Democracy means rule by the people. In Athens, where the word originated, citizens gathered in an assembly and voted directly on laws. Women, slaves, and foreigners were excluded. Modern democracy is mostly representative: citizens elect officials who make decisions on their behalf. The shift from direct to representative democracy was practical. Large populations cannot assemble in one place, and complex legislation requires expertise and time.

Democracies take many forms. In a presidential system, the executive is elected separately from the legislature. In a parliamentary system, the executive is drawn from the legislature. Some democracies use proportional representation, where seats are allocated by vote share. Others use winner-take-all districts. Each system has trade-offs between responsiveness, stability, and fairness. Democracy also depends on institutions beyond elections: free press, independent courts, rule of law, protection of minorities. Without those, majority rule can become majority tyranny.

Core features

• Free and fair elections. Regular, competitive, and open to all eligible citizens.
• Rule of law. Laws apply equally and constrain government power.
• Protection of rights. Speech, assembly, religion, and due process.
• Accountability. Officials can be removed by voters or other institutions.

Democracy is not just a method of choosing leaders. It is a set of commitments about how power should be held and limited.