What makes a government truly effective? Is it the concentration of power or its distribution among the people? Democracy is a political system rooted in the principles of equality, representation, and liberty. It evolved through key historical milestones such as the English parliamentary system, the French Revolution, and the Industrial Revolution. Unlike monarchies, dictatorships, or aristocracies, democracy enables citizens to influence governance through elected representatives while safeguarding their fundamental rights. Today, most modern democratic states operate under representative democracy, where periodic elections hold leaders accountable and ensure the people’s voice shapes public policy. Democracy also fosters transparency, freedom of expression, and peaceful coexistence among diverse communities. Its adaptability across cultures and its resilience in the face of global challenges further underscore its strength as a governing model.

What, exactly, is democracy? Many authors define it as rule by the people. In fact, as a form of government, it means the rule of many, and as a representative government, it means rule by the majority. In a democracy, people surrender certain rights to representatives under the condition that those rights—life, liberty, property—will be safeguarded. These representatives are bound to fulfill the aspirations of the people; failure to do so risks their removal in the next term. Thus, a system of accountability and responsibility is established, which enhances government effectiveness. Modern democracy is the product of three major historical developments: the English parliamentary system, the French Revolution (1789), and the Industrial Revolution. The modern indirect form of democracy emerged in the 19th century and gradually spread across the globe. While many forms of government have been tried, democracy has proven to be the most effective—at least compared to its alternatives such as........

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