Democracy by George Bernard Shaw
"Democracy" by George Bernard Shaw is a play that satirizes the political system of democracy and its flaws. The story follows the character of Caesar, who becomes President of the United States and struggles to maintain his power while dealing with corrupt politicians and a disillusioned public. Throughout the play, Shaw critiques the idea of democracy as a means of achieving true equality and justice for all citizens.
By George Bernard Shaw · First published 1923 · Genre: Political Satire, Philosophical Literature, Social Commentary · 77 words
First lines
If the lesser mind could measure the greater as a foot-rule can measure a pyramid, there would be finality in universal suffrage. As it is, the political problem remains unsolved.
Democracy substitutes election by the incompetent many for appointment by the corrupt few.
Democratic republics can no more dispense with national idols than monarchies with public functionaries.
Government presents only one problem: the discovery of a trustworthy anthropometric method.
What this Textopian page supports
Democracy is listed on Textopian as an essay by George Bernard Shaw, dated 1923 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: George Bernard Shaw
- Date: 1923 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Political Satire, Philosophical Literature, Social Commentary, Essay
- Length: 77 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Democracy by George Bernard Shaw
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Democracy?
- How does this essay by George Bernard Shaw fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Political Satire first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Voter And The Two Voices by G. K. Chesterton
- On Political Secrecy by G. K. Chesterton
- Civilization by George Bernard Shaw
- Liberty And Equality by George Bernard Shaw
- The Vote And The House by G. K. Chesterton
- The Suffragist by G. K. Chesterton
Genres
- Political Satire — The text critiques democratic systems and political structures, using humor and irony to highlight flaws.
- Philosophical Literature — The work explores philosophical questions about governance, human nature, and societal structures.
- Social Commentary — It provides insights and critiques on social and political issues, reflecting on the nature of democracy and leadership.
- Essay — The writing style and structure resemble an essay, presenting arguments and observations on political themes.
Tags
politics · government · democracy · socialism · political theory · philosophy · equality · freedom · citizenship · justice · rhetoric · public policy