Democracy, from the Greek words demos, meaning people or citizens, and kratos, means power or rule, describes any government by the people. The term is most commonly applied to governments based on representative democracy, in which voters elect representatives — members of parliament, for example — to make political decisions and formulate laws on their behalf. Almost half of the world’s countries currently have some form of representative democracy.
While democracy is often described as a universal model, it is important to realize that no two democratic systems are exactly alike. While most democratic nations have certain characteristics in common — such as free elections, open and transparent decision making, and legal rights and protections for all citizens — each one also has unique features that reflect its country’s social and cultural traditions.
Many people believe that democracy is the best – or at least most ideal – form of government. In fact, the rapid increase in democracy around the world since 1900 prompted some to argue that we have reached the ‘end of history’ and that global peace and prosperity are assured if only the rest of the world embraces democracy.
However, while democracy is a powerful concept, it requires daily vigilance and active participation from the people of any society. Democracy is damaged when citizens and leaders disregard its principles, undermine its institutions for personal or partisan gain, or refuse to extend its rights and protections to all.
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