What is a democracy?

A democracy is defined as a system of government in which power is vested in the people. This means that the citizens play a vital role in making decisions about their governance, often through the process of elections where they choose their representatives or decide on policies directly. The essence of democracy lies in the principle that the authority of the government is derived from the consent of the governed, promoting individual rights, freedoms, and equal participation in political processes.

In contrast, the other options outline different forms of governance. A system where power is held by a single ruler describes an autocracy or dictatorship, where decision-making is concentrated in the hands of one individual. A government characterized by military rule refers to a situation where the military exerts control over the governance of a country, often dismissing civilian authority. Lastly, a form of government with no elections indicates an absence of democratic processes, which is contrary to the fundamental concept of democracy that emphasizes free and fair elections as a means of public participation in governance.