Introduction: Cultural context and diversity in the study of democratic citizenship education

Abstract

Jefferson's "safe repository" for the power (kratos) of the people (demos) is democracy itself. Since the Athenians first coined the term more than 2,500 years ago, democracies have taken remarkably diverse forms, even while debates over a democracy's essential and ideal characteristics continue. What constitutes a democratic society? The mechanisms of voting? The alternation of power, freedom to assemble, and to speak as one wishes? Meaningful participation for all citizens? Sets of rights- political, civil, cultural, human? Social safety nets or unencumbered markets? Openness to newcomers?