is democracy capitalized

2 min read 24-02-2025

The capitalization of "democracy" often sparks confusion. Unlike proper nouns like "France" or "Toyota," which are always capitalized, "democracy" follows different rules. This article clarifies when to capitalize "democracy" and when to leave it lowercase.

When to Capitalize "Democracy"

Generally, you should capitalize "democracy" only when it's part of a proper noun or used as part of a specific official name. Here's a breakdown:

1. Part of a Proper Noun

Capitalize "Democracy" when it's part of a formal name, like:

The Department of Democracy: This refers to a specific government department.
The National Endowment for Democracy: This is a specific organization's name.
The People's Democratic Republic of Korea: This is the official name of a country.

Note that in these examples, "Democracy" is capitalized because it's integral to the proper noun's identity.

2. Personification

Occasionally, "Democracy" might be capitalized when it's personified – treated as a living entity. This is a stylistic choice, more common in literature than academic or journalistic writing. For example:

"Democracy whispered promises of freedom."

In this case, the capitalization emphasizes the personified nature of the word. However, this usage is less common and should be approached cautiously.

When to Use Lowercase "democracy"

In most instances, "democracy" should be written in lowercase:

As a general concept: When referring to the system of government broadly, use lowercase: "The success of a democracy depends on active citizen participation."
As a common noun: "Democracy" functions as a common noun, much like "government" or "republic." Common nouns are not capitalized unless they begin a sentence.
In most sentences: Unless it's part of a proper noun, keep it lowercase. "Many countries around the world are struggling to establish robust democracies."

Examples to Illustrate the Difference

Here are some examples to further clarify the usage:

Correct: "The principles of democracy are essential for a free society."
Correct: "She believes in the power of democracy to uplift the poor."
Correct: "The Greek democracy was a unique system of government."
Correct: "My professor's lecture on the history of Democracy in Ancient Greece was fascinating." (Note the capitalization here due to being part of a proper noun.)
Correct: "The president spoke passionately about preserving American democracy."

Conclusion: Context is Key

The capitalization of "democracy" hinges on the context. If it's a general term referring to the system of government, use lowercase. If it's part of a proper noun or personified, then capitalize it. Pay attention to whether it forms an integral part of an official name. Understanding this distinction ensures clear and correct writing.