Democraticus

Democraticus is a term used in political theory and speculative writing to denote a model or ideal of democracy that emphasizes broad, inclusive participation, deliberation, and accountability in public decision making. The word is a Latinized rendering of the Greek roots demos (the people) and kratos (power), used to signify the exercise of collective sovereignty by the citizenry rather than by a centralized elite.

In the democraticus model, political power is distributed across participatory institutions that enable direct or delegatory influence by ordinary citizens. Common features include wide-scale deliberative assemblies or forums, rotating or term-limited leadership, decentralization of authority, proportional representation, mechanisms for recall or recallable representatives, and robust protections for minority rights within a constitutional framework. Decision-making is often designed to require consensus or near-consensus in key issues, with transparent processes and public access to information.

Usage of democraticus appears in utopian literature, theoretical treatises on participatory governance, and contemporary discussions of civic technology and constitutional design. Proponents argue that it fosters legitimacy through direct engagement, reduces capture by special interests, and enhances resilience through distributed power. Critics warn that without safeguards, democraticus could suffer inefficiency, factionalism, or gridlock, and that large-scale deliberation may be impractical without moderation or technological mediation.

For further context, see direct democracy, deliberative democracy, participatory democracy, and civic technology.