Democracy (from Ancient Greek: , romanized: dmokrata, dmos people and kratos rule)[14] is a system of government in which state power is vested in the people or the general population of a state.
Explanation
The statement accurately defines democracy, highlighting its etymology from the ancient Greek terms 'demos' (meaning people) and 'kratos' (meaning rule). These components correctly characterize democracy as a system where authority is derived from the population. Historical sources confirm that democracy, particularly in the context of ancient Athens, revolved around concepts of citizen participation and collective decision-making. Cleisthenes is widely recognized for laying the foundations of what we now term 'direct democracy' in Athens, where significant decisions were made through assemblies and voting by eligible citizens. Furthermore, this foundational principle remains relevant in contemporary discussions about democratic ideals, particularly in relation to citizen empowerment and the public's role in governance, reinforcing the accuracy of the statement. The variety of contemporary sources discussing democracy also reflects ongoing public concern over democratic integrity, showing its deep-rooted importance through history.
Key Points
- The term 'democracy' originates from the Greek words 'demos' (people) and 'kratos' (rule).
- Ancient Greece is credited with the first forms of democracy, particularly in Athens under Cleisthenes.
- Democracy is fundamentally about empowering the general population in governing and decision-making processes.
