Democracy is a system of government in which power is vested in the people, who exercise that power directly or through elected representatives. Key principles of democracy include:
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Popular Sovereignty: The authority of the government is derived from the will of the people. Citizens have the right to participate in decision-making processes.
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Political Equality: Every citizen has an equal say in the political process, often expressed through voting.
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Free and Fair Elections: Elections are held regularly and conducted in a manner that allows for genuine competition and free expression of the electorate’s preferences.
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Rule of Law: Laws apply equally to all individuals, and there are legal mechanisms in place to protect the rights of citizens, including minority rights.
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Political Pluralism: Multiple political parties and interest groups are allowed to exist, providing diverse options for representation and policy choices.
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Civil Liberties: Fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, assembly, and the press are protected, allowing citizens to express their views and hold the government accountable.
Democracy can take various forms, including direct democracy, where citizens vote on laws and policies directly, and representative democracy, where they elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. In practice, democracies may vary widely in terms of their institutions and processes, but the core principles remain focused on empowering citizens and ensuring accountability.
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