A federal system is responsive and inclusive. Citizens are free to run for government positions at all levels -- local and regional governments offer the most positions and, perhaps, the most opportunity to make a difference in their communities.

This page contains 21 pieces in a new series of one-page primers on the fundamentals of democracy produced by the Bureau of International Information Programs. ESVM adopts the primers as a discussion paper to enhance understanding of Social Justice, Democracy, Social Capital and Humane rights. Although the term is ubiquitous in today's world, explaining "democracy" can be challenging. This series provides the reader with an overview paper and then breaks down the specific elements of democratic governance into individual topics. Each paper in the series reflects both the thinking of mainstream theorists and common practices of the many free societies now flourishing under systems of democratic governance.