1. Democracy Day
1.1. Created by UN General Assembly
1.1.1. One of the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN)
1.1.2. Only body in which every member of the organization is represented and allowed to vote
1.1.3. First session of the assembly convened on Jan. 10, 1946
1.1.3.1. 51 countries were represented
1.1.4. As of 2006 there were 192 members of the General Assembly
1.1.5. Numerous nonmembers maintain observer status, enabling them to participate in the work of the General Assembly.
1.1.6. The General Assembly exercises deliberative, supervisory, financial, and elective functions relating to any matter within the scope of the UN Charter
1.1.7. Its primary role, however, is to discuss issues and make recommendations, though it has no power to enforce its resolutions or compel state action.
1.2. In resolution A/62/7 (2007)
1.3. This year's theme
1.3.1. Strengthening Voices for Democracy
2. About Democracy
2.1. Can be defined as “government in which sovereignty (authority to govern) lies with the people”
2.2. History
2.2.1. Most nations throughout history have been governed by monarchy.
2.2.1.1. Sovereignty lies with a single hereditary ruler
2.2.2. Transition from monarchy to representative democracy
2.2.2.1. Gradual process
2.2.2.1.1. Stretched from the Middle Ages up to the twentieth century
2.2.2.1.2. Took place in Western Europe and the United States
2.2.2.2. Three critical achievements
2.2.2.2.1. Representation
2.2.2.2.2. Empowerment
2.2.2.2.3. Suffrage