What is the best definition of democracy?

What is democracy? Democracy is a system of government in which laws, policies, leadership, and major undertakings of a state or other polity are directly or indirectly decided by the “people,” a group historically constituted by only a minority of the population (e.g., all free adult males in ancient Athens or all sufficiently propertied adult

What is democracy according to Diamond?

In a lecture titled “What is Democracy”? Larry Diamond (2004) gave an overview of what in his opinion is democracy. He describes democracy as a system of government with four key elements: A system for choosing and replacing the government through free and fair elections;

What is democracy these days?

Democracy these days is more commonly defined in negative terms, as freedom from arbitrary actions, the personality cult or the rule of a nomenklatura, than by reference to what it can achieve or the social forces behind it. What are we celebrating today? The downfall of authoritarian regimes or the triumph of democracy?

What is direct democracy?

Some people assert that a country calling itself a democracy must be engaged in direct (or pure) democracy, in which the people of a state or region vote directly for policies, rather than elect representatives who make choices on their behalf.

1 : government by the people : majority rule. 2 : government in which the highest power is held by the people and is usually used through representatives. 3 : a political unit (as a nation) governed by the people. 4 : belief in or practice of the idea that all people are socially equal.

What are 5 characteristics of democracy?

Characteristics of Democracy

  • Elected representative.
  • Civil liberties.
  • Independent judiciary.
  • Organised opposition party.
  • Rule of law.
  • Citizens in a democracy have not only rights but also the responsibility to participate in the political system.

What is illiberal democracy quizlet?

Illiberal Democracy. When a “democratic” country is not a democracy in practice, ie.

What are 10 characteristics of democracy?

The 10 Character Traits

  • Be Honest. Tell the truth; be sincere; don’t mislead or withhold key information in relationships of trust; don’t steal.
  • Demonstrate integrity.
  • Keep promises.
  • Be loyal.
  • Be responsible.
  • Pursue excellence.
  • Be kind and caring.
  • Treat all people with respect.

What is the legal definition of democracy?

Legal Definition of democracy 1 a : government by the people especially : rule of the majority b : a government in which the 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 2 : a political unit that has a democratic government

What is democracy for kids?

Kids Definition of democracy 1 : government by the people : majority rule 2 : government in which the highest power is held by the people and is usually used through representatives

Is democracy and freedom a negative concept?

This negative concept of democracy and freedom, expounded notably by Isaiah Berlin and Karl Popper, is convincing because the main thing today is to free individuals and groups from the stifling control of a governing élite speaking on behalf of the people and the nation.