Democracy

Democracy is a system of government in which political power is derived from the people, either directly or through elected representatives. Core elements typically include political equality, the rule of law, accountability of leaders, and the protection of civil liberties and minority rights. Democracy rests on free and fair elections, pluralism, and the ability of citizens to participate in public life, form associations, and contest government policy.

The modern concept of democracy emerged in Europe and the Atlantic world during the early modern period and expanded through the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Ancient sources describe early forms of self-government, most notably in Athens, but contemporary democracy is usually defined by constitutional processes, regular elections, civilian control of the military, independent judiciaries, and robust media and civil society. Variants include direct democracy, where citizens vote on policies themselves; representative or liberal democracy, where citizens elect representatives to govern within constitutional constraints; parliamentary and presidential systems; and deliberative or participatory models that emphasize citizen dialogue and citizen-initiated reforms.

Key institutions and practices include periodic elections, political parties, an independent judiciary, a free press, transparent governance, rule of law, and protections for dissent and assembly. Democracies often seek to balance popular sovereignty with minority rights and to prevent abuses of power through checks and balances and term limits.

Critics note challenges such as unequal influence of money and interest groups, misinformation, populism, bureaucratic gridlock, and external interference. Despite these concerns, democracy remains a widely adopted framework for governing that seeks legitimacy through consent, accountability, and respect for human rights.