Democracies are political systems where power is vested in the people, who choose representatives through elections to govern on their behalf. They promote individual freedoms, equality, and participation in decision-making.
Related terms
Authoritarianism: A system of government where power is concentrated in the hands of one or a few individuals without input or consent from the governed.
Separation of Powers: The division of governmental responsibilities among different branches (executive, legislative, judicial) to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful.
Federalism: A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and regional governments, with each having distinct powers and responsibilities.