X

Join or Sign In

Sign in to customize your TV listings

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

What Is Democracy?

The concept of democracy is presented in light of democratic societies being under attack in present day. Academics and historians discuss the ancient Greek origins of the concept, which in its broadest terms means, "for the people, by the people". A wide range of people, from politicians, academics to a diverse array of the general public, discuss the concept from their own perspective. Those in the former two groups generally see issues in present day democracy in the imbalances in society, where those in authority or who control the flow of money, such as banks, have more power, while those who don't may fall prey to demagogues who twist the concept for their own political self interests. They also state that anyone can use the concept for their own personal benefit as opposed to democracy being seen somewhat inherent to a greater good. While democracy more closely equates to either the notion of one person/one vote or majority rule, many, if asked, mistakenly equate it with other aspirational concepts, such as justice, equity, freedom or specifically for Americans what they have coined "the American dream". Some of those academics and politicians argue that majority rule is an outdated ideal in that if that be the case, things like slavery would still exist. They therefore argue whether people really want a truly democratic society in its purest form, and if a pure democracy really is workable in any society.

Loading. Please wait...

Content not available in your region? ExpressVPN can help you stay connected wherever you are. Get 4 extra months FREE with TV Guide's exclusive offer.

Cast & Crew See All

Astra Taylor
Self
Silvia Federici
Self - Feminist Scholar and Activist
Eleni Perdikouri
Self - Professor of Philosophy

Featured Video

What Is Democracy?
What Is Democracy?
1:39

1:39 What Is Democracy?

Awards

  • 2018 - Grand Jury Award - Best Documentary - nominated
  • 2018 - Harrell Award - Best Documentary Feature - nominated
  • 2018 - VFCC Award - Best Canadian Documentary - nominated
  • 2018 - Best Canadian Feature Film - - nominated

You May Also Like See All

Compensation
Lawrence of Arabia
The Leopard
Best Kept Secret

Popular Movies See all movies

Tombstone

2 hr 10 mins
In 1879, Wyatt Earp and his family arrive in the violent town of Tombstone with the intention of running a bar. But Earp is elected sheriff of the place and will have to face the Clantons, a gang that intends to dominate the town.
50   Metascore
1993 Documentary, Drama, Action & Adventure

Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story

1 hr 25 mins
While he's out fishing with his Mennonite friend Jeremiah Peters on the morning of 2 June, Amish Eli Weaver receives a message via a call to Jeremiah's cell phone that Eli's wife, 29-year-old Barbara Weaver, has been found shot dead in their bed. While the Amish elders want to deal with the issue solely within their community, the Wayne County Sheriff's Department is forced to investigate in the murder having taken place in their jurisdiction, the two investigators being Detectives Bruce London and Mike Maxwell. What is subsequently shown is the current investigation interspersed with flashbacks of Eli and Barbara's life, which Eli admits to the investigators was not always perfect. Those flashbacks show that prior to their marriage, Barbara wanted to marry for romantic love, which is not the Amish way. Eli seemingly wanted the same; he was the black sheep of his family in not always adhering to Amish strictures. London and Maxwell have their theories of who the murderer is; they suspect Eli, who isn't reacting like a typical grieving husband and father, but they know they'll have problems finding evidence because the Amish Eli will have no digital footprint; and the community's sole telephone is a public one for emergencies, usable by anyone. They hope that the unofficial traditional Amish communication network, rampant gossip, will provide some clues. They find that some talk emerges in the form of a collection of women not in the community who were a part of Eli's secret life as the Amish Stud.
2023 Documentary, Suspense, Drama

Bridge of Spies

2 hr 22 mins
In 1957, lawyer James B. Donovan is recruited from his prestigious law firm to defend accused Soviet spy Rudolf Abel. It's an unenviable task in many respects. Donovan hasn't practiced criminal law since he was a prosecutor at the Nuremburg trials after World War II. Also, the strong anti-Communist mood at the time makes him a target from who think Abel should just be executed. Abel is convicted but Donovan convinces the judge to sentence him to prison, rather than execute him, as they may at some point in the future want to swap him for an American spy the Soviets might have in custody. Just such a scenario comes into play when in 1960 U-2 spy pilot Francis Gary Powers is shot down over Soviet territory and taken prisoner. Donovan is again recruited to act as the intermediary and negotiate swapping Able for the American requiring him to travel to East Berlin crossing the newly built Berlin Wall.
81   Metascore
2015 Drama, Documentary, Suspense, Action & Adventure

The Butler

2 hr 12 mins
Cecil Gaines was a sharecropper's son who grew up in the 1920s as a domestic servant for the white family who casually destroyed his. Eventually striking out on his own, Cecil becomes a hotel valet of such efficiency and discreteness in the 1950s that he becomes a butler in the White House itself. There, Cecil would serve numerous US Presidents over the decades as a passive witness of history with the American Civil Rights Movement gaining momentum even as his family has troubles of its own. As his wife, Gloria, struggles with her addictions and his defiant eldest son, Louis, strives for a just world, Cecil must decide whether he should take action in his own way.
65   Metascore
2013 Documentary, Drama

Blood In, Blood Out

3 hr 0 mins
Based on the true life experiences of poet Jimmy Santiago Baca, the film focuses on half-brothers Paco and Cruz, and their bi-racial cousin Miklo. It opens in 1972, as the three are members of an East L.A. gang known as the "Vatos Locos", and the story focuses on how a violent crime and the influence of narcotics alter their lives...
47   Metascore
1993 Documentary, Suspense, Drama

Hamilton

2 hr 40 mins
"Hamilton" is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and show tunes, "Hamilton" has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theater--a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. Captured at the Richard Rodgers Theater on Broadway in June 2016, the film transports its audience into the world of the Broadway show in a uniquely intimate way.
88   Metascore
2020 Documentary, Drama, Music