democrático

Democrático is an adjective used in Spanish and Portuguese to denote something related to democracy or to the idea of ruling by the people. The term derives from the Greek demos, meaning people, and kratos, meaning power or rule, and it entered Latin and modern Romance languages to describe political systems and norms that emphasize popular sovereignty.

In political science, there are varying definitions of what counts as democratic, but common elements include free and fair elections, political pluralism, civil liberties, the rule of law, and accountability. In everyday usage, it can describe regimes (un régimen democrático), institutions and practices (instituciones democráticas, participación democrática), or ideals (principios democráticos). It is also used to qualify processes such as democratización, civic education, and participatory governance.

The term accommodates different traditions, from liberal democracies that emphasize individual rights to deliberative models that stress public reasoning and inclusive dialogue. It is used in phrases like derechos democráticos, prácticas democráticas, and educación cívica with a democratic orientation.

Etymology and cognates: from Greek demos and kratos, through Latin democraticus, with cognates in English (democratic), French (démocratique), Italian (democratico), and Catalan (democràtic). Related concepts include democracy and democratization. See also democracy, liberal democracy, elections, civil rights, rule of law, accountability, and transparency.