and respect for tradition. From the earliest beginnings, the Roman society was based upon the divis...

• Word Count: 2452
• Approx Pages: 10
• Grade Level: Undergraduate