What are the main characteristics of democracy?

The main characteristics of democracy fundamentally revolve around the principles of political equality and participatory governance. In a democratic system, citizens have the right to participate in the political process, which is typically exercised through free and fair elections. This means that every eligible citizen has an equal opportunity to vote and run for office, thereby influencing government policies and leadership.

Human rights are also a critical component of democracy; they ensure that individuals are treated with dignity and respect and can freely express their opinions, assemble, and associate with others. The rule of law is another essential characteristic, establishing that laws govern the nation rather than arbitrary decisions by individual leaders. This means that everyone, including government officials, is subject to the law, which helps to protect citizens’ rights and freedoms.

In contrast, options indicating monopolistic governance, authoritarian control, and lack of accountability reflect systems that are fundamentally incompatible with democratic ideals. These systems often suppress dissent, limit individual freedoms, and concentrate power in the hands of a few, thereby undermining the concept of participatory governance inherent to democracy.