Democracy is a form of
government in which all citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect
their lives. Ideally, this includes equal (and more or less direct)
participation in the proposal, development and passage of legislation into law.
It can also encompass social, economic and cultural conditions that enable the
free and equal practice of political
self-determination. The term comes from
the Greek: δημοκρατία – (dēmokratía) "rule of the people",which was coined from δῆμος (dêmos) "people" and κράτος (Kratos) "power”.
While there is no
specific, universally accepted definition of 'democracy’, equality and freedom
have both been identified as important characteristics of democracy since
ancient times.These principles are reflected in all citizens being equal
before the law and having equal
access to legislative processes. For example, in a representative democracy,
every vote has equal weight, no unreasonable restrictions can apply to anyone
seeking to become a representative, and the freedom of its citizens is secured
by legitimized rights and liberties which are generally protected by a
constitution.
