democracy
This term carries a strong positive association with freedom, equality, and human rights, though it is frequently used in political debates to describe the tension between majority rule and minority protections. It evokes an image of a ballot box and a collective voice, suggesting a shared responsibility for governance. In modern usage, the word often extends beyond politics to describe any situation where a group makes decisions by voting. It can be used critically to describe the "tyranny of the majority," where the sheer number of voters overrides the needs of a small group.
Uncountable when referring to the political philosophy or the general concept of self-governance. Countable when referring to specific nations or systems that practice this form of government, such as "the young democracies of Eastern Europe."
Meanings
A system of government where power is vested in the people, typically exercised through elected representatives.
"The country transitioned to a representative democracy after the revolution."