Literacy and Democracy: Does a Causal Connection Exist?

This paper attempts to determine if a causal connection exists between majority literacy and the formation of a democracy in a particular polity. After defining terms, I discuss the logic of testing necessary and sufficient conditions. Case studies of two ancient polities (Athens and Syracuse) and two modern polities (India and Russia) are undertaken to determine whether majority literacy is a necessary and/or sufficient condition for democracy. I conclude that claims regarding the causal efficacy of literacy on democracy have been exaggerated.