What is the definition of democracy?

What is the definition of democracy?

• A. Rule by the elite
• B. Government by a select few
• C. Rule by the people
• D. Governance through monarchy

Answer: (C)

Democracy is defined as "rule by the people," which signifies a system of government in which power is vested in the population, who exercise it directly or through elected representatives. This foundational principle underscores the importance of participation and equal representation in governance. In a democracy, the authority of the government is derived from the consent of the governed, which empowers citizens to have a say in the laws and policies that affect their lives. This idea can take various forms, such as direct democracy, where citizens vote on laws directly, or representative democracy, where they elect officials to make decisions on their behalf. The other options represent forms of governance that do not align with the democratic principle of popular sovereignty. The rule by the elite suggests power is held by a small, privileged group, which is contrary to the inclusive nature of a democratic system. Similarly, governance by a select few indicates that decision-making authority is concentrated in hands of a limited number of individuals, rather than being distributed among the general populace. Lastly, governance through monarchy implies hereditary rule, which typically does not involve citizens' participation in governmental processes. Thus, the essence of democracy emphasizes the role of the people in controlling and shaping their government.

Democracy is defined as "rule by the people," which signifies a system of government in which power is vested in the population, who exercise it directly or through elected representatives. This foundational principle underscores the importance of participation and equal representation in governance.

In a democracy, the authority of the government is derived from the consent of the governed, which empowers citizens to have a say in the laws and policies that affect their lives. This idea can take various forms, such as direct democracy, where citizens vote on laws directly, or representative democracy, where they elect officials to make decisions on their behalf.

The other options represent forms of governance that do not align with the democratic principle of popular sovereignty. The rule by the elite suggests power is held by a small, privileged group, which is contrary to the inclusive nature of a democratic system. Similarly, governance by a select few indicates that decision-making authority is concentrated in hands of a limited number of individuals, rather than being distributed among the general populace. Lastly, governance through monarchy implies hereditary rule, which typically does not involve citizens' participation in governmental processes. Thus, the essence of democracy emphasizes the role of the people in controlling and shaping their government.