A Simple Definition of Democracy


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

A Simple Definition of Democracy

A Simple Definition of Democracy: Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people. From this definition, we can clearly separate non-democratic governments. For instance, army rulers of Myanmar are not elected by the people and are, thus non-democratic. Dictators like Pinochet are not elected by the people.

This is also applicable to the kings of Saudi Arabia and Nepal (earlier). They are rulers because they are born in the royal family. People have not chosen them. But simple this definition is not adequate in all respects.

If we accept this definition, it implies that almost every government is a democracy that holds an election. It would be very misleading. We need to carefully distinguish between a government that is a democracy and one that pretends to democracy.

  • government by the people; a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system.
  • a state having such a form of government:The United States and Canada are democracies.
  • a state of society characterized by formal equality of rights and privileges.
  • political or social equality; democratic spirit.
  • the common people of a community as distinguished from any privileged class; the common people with respect to their political power.
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    Sample Questions
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    Question : 1

    Democracy is based on the idea of _______________

    Right Option : C
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    Explanation
    Question : 2

    The two Greek words ‘Demos' and ‘Kratia' stand for __________________ .

    Right Option : A
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    Explanation
    Question : 3

    What is democracy?

    Right Option : B
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    Explanation
     
     


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