What defines a democracy?

A democracy is fundamentally defined as a system of government where citizens have the power to exercise their rights and influence governmental decisions, primarily through the election of representatives. In this framework, the will of the majority is expressed through elected officials, who are accountable to the public. This representative model ensures that the citizens' voices are heard in the legislative process and that the government reflects the collective interests of the populace.

The concept of democracy emphasizes participation, equality, and the safeguarding of individual rights, allowing citizens to engage in the political process either directly or indirectly through their chosen representatives. This structure stands in contrast to forms of governance where power is concentrated in the hands of an individual or a select group, as seen in dictatorial regimes, or where decision-making is not determined by the populace, such as in monarchies with ceremonial powers, or in coalitions that may not directly represent the democratic process. Thus, option A captures the essence of a democratic system effectively, distinguishing it from other political arrangements.