Uploaded December 2017 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
We live in a democratic society. Or do we? If democracy means ‘people rule’ then why do we not feel in charge, and why do the rich get richer while the poor get poorer?
This WSM pamphlet ‘Parliament or Democracy’ traces the hidden history of two political approaches of starkly different natures. Few know that parliament, what we call ‘democracy’, was designed as a way for the wealthy elite to hang onto power in the transition from feudalism, while appearing to appease the popular demand for democracy.
So what is real democracy then, and how would it work? Has it ever existed before? Strap yourself in for this political journey, a lively account with meticulous research and compelling arguments.
TEXT VERSION / PDF:
https://www.wsm.ie/c/anarchism-parliament-democracy
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Music credit to bensound.com
We live in a democratic society. Or do we? If democracy means ‘people rule’ then why do we not feel in charge, and why do the rich get richer while the poor get poorer?
This WSM pamphlet ‘Parliament or Democracy’ traces the hidden history of two political approaches of starkly different natures. Few know that parliament, what we call ‘democracy’, was designed as a way for the wealthy elite to hang onto power in the transition from feudalism, while appearing to appease the popular demand for democracy.
So what is real democracy then, and how would it work? Has it ever existed before? Strap yourself in for this political journey, a lively account with meticulous research and compelling arguments.
TEXT VERSION / PDF:
https://www.wsm.ie/c/anarchism-parliament-democracy
-
Music credit to bensound.com
