Democracy is a system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives. Central to the concept is the principle of equal representation and the protection of individual rights and freedoms. In democratic systems, policy decisions are typically made through voting, ensuring that the will of the majority shapes governance while also incorporating checks and balances to protect minority interests. Democracies often have constitutions, legal frameworks, and institutions—like a judiciary, legislature, and executive—that work in harmony to maintain transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. While democracy is often seen as the antithesis of autocratic or oligarchic systems, it is not without its challenges, such as the risk of "tyranny of the majority" or the influence of special interests. Nevertheless, it remains a widely adopted form of governance because of its capacity to engender political stability, social equality, and economic development.