Democracy is a form of government where power is held by the people. Here are some aspects of democracy with practical examples:
Elections: In a democracy, citizens have the right to vote in free and fair elections to choose their leaders. For example, the United States holds presidential elections every four years, and citizens over the age of 18 are allowed to vote.
Civil Liberties: Democracy also upholds civil liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press. For instance, in Canada, citizens are free to express their opinions and beliefs, including criticizing the government, without fear of punishment.
Rule of Law: A democratic government operates under the rule of law, which means that everyone, including those in power, must follow the law. An example of this is the UK's legal system, which holds politicians accountable for their actions.
Separation of Powers: A democratic government is typically divided into different branches, such as the executive, legislative, and judiciary, to prevent one group from having too much power. The United States has a system of checks and balances where the different branches of government limit each other's power.
Transparency: A democracy is also expected to be transparent, with the government providing information to citizens about its activities and decision-making processes. For example, the government of Sweden publishes information on salaries and expenses of its public officials, promoting transparency and accountability.
These aspects of democracy are important in ensuring that citizens have a say in how they are governed, and that those in power are accountable to the people they serve.