Democracy is government where political power rests with the people, typically expressed through elections.
Democracy is a form of government in which political power is vested in the people (the population) of a state. Under a minimalist definition, democracy centers on rulers being chosen through competitive elections. More expansive (maximalist) definitions add that democracy also requires protections for civil liberties and human rights, not only elections. Democracy can be practiced directly or representatively. In direct democracy, the people deliberate and decide legislation themselves; in representative democracy, citizens elect officials to make decisions on their behalf. Over time, the meaning of “the people” and how authority is shared or delegated has varied across countries, and democratic citizenship has often expanded from restricted groups to broader adult populations. Core democratic principles commonly include political equality and legal equality, free and fair participation (such as voting rights), consent of the governed, and rule of law. Many democratic systems also emphasize freedoms such as assembly, association, religion, and speech, along with protections for minority rights to prevent oppression by majority rule (the “tyranny of the majority”).
Democracy is government where political power rests with the people, typically expressed through elections.
Minimalist views focus on competitive elections, while maximalist views also require civil liberties and human rights.
Democracy may be direct (citizens decide laws) or representative (citizens elect officials), with “the people” defined differently across time and places.
Foundational democratic characteristics often include political/legal equality, rule of law, participation rights, and protections for minority rights to limit majority oppression.
A view of democracy that defines it primarily by competitive elections in which rulers are chosen by the people.
A broader view that links democracy not only to elections but also to guarantees of civil liberties and human rights.
A system in which the people have direct authority to deliberate and decide legislation.
A system in which the people choose governing officials through elections to make decisions on their behalf.
The principle that eligible citizens have equal standing in political processes, such as equal access to legislative participation.
A foundational democratic characteristic in which laws are applied consistently and fairly, limiting arbitrary government power.
A risk in majority-rule systems where political minorities may be oppressed unless rights and protections are in place.
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