What defines a citizen? Who can become one? Does the creation of new citizens benefit a country or threaten it? All democracies grapple with questions about who should or should not become citizens of their countries. But not all countries answer these questions in the same ways. The benefits of democracy can be found in every part of the globe. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union and its communist ideology in 1991, democracy has been touted as...

Abraham Lincoln noted that governments should be "of the people, by the people, [and] for the people." And yet, female citizens have often found that they are not as well served as men. Efforts to bring fair treatment to all people regardless of their gender or orientation are an important part of making democracy work for everyone. The benefits of democracy can be found in every part of the globe. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union and its communist...

The right of citizens to play a role in political decision-making is fundamental to democracy. And yet, it took many decades of struggle for the vote to be extended to everyone-and controversies about voting rights continue to rage today. Democracies across the globe also struggle with issues such as voter ID laws, voter apathy, and how to avoid the so-called "tyranny of the majority." The benefits of democracy can be found in every part of the globe....

The rights to free speech and expression are a vital part of any democracy. Balancing these rights with other priorities-such as national defense and the protection of minorities-is an ongoing struggle both in the United States and in democracies across the globe. The benefits of democracy can be found in every part of the globe. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union and its communist ideology in 1991, democracy has been touted as the only real answer...