What is democracy?

Democracy is a system of government in which power is vested in the hands of the people, who exercise that power either directly or through elected representatives. The core idea behind democracy is that all eligible citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives and society. This usually involves free and fair elections where people choose their leaders and have the right to participate in political processes. There are different forms of democracy, but the most common is representative democracy, where citizens elect officials to make laws and policies on their behalf. Another form is direct democracy, where citizens vote directly on laws and policies. Key principles of democracy include political equality, majority rule with respect for minority rights, transparency, accountability, and protection of individual freedoms such as speech, assembly, and religion. Overall, democracy aims to create a government that reflects the will of the people, promotes participation, and safeguards human rights, making it one of the most widely valued systems around the world.

Democracy is a system of government in which power is ultimately held by the people. It is based on the principle that all citizens have equal rights to participate in the decision-making processes that affect their lives, typically through voting in free and fair elections. The term “democracy” comes from the Greek words “demos” (people) and “kratos” (power or rule), meaning “rule by the people.” In a democratic system, citizens choose their leaders and representatives who then make laws and policies on their behalf. Democracies emphasize values such as political equality, individual freedoms, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights. There are different forms of democracy, including direct democracy—where citizens vote directly on laws and policies—and representative democracy, where elected officials represent the interests of the people. Overall, democracy aims to ensure that government authority derives from the consent of the governed, promoting transparency, accountability, and equal participation to create a fair and just society.