Allison Hickey and Hallie Banc In order to make a democracy work, you need to carry out many common practices. One common practice is Free Elections. This means that you need to have more than one political party, because you cannot vote if there is only one party. There also has to be universal suffrage for all, saying that all adult citizens can vote. Another common practice is Citizen Participation. This contains high levels of education and literacy. Also, gives citizens economic security; this opportunity gives citizens a stake in their country's future. Under this practice, there is also freedom of speech, press, and assembly. People are allowed to gather in groups for peaceful protests and speak their own opinions. A third common practice is Majority Rule, Minority Rights. All citizens are equal before the law, share national identity, and are protected of such individual rights such as freedom of religion. People can elect their own representatives to carry out their will and do what they would want to do. All of these common practices are what make up a successful, unified democracy. Germany's journey to democracy was a challenge. The Hungarian government allowed the vacating East Germans to cross its barriers to enter Austria. Then, in response to the Berlin Wall, the East German Government closed its borders to the surrounding countries entirely. This act of isolation caused protests and rebellions for the right to travel freely and demanding free elections with several political parties. Many tried to escape, but could not get across the border in time. Eventually, the new East German leader tried to restore stability and order, by allowing people to leave East Germany. Later, the Berlin Wall was opened, ending the attempt to save Communism. East German Communist Party was no longer existent. After this, they were on the road to Democracy, starting with the thought of merging the two Germany's. In order to successfully complete a democracy, West Germany committed to a democracy, and in 1990 merged with East Germany. Once they reunited, they faced many struggles; however, they overcame those challenges and continue to be a strong democracy today. During the 1880's Britain and Russia both wanted control over Afghanistan. Russia wanted this land because they wanted access to the Indian Ocean and Britain wanted to control this land to protect the border of India. Britain and Afghanistan went to war for many years, until finally Britain left and Afghanistan set up a monarchy and declared them self an independent nation. In 1979, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan to add their Communist Empire. However, they were outmaneuvered by the rebels, and defeated. The Taliban now emerged as the victor and controlled 90% of the country while the Northern Alliance held the rest of the country. After the United States Government was attacked on 9/11 by a terrorist attack, they invaded Afghanistan to help destroy the Taliban and set up a successful democracy. Afghanistan today is continuing to build their strong democracy. China began to improve their economy however, did not want to turn capitalist. The 4 Modernizations were put into play, and many people were beginning to buy new appliances and clothes because of the increase in people’s income. However, when new reforms allowed Western ideas into China, this caused Chinese students to demand political freedom. Revolts and protests were staged against the Chinese Government. The uprising at Tiananmen Square was a huge eye-opener for many citizens in China, and around the world. At Tiananmen Square, students led a protest for political freedom, and the Chinese Government reacted drastically. The military killed and wounded several hundred protestors. To hide the evidence of violence, the Chinese Government shut down the lights in Tiananmen Square so foreigners and visitors from other countries could not record the incident and bring it back to their home country. The press and media were so censored and modified in China, and still is today. People have the right to freedom of press, speech, and assembly and staged many rebellions to hopefully allow them to receive it. Tiananmen Square Rebellion did not change China, but did indeed show the corruption in the Chinese Government. Today, China is still a powerful Communist nation, never being able to achieve the common practices for a successful democracy.