Democracy is a form of government in which all people have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives.

Ideally, this includes equal (and more or less direct) participation in the proposal, development and passage of legislation into law. It can also encompass social, economic and cultural conditions that enable the free and equal practice of political self-determination. Equality and freedom have both been identified as important characteristics of democracy since ancient times. These principles are reflected in all citizens being equal before the law and having equal access to legislative processes. For example, in a representative democracy, every vote has equal weight, no unreasonable restrictions can apply to anyone seeking to become a representative, and the freedom of its citizens is secured by legitimized rights and liberties which are generally protected by a constitution.

The features of democracy are as follows;

Rulers elected by the people take all the major decisions; Elections offer a choice and fair opportunity to the people to change the current rulers; this choice is available to all the people on an equal basis FREEDOM OF SPEECH, DEBATE, AND ENQUIRY This is a principle of democracy because it is essential to the open debate upon which a vibrant political culture is founded and maintained. In a Popular Democracy, the government is the servant of the people, not their master. Its job is to listen, respond and deliver to that which is demanded by the people.

EQUALITY BEFORE THE LAW This means that judgments are made in accordance with a written law, rather than being made in an arbitrary manner. Just as important as "the rule of law", however, is equality before the law -- meaning each citizen has an equal ability to seek and receive justice.