Democracy, which derives from the Greek word demos, or people, is defined, basi- cally, as government in which the supreme power is vested in the people. In some forms, democracy can be exercised directly by the people; in large societies, it is by the people through their elected agents.
What does democracy mean and who holds the power?
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. 3 : a political unit (as a nation) governed by the people.
Who rules in a democracy?
1. Theirs was a form of direct democracy – in other words, instead of electing representatives to govern on the people’s behalf, “the people” themselves met, discussed questions of government, and then implemented policy. Democracy is not the law of the majority , but the protection of the minority.
Who has the power in indirect democracy?
Indirect democracy, or representative democracy, is when citizens elect representatives to make laws for them. This is what most modern countries have today. In many representative democracies (USA, Canada, India, etc.) representatives are chosen in elections.
What are the 3 types of democracy?
- Direct democracy.
- Representative democracy.
- Constitutional democracy.
- Monitory democracy.
What are the 7 principles of democracy?
These seven principles include: checks and balances, federalism, individual rights, limited government, popular sovereignty, republicanism, and separation of powers . Enjoy this review!
Why do we need democracy?
Democracy explains and helps in maintaining law and order . Democracy helps citizens to choose their leaders to run the government. Democracy provides equal rights among citizens on the basis of caste, religion and sex. Democracy enhances the quality of decision-making and also improves the dignity of citizens.
What makes a strong democracy?
In a strong democracy, people –citizens – govern themselves to the greatest extent possible rather than delegate their power and responsibility to representatives acting in their names. ...
What are the 5 basic concepts of democracy?
Respect for the equality of all persons 3. Faith in majority rule and an insistence upon minority rights 4. Acceptance of the necessity of compromise; and 5. Insistence upon the widest possible degree of individual freedom.
What is the other name of indirect democracy?
Indirect democracy (also called representative democracy ) – is where citizens choose others to represent them, making important decisions on their behalf.
What are the benefits of indirect democracy?
Indirect democracy allows citizens to vote for representatives who then can create the laws of government on their behalf . It’s a very efficient way to make laws while at the same time being responsive to the people through the election of representatives.
What are the characteristics of indirect democracy?
- Representative Administration: In this system of governance, citizens elect their representatives through elections. ...
- People’s entrusted with Sovereignty: In an indirect democracy, people have sovereignty.
What are the 2 main types of democracy?
Democracies fall into two basic categories, direct and representative. In a direct democracy, citizens, without the intermediary of elected or appointed officials, can participate in making public decisions.
What is the most common form of democracy?
Complete answer: Representative democracy or indirect democracy are the two most common forms of democracy in today’s world. Indirect democracy is when people elect representatives to make laws for them or representative democracy.
What is a true democracy?
Direct democracy or pure democracy is a form of democracy in which the electorate decides on policy initiatives without legislative representatives as proxies. This differs from the majority of currently established democracies, which are representative democracies.
What are the 6 basic principles of democracy?
The six underlying principles of the Constitution are popular sovereignty, federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, judicial review, and limited government .
