Democracy, as of common consensus, as a concept was formally conceived by the ancient Greeks The term “democracy” comes from two Greek words being: people (demos), and rule (kratos). By popular definition, democracy is a method of rule wherein the populace have common power, as in the people have an active role within the steering and guidance of the state. Contrary to common conception, “democracy” is not a system within itself, but a basis upon which political organizations and structures are formed. Democracy became the method of rule within Athens, a part of the superstructure, so to speak, however within the bounds of the material base. Thereby referring to slave society, the only persons eligible to participate were so-called “free men”, this not including women, children, and slaves. This being the majority of the populace.
Quote: “Freedom in capitalist society always remains about the same as it was in ancient Greek republics: Freedom for slave owners.” —Vladimir Ilyich Lenin