Democracy vs. Nondemocracy — What's the Difference?

Governance through elected representatives.

A system of government with limited or no citizen input.

A system of government by the whole population.

Governance by a single entity or a small group.

A political system promoting freedom and equality.

A political system with restricted freedoms.

A government based on majority rule.

A state where power is not derived from the people.

Democracy (Greek: δημοκρατία, dēmokratiā, from dēmos 'people' and kratos 'rule') refers to a form of government in which the people either have the authority to choose their governing legislators, or the authority to decide on legislation. Who is considered part of the people and how authority is shared among or delegated by the people has changed over time and at different speeds in different countries, but more and more of the inhabitants of countries have generally been included.

A government without competitive elections.

Government by the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives.

(uncountable) Any political system that is not democratic.

A political or social unit that has such a government.

(countable) A regime, country etc. that is not democratic.

The common people, considered as the primary source of political power.

Majority rule.

The principles of social equality and respect for the individual within a community.

(uncountable) Rule by the people, especially as a form of government; either directly or through elected representatives (representative democracy).

A government under the direct or representative rule of the people of its jurisdiction.

(countable) A state with a democratic system of government.

(uncountable) Belief in political freedom and equality; the "spirit of democracy".

Government by the people; a form of government in which the supreme power is retained and directly exercised by the people.

Government by popular representation; a form of government in which the supreme power is retained by the people, but is indirectly exercised through a system of representation and delegated authority periodically renewed; a constitutional representative government; a republic.

Collectively, the people, regarded as the source of government.

The principles and policy of the Democratic party, so called.

The political orientation of those who favor government by the people or by their elected representatives

A political system in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them

The doctrine that the numerical majority of an organized group can make decisions binding on the whole group

A state characterized by free and fair elections.

Leaders are chosen through free and fair elections.

Leaders are often self-appointed, inherit power, or take control through undemocratic means.

Yes, democracy promotes freedom of speech and expression.

Democracy is a political system where citizens have the power to elect their leaders.

It means that everyone, including leaders, must follow established legal frameworks.

Leaders often rule without legal constraints and are not held accountable.

Yes, they are competitive and reflect the will of the people.

Nondemocracy is a political system where power is held by a single ruler or a small group without citizen input.

Typically, nondemocracy restricts freedom of speech to maintain control.

No, they are often manipulated or non-existent to keep power concentrated.

The main principle is centralized power with limited or no public input.

By allowing citizens to vote, run for office, and express their views freely.

The main principle is that power is vested in the people.

Some nondemocracies may adopt limited democratic features, but true power remains with the ruling entity.

By limiting or suppressing citizen involvement and dissent.