Democracy Meaning

Meaning of the Word
Democracy is a system of government where power is vested in the people, either directly or through elected representatives, ensuring equal participation in political decision-making.

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. A form of government in which power is vested in the people and exercised either directly or through elected representatives.
2. A system or practice that promotes the equal rights and freedoms of all citizens.
3. A political or social structure characterized by fairness, equal opportunity, and the protection of individual rights.

History and Origin
The word “democracy” originates from the Greek word demokratia, formed from demos (meaning “people”) and kratos (meaning “power” or “rule”). It was first used in ancient Greece, particularly in Athens around the 5th century BCE, as a system where citizens participated directly in the decision-making process. Over time, democracy evolved into representative forms, where citizens elect officials to make decisions on their behalf.

Detailed Explanation
Democracy is a political system designed to give all eligible citizens an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. In democratic societies, individuals can vote, run for office, and express opinions freely. This system is founded on principles like the rule of law, human rights, and political equality. Democracy exists in various forms, such as direct democracy, where citizens vote on laws and policies themselves, and representative democracy, where they elect leaders to make decisions on their behalf. While it guarantees political participation, democracy also emphasizes protection against the abuse of power and ensures that the rights of minorities are respected.

Example Sentences

1. The country has been practicing democracy for over 200 years, allowing citizens to vote in free elections.
2. Democracy requires that every individual has the right to voice their opinion without fear of punishment.
3. They debated the effectiveness of democracy as a system of government in the university’s political science class.
4. The citizens protested to ensure their democratic right to vote was not taken away.
5. In a democracy, leaders are elected by the people and are accountable to them.
6. Democracy promotes equality by ensuring that all citizens have an equal voice in the decisions that affect their lives.
7. The founding fathers believed democracy would protect individual freedoms and prevent the rise of tyrannical rule.
8. Many countries around the world are striving to establish democracy in their governance systems.
9. The recent election was a testament to the strength of democracy, with millions casting their votes.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Republic: A form of government where the people elect representatives, often with an emphasis on the rule of law.
2. Self-government: A system in which the people control their own affairs, synonymous with democracy’s focus on participation.
3. Popular rule: A system of governance based on the will and consent of the people.
4. Representative government: A form of democracy where citizens elect officials to make decisions on their behalf.
5. Constitutional government: A system where the government operates based on a constitution, often ensuring democratic principles like individual rights and the rule of law.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Suffrage: The right to vote in political elections, a key feature of democracy.
2. Equality: A core value of democracy, ensuring that all citizens have equal rights and opportunities.
3. Freedom: A fundamental principle in democratic systems, granting individuals the ability to act according to their own will.
4. Pluralism: A political theory or condition where multiple groups or beliefs coexist and are tolerated in a democracy.
5. Citizenship: The status of being a member of a democratic society, with rights and responsibilities.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Autocracy: A form of government where one person holds absolute power, the opposite of democracy.
2. Oligarchy: A system of government where a small group of people hold power, contrasting with the inclusivity of democracy.
3. Totalitarianism: A system of government where the state has total control over many aspects of life, unlike democracy’s focus on freedom.
4. Voting: The act of selecting representatives or laws in a democracy, often through elections.
5. Civil rights: The rights of citizens to political and social freedom, which are protected in democratic systems.

Antonyms

1. Autocracy: A system of government where a single individual holds all power, contrary to the democratic principle of people’s rule.
2. Tyranny: A form of government characterized by oppressive rule, where power is concentrated in the hands of a ruler or small group.
3. Dictatorship: A political system where one person or a small group holds absolute power, denying citizens democratic rights.
4. Despotism: The rule of a single authority, often harsh and unjust, opposite of democratic governance.
5. Monarchy: A form of government where a king, queen, or emperor holds power, usually passed down through a royal family, not elected by the people.