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    • Comparing Democracy and Authoritarianism
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  • Events
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    • Democracy as a Spiritual Practice
    • The Democracy Movement: Where it Stands Today and Where it Needs to Go
    • Democracy in Chains
    • How Democracies Die
    • POTUS 1: The Next Fight for Democracy – Lawrence Lessig
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Comparing Democracy and Authoritarianism

Democracy Authoritarianism
Governmental leaders are selected by free and fair elections where all citizens can vote. Competing for power with the ruling group is either limited or nonexistent.
Leaders are limited in the power they can exercise, and follow existing laws. Authoritarian leaders often exercise power arbitrarily and without regard to existing bodies of law.
The top leader seeks advisors with expertise and experience in particular areas. The top leader often uses personal loyalty as the main criterion for choosing advisors.
Decisions are generally reached based on benefits to the country and its citizens. Decisions are generally reached based on benefits to the top leader and his supporters.  
Non-violent protest and alternative views are welcomed. Protesters are often arrested. There is little to no toleration of dissent
Media is free to express its views. Media is controlled by the government.

Democracy is not guaranteed — it is a rare and fragile thing by Tobias Stone, May 4, 2022

We cannot take democracy for granted; those of us living in democracies are enjoying a rare moment of freedom in human history.

Our Mission

Reclaim Our Democracy is an inclusive, collaborative, multi-partisan movement. Our goal is to reclaim our democratic rights as citizens of the United States of America to have a government that truly represents and supports the needs and desires of all people.

Commentary

  • It is Time for Democracy to Strike Back Jan. 25, 2023
  • Two Takeaways from the Recent Midterm Elections that Every American Should Understand Nov. 22, 2022
  • A Real And Very Dangerous Conspiracy Oct. 14, 2022
  • It's Time to Fix the Senate Sep. 8, 2021
  • Back to Basics - #1 Priority for Congress and President Jan. 23, 2021
  • The Mitch McConnell Problem Dec. 18, 2020
  • Dear Mr. Trump: Your Contract Will Not Be Renewed Nov. 21, 2020
  • Today's Civil War Feb 16, 2020

Events

Democracy Festival at First Parish in Concord, Friday, May 19, 7:30pm and Saturday, May 20, 11:00am - 2:00pm

Meeting the Moment: Taking Action to Keep Our Democracy, January 6 and 7, 2023

Partnering for Democracy in Massachusetts and Beyond with Danielle Allen. Video now available.

Democracy as a Spiritual Practice, March 31 and April 14 videos now available

The Democracy Movement: Where it Stands Today and Where it Needs to Go, with Adam Eichen, Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022 video now available.

Democracy in Chains, with Duke Professor Nancy MacLean, video of presentation

How Democracies Die, with Harvard Professor Steven Levitsky, video of presentation

Facebook

To read more about current democracy related news and events, please click here to visit the Reclaim Our Democracy Facebook group page.

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