What is Democracy? Why is Democracy?

Final decision-making power rests with elected representatives, Elections offer real choice between political alternatives, Each adult citizen has one vote and each vote has equal value, Government rules within limits set by constitution and citizens' rights

The four main features of democracy are: 1) Final power with elected representatives, 2) Free and fair elections with real choice, 3) One person, one vote, one value, and 4) Government limited by constitutional law and rights. Democracy does not restrict voting to only educated people.

Saudi Arabia (women could not vote until 2015), Estonia (difficult for Russian minority to get voting rights), Fiji (indigenous Fijians' votes have more value)

The chapter mentions these three examples of denial of equal voting rights: Saudi Arabia denied women the right to vote until 2015, Estonia made it difficult for Russian minorities to vote, and Fiji gave more value to indigenous Fijians' votes. India follows the principle of equal voting rights for all adult citizens.

Opposition parties were harassed, media was controlled, and basic rights were not protected

Zimbabwe shows that just holding elections is not enough for democracy. The government harassed opposition workers, controlled media, limited criticism of the President, and did not respect basic rights or court judgments. Democracy requires respect for rights and rule of law.

It recognizes political equality - the poorest has the same status as the rich

Democracy enhances dignity because it is based on political equality. The poorest and least educated person has the same political status as the rich and educated. People are not subjects of rulers; they are the rulers themselves.