Democracy

Democracy (from the Greek dēmos, “people”, and kratía, “rule”) is a form of government in which political power rests, directly or indirectly, with the people. Decisions are made by majority while the rights of minorities remain protected.

Core principles

• Popular sovereignty: All authority derives from the people.
• Free and equal elections: Governments are elected at regular intervals and can be voted out.
• Separation of powers: Legislature, executive and judiciary check one another.
• Fundamental rights: Freedom of speech, the press and assembly are guaranteed.

Forms

The main distinction is between representative democracy, where elected delegates decide on behalf of citizens, and direct democracy, where citizens vote on issues themselves.