Democratism

/dɪˈmɒkrətɪzəm/ noun

Definition

A political philosophy or movement that advocates for democratic principles and rule by the people.

Etymology

From Greek demokratia (people-rule) + -ism (doctrine or practice). The -ism suffix, popularized in the 18th-19th centuries, converts concepts into ideologies or systematic beliefs.

Kelly Says

Adding -ism to democracy creates an ideology, which is interesting because it implies democratism is a belief system you can commit to, rather than just a system of government—this is why 19th-century revolutionaries called themselves democrats with almost religious fervor.

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