Overview

Democracy (from Greek demos “people” + kratos “power”) is rule by the people. It is the dominant form of government in the modern West, though it comes in many flavors.

Core Idea

The core idea is political equality. Every citizen should have an equal say in how they are governed.

Formal Definition

  • Direct Democracy: Citizens vote on laws directly (Ancient Athens).
  • Representative Democracy (Republic): Citizens elect officials to make laws (USA, UK).
  • Liberal Democracy: Democracy constrained by a constitution that protects individual rights (even from the majority).

Intuition

It’s the worst form of government, except for all the others (Churchill). It’s messy, slow, and often frustrating, but it allows for peaceful transitions of power and accountability.

Examples

  • Parliamentary System: The leader (Prime Minister) is chosen by the legislature (UK, Canada).
  • Presidential System: The leader is elected separately from the legislature (USA, Brazil).
  • Referendum: A direct vote on a specific issue (Brexit).

Common Misconceptions

  • Misconception: Democracy = Freedom.
    • Correction: Not always. “Illiberal Democracies” (like Hungary or Turkey) have elections but restrict press freedom and minority rights. This is the “Tyranny of the Majority.”
  • Misconception: The US is a Democracy.
    • Correction: Pedants say “It’s a Republic.” But a Republic is just a type of Representative Democracy. It is both.

Applications

  • Nation Building: Trying to export democracy to other countries (often with mixed results).
  • Corporate Governance: Shareholder voting is a form of democracy.

Criticism and Limitations

  • Voter Ignorance: Most voters are uninformed.
  • Short-termism: Politicians only care about the next election, not the next 50 years.

Further Reading

  • Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville
  • How Democracies Die by Levitsky and Ziblatt