democracy

noun6

1. •
   a way of ruling a country in which power belongs to its people, who vote on leaders and laws

   • The period, that is, which marks the transition from absolutism or aristocracy to democracy will mark also the transition from absolutist or autocratic methods of nomination to democratic methods. — 1901
2. •
   A form of government where the people elect representatives who propose and approve laws and administer the government on their behalf (representative democracy).
3. •
   A form of government where the people vote directly on laws and government decisions (direct democracy).
4. •
   A government under the direct or representative rule of the people of its jurisdiction.

   • Of course, the Russians think it is something else because they say the Russians have a democracy and it is plain that their government is not what the Americans regard as a democracy. — 1947
5. •
   A state with a democratic system of government.

   • Some countries which were originally monarchies, like the UK, have maintained their status as monarchies whilst also becoming democracies in the modern era; others, like France, completely disposed of their monarchies when they became democracies.
6. •
   Belief in political freedom and equality; the "spirit of democracy".

   • As states of the human spirit democracy, righteousness, and faith have much in common and may be cultivated by the same means... — 1918