What is Democracy?

民主制度 Democracy 民主是一种政治体系，其权力归属于人民，人民通过直接参与或选举代表行使权力。民主的核心特征包括： Democracy is a political system in which power is vested in the people, who exercise power through direct participation or through the election of representatives. The core characteristics of democracy include: 人民主权：人民是政治权力的最终来源。 Popular sovereignty: The people are the ultimate source of political power. 自由公正的选举：通过定期、包容且透明的选举，公民得以选择领导人。 : Citizens are able to choose their leaders through regular, inclusive and transparent elections. 法治原则：所有个人和机构均受法律约束并对法律负责。 The principle of the rule of law: All individuals and institutions are bound by and accountable to the law. 政治参与：公民享有投票权、参政权及参与公共生活的权利。 Political participation: Citizens have the right to vote, to participate in political power and to participate in public life. 权利保障：基本自由（言论、新闻、集会、宗教等）受到保护。 : Fundamental freedoms (speech, press, assembly, religion, etc.) are protected. 多元主义：多党派与不同观点和平共存、相互竞争。 Pluralism: Multi-party and diverse perspectives coexist peacefully and compete with each other. 问责与透明：领导人须对公众负责，政府行为接受监督。 民主的类型： Types of Democracy: 直接民主：公民直接投票决定政策（如全民公投）。 Direct democracy: Citizens vote directly to decide on policies (such as referendums). 代议制民主：公民选举官员代表其决策（如美国、印度、德国）。 Representative democracy: Citizens elect officials to make decisions on their behalf (e.g., the United States, India, Germany). 自由民主：结合民主制度与个人及少数群体权利保障。 Liberal democracy: combining democratic institutions with the protection of individual and minority rights. 社会民主：强调民主治理与社会福利政策的结合。 Social Democracy: Emphasizes the integration of democratic governance with social welfare policies. 与其他制度的对比： Comparison with other systems: 威权体制：权力集中于单一统治者（如君主制、独裁统治）。 Authoritarian system: The concentration of power in a single ruler (e.g., monarchy, dictatorship). 寡头政治：权力由少数精英掌控。 Oligarchy: Power is held by a few elites. 神权政治：以宗教权威为基础的治理模式。 Theocracy: A model of governance based on religious authority. 民主常与平等、正义、人权等价值观关联，但全球实践形式各异。批评者可能指出其面临的挑战，如选民冷漠、腐败，或多数决对少数利益的压制。 Democracy is often associated with values such as equality, justice, and human rights, but practices vary globally. Critics may point to challenges such as voter apathy, corruption, or the suppression of minority interests by majority votes. （译文在保持专业性的同时，采用符合中文政治语境的表述，如"代议制民主""问责与透明"等术语；通过分项列举和对比结构清晰呈现信息；末句补充"多数决"等术语以准确传递原文的批判视角。） (While maintaining professionalism, the translation uses expressions that fit the Chinese political context, such as terms such as "representative democracy" and "accountability and transparency"; Present information clearly through itemized enumeration and contrasting structures; The last sentence adds terms such as "majority decision" to accurately convey the critical perspective of the original text. ） Democracy is a system of government where power is vested in the people, who exercise it directly or through elected representatives. Key features of democracy include: Popular Sovereignty: The people are the ultimate source of political authority. Free and Fair Elections: Regular, inclusive, and transparent elections allow citizens to choose their leaders. Rule of Law: All individuals and institutions are subject to and accountable under the law. Political Participation: Citizens have the right to vote, run for office, and engage in civic life. Protection of Rights: Fundamental freedoms (speech, press, assembly, religion) are protected. Pluralism: Multiple political parties and viewpoints coexist and compete peacefully. Accountability & Transparency: Leaders are answerable to the public, and government actions are open to scrutiny. Types of Democracy: Direct Democracy: Citizens vote directly on policies (e.g., referendums). Representative Democracy: Citizens elect officials to make decisions on their behalf (e.g., the U.S., India, Germany). Liberal Democracy: Combines democracy with protections for individual rights and minority groups. Social Democracy: Focuses on combining democratic governance with social welfare policies. Contrast with Other Systems: Autocracy: Power is concentrated in a single ruler (e.g., monarchy, dictatorship). Oligarchy: Power is held by a small elite group. Theocracy: Governance based on religious authority. Democracy is often associated with values like equality, justice, and human rights, though its implementation varies globally. Critics may highlight challenges like voter apathy, corruption, or majority rule overriding minority interests.