How is a democracy defined in the context of governance?

How is a democracy defined in the context of governance?

• A. A system where government actions are dictated by elite leaders
• B. A political system where citizens elect their governments
• C. A system where power is maintained by military rule
• D. A governance model based solely on economic inequality

Answer: (B)

A democracy is defined as a political system where citizens have the authority to elect their governments. This concept emphasizes the role of the electorate in shaping governance through participation in free and fair elections. In a democratic framework, political power is derived from the consent of the governed, allowing citizens to influence policies and leadership through their voting choices. This definition highlights fundamental democratic principles, such as representation, accountability, and the separation of powers, which ensure that the government reflects the will of the people. The essence of democracy lies in its commitment to civil liberties and the protection of individual rights, allowing for active participation from all citizens in the political process. The other options do not align with the democratic principle of citizen engagement and empowerment. Systems dictated by elite leaders, maintained by military rule, or driven solely by economic inequality do not provide the participatory and egalitarian framework that defines true democracy. Instead, they depict forms of governance where power is concentrated and citizen influence is limited or nonexistent.

A democracy is defined as a political system where citizens have the authority to elect their governments. This concept emphasizes the role of the electorate in shaping governance through participation in free and fair elections. In a democratic framework, political power is derived from the consent of the governed, allowing citizens to influence policies and leadership through their voting choices.

This definition highlights fundamental democratic principles, such as representation, accountability, and the separation of powers, which ensure that the government reflects the will of the people. The essence of democracy lies in its commitment to civil liberties and the protection of individual rights, allowing for active participation from all citizens in the political process.

The other options do not align with the democratic principle of citizen engagement and empowerment. Systems dictated by elite leaders, maintained by military rule, or driven solely by economic inequality do not provide the participatory and egalitarian framework that defines true democracy. Instead, they depict forms of governance where power is concentrated and citizen influence is limited or nonexistent.