What is Democracy?

(a) Rule by king

(b) Rule by elected representatives

(c) Rule by one person

(d) Rule by rich people

The correct Answer: (b) Rule by elected representatives

Democracy is a form of government in which power ultimately rests with the people. Citizens choose their leaders through free, fair, and regular elections; those leaders (Members of Parliament/Legislatures, local bodies) govern on the people’s behalf and are accountable to them. Modern democracies are mostly representative—people elect representatives rather than making laws directly—though some countries also use referendums/initiatives for direct participation.

Core features to remember:

• Universal adult franchise: Every citizen aged 18+ can vote.
• Periodic elections: Leaders must seek a fresh mandate at fixed intervals.
• Rule of law: Everyone, including those in power, is subject to the law.
• Fundamental rights & minority protection: Majority rule with minority rights safeguarded.
• Separation of powers & checks and balances: Legislature, Executive, Judiciary keep each other in check.
• Accountability & transparency: Government answers to the people via Parliament, courts, media, and civil society.

Why the other options are incorrect:

(a) Rule by king (Monarchy): Power is hereditary, not based on election by citizens.

(c) Rule by one person (Autocracy/Dictatorship): Power concentrated in a single ruler; elections—if any—are not genuinely free or fair.

(d) Rule by rich people (Plutocracy/Oligarchy): Power rests with a wealthy few, not with the entire electorate.