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Democracies

Definition

Democracies are political systems where power is vested in the people through free and fair elections. Citizens have the right to participate in decision-making processes either directly or through elected representatives.

Analogy

Imagine a classroom where students collectively decide on classroom rules by voting. Every student has an equal say in the decision-making process, and the majority vote determines the outcome. This represents the essence of democracy.

Related terms

Authoritarianism: A political system where power is concentrated in a single leader or small group without meaningful citizen participation.

Pluralism: The belief that multiple groups with different interests can coexist and compete within a society, contributing to democratic governance.

Civil Society: Organizations and institutions outside of government control that promote public interests and provide avenues for citizen engagement.



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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.