A. Democracy as an Evolutionary Process. Democracy is an ideal and the United States has continually attempted to approach that ideal. Countries, including the United States, can fall short of that ideal. In addition, while a democratic form of government may provide a framework for a free society, it does not in and of itself guarantee freedom. B. Forming a Picture of Democracy.
People govern themselves by making policy decisions.
In an indirect, representative democracy, voters select representatives to make decisions. The Roots of Democracy in America. James Madison rejected the Athenian model of direct democracy, noting that such forms of government are unstable. The framers wanted a system that was both less inclusive and more durable. The Ideals of Democracy.