"Democratic ideals" is a rhetorical phrase meaning either personal qualities or standards of government behavior that are felt to be essential for the continuation of a democratic policy. Advocates for causes across the political spectrum use this phrase in attempting to engage in persuasion, particularly by contrasting some situation which has been allowed to continue for pragmatic or social reasons, but which those advocating action regard as being wrong in principle. Advocates for greater equality in the distribution of wealth, for example, will argue that inequalities create differing levels of opportunity, and that equality is a "democratic ideal". Other times, advocates of one political outlook or another will use the phrase to energize support among their constituencies, despite knowing that their political opponents use precisely the same phrase to do precisely the same thing.
Frequently the importance of human rights is listed as a central democratic ideal, as well as instilling in military and civilian governmental personnel the attitudes and methods which will prevent their actions from infringing on those rights.
Democratic ideals are often cited as a reason for patriotism, for example Woodrow Wilson's argument that America needed to enter World War I in order to make the world "safe for democracy".
Read more about Democratic Ideals: Other Uses of The Term
Famous quotes containing the words democratic and/or ideals:
“From now on, I think it is safe to predict, neither the Democratic nor the Republican Party will ever nominate for President a candidate without good looks, stage presence, theatrical delivery, and a sense of timing.”
—James Thurber (1894–1961)
“With the breakdown of the traditional institutions which convey values, more of the burdens and responsibility for transmitting values fall upon parental shoulders, and it is getting harder all the time both to embody the virtues we hope to teach our children and to find for ourselves the ideals and values that will give our own lives purpose and direction.”
—Neil Kurshan (20th century)