Although democracy is generally understood to be defined by voting, no consensus exists on a precise definition of democracy. 展开

Early theory
Aristotle contrasted rule by the many (democracy/timocracy), with rule by the few (oligarchy 展开

Aside from the public sphere, similar democratic principles and mechanisms of voting and representation have been used to govern other kinds of groups. Many non-governmental organisations decide policy and leadership by voting. Most trade unions and 展开

Democracy promotion can increase the quality of already existing democracies, reduce political apathy, and the chance of democratic backsliding. Democracy promotion measures include 展开

Democratic assemblies are as old as the human species and are found throughout human history, but up until the nineteenth century, major political figures have largely opposed democracy. … 展开

Democracy has taken a number of forms, both in theory and practice. Some varieties of democracy provide better representation and more … 展开

Several justifications for democracy have been postulated.
Legitimacy
Social contract theory argues that the legitimacy of government is … 展开