Democracy and the 'New' Democracies: Fragile, Difficult, and Subject to Change. Occasional Papers.

This paper provides a definition for the word democracy and examines some of the many definitions and descriptions of democracy that have been offered over time. The paper offers a lesson plan for teaching about democracy, beginning with an introduction: "Democracy as an Argument or a Developing Dialogue" (Donald Bragaw; Michael Hartoonian). The lesson plan cites approximate length and appropriate grade level; addresses national standards; lists essential purposes and essential resources; details an eight step teaching strategy; suggests application; and addresses assessment. The paper also contains: "Why Has Post-Communist Democratization Been So Difficult?" (Stephen Harrison). Discusses the difficulty in implementing democratic reforms in post-Communist eastern Europe. It provides a lesson plan in the same format as the first lesson plan. Contains a student handout. (BT)