Democracy is the system of government whereby people choose and elect their own leaders through free and fair elections. It is the world’s most widely practised form of government and has a significant presence in the United Nations, where it is one of the principal values.
Democracy means “people’s power”. It originated in the 5th century bce in some Greek city-states, most notably Classical Athens, as the political system governing the Athenians, alongside the traditional forms of aristocracy and oligarchy. In modern times, democracy has become the standard of most advanced countries and is seen as the ideal form of a state, although other systems exist, such as constitutional monarchy, where a single person (a king or queen) holds ultimate control over a country by right of hereditary succession.
The principles of democracy include freedom, equality and accountability. In democracies, individuals can take part in decisions about their lives through freely expressed votes and the rights to free speech and assembly are guaranteed. People can hold their elected officials accountable if they do not fulfil their promises. Democracy also supports the dignity of every individual, as it is based on the principle that all individuals are equal in the eyes of the law.
Research shows that people in democratic countries are generally healthier, wealthier and happier than those living in non-democratic states. However, the benefits of democracy are not automatic and are dependent on several factors, including free and fair elections, good governance and institutions that protect basic human rights.