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Democracies

Definition

Democracies are political systems where power is vested in the people, who choose representatives through elections to govern on their behalf. They promote individual freedoms, equality, and participation in decision-making.

Analogy

Think of a democracy as a group project in school. Every student has an equal say in decisions and they elect a group leader (representative) who will make sure everyone's opinions are heard and considered during discussions.

Related terms

Authoritarianism: A system of government where power is concentrated in the hands of one or a few individuals without input or consent from the governed.

Separation of Powers: The division of governmental responsibilities among different branches (executive, legislative, judicial) to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful.

Federalism: A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and regional governments, with each having distinct powers and responsibilities.