Democracy is a unique type of government, and the purpose of this essay is to illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of democratic government. I will detail that many components of this type of society are both strengths and weaknesses, because each component presents beneficial aspects as well as inevitable pitfalls. A democracy is a government by the people, in which power is vested in the people themselves. The people then elect representatives who exercise their power within a free electoral system. The Declaration of Independence, which asserts that all men are created equal, was written on the principle of a democracy. According to John Locke, author of the Social Contract, before recognizing that an individual is part of a specific format of government, such as a democracy, one must understand that being an individual in a society means that you personally agree to participate in a social contract, which is essentially an outline of the rules, norms, and conduct of that society. But what makes us a democracy is that people have conflicting opinions and are free to share them. In reality, citizens may or may not have agreed to participate in the social contract, but they nevertheless remain bound by the rules of democracy. Once it is established that there is a desire for a society to exist, the debate over the type of government (if any) can begin. The fundamental concept of democracy is actually “fairness”, rather than “equality”. Equity is a term that emphasizes the fact that while it is true that everyone has equal opportunities, the conditions under which these opportunities are exploited are different for each individual. Equality is a term that implies that everyone has exactly the same opportunities, the same pre-existing determinants...... middle of paper ...... ate the workings of nature. However, the advantage of a democratic society is that it offers everyone the opportunity to become stronger and better educated, even if this is not immediately relevant in a modern society. Democracy is a very functional system of government: strengths and weaknesses. all inclusive. The advantages and disadvantages that come with a democratic society require a fluid and changeable constitution. However, the strengths outweigh the weaknesses, as evidenced by the generally fair conditions among citizens and the equal opportunities offered to all. 179Alexis de Tocqueville, “Democracy in America”, (Signet Classics) 2001, 144de Tocqueville, 111