Apa itu Demokrasi? | Penjelasan dan Sejarah Singkat

Summary

This video delves into the origins and evolution of democracy, tracing its roots from ancient Athens to its spread across Europe and beyond. It explains how democracy first emerged as a system where citizens had a say in governance, highlighting key milestones such as the Magna Charta in 1215 and the impact of revolutions. The video also touches on the challenges faced by democracies during the 20th century, including the rise of dictatorships and their eventual decline. Finally, it discusses how democracy became the dominant political system globally by the 2000s, with a preview of its development in Indonesia.

Takeaways

• 😀 Democracy is defined as 'people's power,' derived from the Greek words 'Demos' (people) and 'Kratos' (power).
• 😀 The concept of democracy is not new; it developed through human history and philosophical thought, aiming for a just, prosperous society.
• 😀 The first implementation of democracy was in ancient Athens around the 4th to 6th centuries BCE, where decisions were made directly by citizens.
• 😀 However, only free male citizens of high status in Athens could participate in the democratic process, excluding foreigners, commoners, and slaves.
• 😀 The spread of democracy to Europe began in the 6th century BCE, inspired by a desire for freedom from oppressive rulers and systems.
• 😀 Prior to democracy, Europe was under systems like feudalism, where lords and kings were above the law and practiced slavery.
• 😀 The Magna Carta, signed in 1215 in England, was an important historical document that influenced the development of democratic principles in Europe.
• 😀 Despite its significance, the Magna Carta mainly benefited the elite (nobles and kings) and had limited impact on the lower classes.
• 😀 The early 20th century saw setbacks for democracy, including the rise of dictatorships, especially after the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the Great Depression.
• 😀 The period of dictatorships was eventually overcome in the 1970s, and by the 1980s, liberal democracy made a strong comeback, especially in Europe and Latin America.
• 😀 By the 2000s, democracy became the predominant system, with nearly 70% of the world’s countries adopting democratic governance, including many in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Q & A

What does the term 'democracy' mean?

The term 'democracy' comes from the Greek words 'demos' (people) and 'kratos' (power), meaning 'the power of the people.' It refers to a system of governance where the authority is vested in the people, either directly or through elected representatives.

Where and when was democracy first practiced?

Democracy was first practiced in ancient Athens around the 5th century BCE. This was a direct form of democracy where citizens could participate in political decisions, though only a select few—wealthy Greek men—had the right to vote.

Who was excluded from participating in democracy in ancient Athens?

In ancient Athens, democracy was limited to wealthy male citizens. Foreigners, commoners, and slaves were excluded from the political process and had no voting rights.

How did the Magna Carta influence the development of democracy in Europe?

The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, was a pivotal document that limited the powers of the monarchy in England. It helped pave the way for more democratic governance by asserting that even the king had to follow the law, although it initially only benefited the nobility.

What were the main challenges to democracy in the 20th century?

The 20th century saw significant challenges to democracy, including the rise of dictatorships in the 1930s, the impact of the Great Depression, and World War II. These events caused setbacks for democratic systems, particularly in Europe and Latin America.

How did the Cold War influence democracy worldwide?

The Cold War (1947-1991) had a profound impact on global democracy. While it created a division between democratic and communist countries, the eventual end of the Cold War in the 1990s led to the collapse of many authoritarian regimes, allowing democratic systems to flourish, particularly in Eastern Europe and other parts of the world.

What was the impact of the Great Depression on democracy?

The Great Depression of the 1930s had a destabilizing effect on democracies. The economic crisis led to social unrest, causing some countries to abandon democratic systems in favor of authoritarian regimes, which promised stability and solutions to the crisis.

Why did dictatorships rise in the 1930s, and how long did they last?

In the 1930s, dictatorships rose due to economic instability, social unrest, and dissatisfaction with existing democratic governments. These regimes were characterized by strong, centralized leadership, often resulting in authoritarian rule. Many of these dictatorships lasted until the end of World War II and the Cold War, with most being overthrown by the 1970s.

How has the spread of democracy changed the global political landscape?

Since the 1980s, democracy has spread to many parts of the world, including Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. By the 2000s, almost 70% of the world’s nations had adopted some form of democratic governance. This shift has led to a more democratic global political landscape, although challenges remain.

What is the significance of September 15th in relation to democracy?

September 15th is observed as a day to commemorate democracy, as many countries worldwide recognize the importance of democratic systems and their impact on political and social development. This date underscores the ongoing global commitment to democracy and human rights.