Lýðræðileg

Lýðræðileg is an Icelandic word that translates to "democratic" in English. It describes a system of government or a social organization where supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections. The term derives from the Greek words "demos" meaning "people" and "kratos" meaning "rule" or "power."

In a lýðræðileg society, citizens typically have fundamental rights and freedoms, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and the press. The principle of majority rule is often central, but it is usually tempered by protections for minority rights. The separation of powers, often among legislative, executive, and judicial branches, is a common feature designed to prevent any single entity from accumulating too much authority.

Lýðræðileg principles can be applied not only to national governments but also to local communities, organizations, and workplaces. The emphasis is on participation, accountability, and the equal worth of individuals. The implementation and interpretation of lýðræðileg ideals can vary significantly across different cultures and political systems.