ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

The Ballot or the Bullet

Okay kiddo, so the ballot or the bullet is a phrase that means people have two choices about how they can get what they want politically.

First, there is the ballot, which means voting in elections to pick leaders and make decisions. This is a peaceful way to make change by choosing leaders who will represent your views and make decisions that benefit you and your community.

The other choice is the bullet, which means using violence to get what you want politically. This is a dangerous and illegal way to make change, and it means using weapons and force to try and overthrow the government or other powerful groups.

So, when people talk about the ballot or the bullet, they are saying that you have to decide which way you want to try and get what you want. You can either use your vote and participate in a peaceful democracy, or you can use violence to try and force change. Remember, using violence is never the right choice and can lead to a lot of harm for everyone involved.