441 DEMOCRACY

YOUCAT Lesson 441

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

441  What does the Church say about democracy?

The Church supports democracy, because of all political systems it offers the best conditions for achieving equality before the law and safeguarding human rights.  In order to do that, however, democracy must be more than mere majority rule.  True democracy is possible only in a State ruled by law that recognizes the fundamental God given rights of all and defends them, if necessary, even against the will of the majority.  [1922]

James Earl "Jimmy" Carter, Jr. (born October 1, 1924) is an American politician, author, and member of the Democratic Party who served as the 39^th President of the United States 1977 to 1981. He was awarded the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize. …..441

Former President Jimmy Carter believes the United States’ campaign finance system is so broken that the country is no longer a functional democracy. Appearing on the Thom Hartmann show this week, Carter said that “unlimited political bribery” is “the essence of getting the nominations for president or to elect the president.” He said the same problems are present in elections for “U.S. senators and congress members.”

History teaches that even democracy offers no absolute protection from violations of human dignity and human rights.  It always runs the risk of becoming a tyranny of the majority over a minority.  Democracy depends on preconditions that it cannot guarantee in and of itself.  That is why Christians in particular must make sure that the values indispensable to a democracy are not undermined.

“A democracy without values easily turns into open or thinly disguised totalitarianism.”  Pope John Paul II, (1920-2005), Encyclical  “Centesimus Annus”

IN BRIEF

  

1922 The diversity of political regimes is legitimate, provided they contribute to the good of the community. –Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition