Democracy is a form of government where political power resides in the people, typically exercised through elected representatives. It is defined by competitive elections and is often linked to civil liberties and human rights. Modern democracies are usually representative, where citizens elect officials to govern on their behalf, such as in parliamentary or presidential systems. Features often include freedom of assembly, speech, religion, and the right to vote.
The concept of democracy originated in ancient Greece, but the dominant form today is representative democracy. While democracy is generally understood to be defined by voting, there's no single precise definition. Legal equality, political freedom, and the rule of law are foundational characteristics. Public opinion strongly favors democratic systems, and democracies tend to have better outcomes in health, education, and economics. The United Nations supports democracy through human rights, development, and peace initiatives.
