Democracy is the system of governing in which people have power and control over decisions made by a government that represents them. Democracy is based on the principle that everyone has rights and freedoms, and that those who govern must be accountable to the people they serve. Democracy can take many forms, from direct or indirect democracy, to proportional or majoritarian voting systems. There are also different types of institutions and processes for governing, including constitutional republics, presidential or parliamentary democracies, and federal or unitary states.
There is a range of benefits associated with democracy, such as free and fair elections, open competition for political office, the rule of law, equal opportunity and freedom of speech, religion and movement. These benefits have been linked to higher educational achievement, and more peaceful and stable societies. Democracy is also superior to any other form of governance in promoting the dignity and freedom of individuals.
Nevertheless, democracy is fragile, and not immune to the pressures of rapid technological change and economic inequality. When governments fail to effectively address these challenges, or their citizens lose faith in the legitimacy of their institutions, they become vulnerable to authoritarian movements.
Defending democracy requires daily vigilance and an ongoing commitment to improving the democratic process. While democracy can be damaged by politicians and other agents who seek personal or partisan gain, or undermine its institutions, there are ways for people to defend democracy through channels such as independent research and investigative journalism, and through civil society organisations that promote transparency and accountability.