What is one characteristic of a democracy?

One of the fundamental characteristics of a democracy is the election of representatives by the people. This process allows citizens to have a direct role in shaping their government and influencing decision-making. In democratic systems, representatives are chosen through regular, free, and fair elections, which affirm the principle of popular sovereignty—the idea that the government's authority comes from the consent of the governed. This mechanism ensures that the government reflects the will of its constituents and is accountable to them.

In contrast, centralized authority over decisions often characterizes authoritarian regimes, where power is concentrated within a small group or a single leader, leaving little to no room for popular input. The absence of political parties is also not a trait of democracy; many democratic nations have multiple political parties that provide voters with options and representation. Lastly, the restriction of voting rights to certain citizens runs contrary to democratic principles, as inclusivity and equality in the electoral process are essential for a true democracy.