No other democratic society in the world permits the privilege of personal freedoms to the degree of the United States of America. Within the last century, American courts, especially the Supreme Court, have developed a set of legal doctrines which includes the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and its' amendments, to thoroughly protect our rights as US citizens. Though we know this country was founded on the principles of representing its' citizens, and the idea of a nation for the people, by the people; it's obvious that most Americans take their "God-given rights- for granted. Individuals may feel it is irrelevant to voice their opinion on political issues and give various reasons as to why they cannot, or will not, actively participate (Loeb 175-185). If the majority of Americans do not politically participate, then the legitimacy of our nations' claim to be a democracy remains unanswered.
A truly democratic political system has certain characteristics, which prove its legitimacy with their existence. One essential characteristic of a legitimate democracy is that it allows people to freely make choices without government intervention. Another necessary characteristic that legitimates government is that every vote must count equally: one vote for every person. For this equality to occur, all people must be subject to the same laws, have equal civil rights, and be allowed to freely express their ideas. No matter how unpopular their views, all people should enjoy the freedoms of speech, press and assembly. Public policy should be made publicly, not secretly, and regularly scheduled elections should be held. Since "legitimacy" may be defined as: "conforming to recognized principles or accepted rules and standards- (Webster.com) and the feeling or opinions of the people have is our government is based upon this, and therefore should obey it (Loeb 179-180). A connection between what the people want and what the government is doing is necessary if our democratic nation is to be truly legitimate.
