Democracy, though, is the idea that power should not be highly centralized in the hands of elites. Instead, democratic ideals suggest that ordinary citizens should have the power to choose priorities...

Democracy, though, is the idea that power should not be highly centralized in the hands of elites. Instead, democratic ideals suggest that ordinary citizens should have the power to choose priorities and create the rules for society. A healthy democratic system is routinely responsive to people’s wishes, generally carrying out the will of the people through elections, referenda, and other mechanisms.