What is democracy?

Democracy is a system of government in which power is ultimately held by the people. It is based on the principle that all members of the society have equal rights to participate in the decision-making processes that affect their lives. This participation is most commonly exercised through voting in free and fair elections, where citizens choose their representatives or decide on policies directly. Key principles of democratic government include popular sovereignty (the authority of the people), political equality (equal voting rights), majority rule balanced by minority rights, and the protection of fundamental freedoms such as freedom of speech, assembly, and press. Democracies also typically have rule of law, meaning laws apply equally to all citizens and government officials, and systems of checks and balances to prevent abuses of power. In essence, democracy promotes accountability, transparency, and inclusiveness, aiming to reflect the will of the people while safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. This framework helps ensure that governments serve the interests of their citizens and adapt to changing societal needs.