Final answer:
Democratic governments and oligarchies differ in judicial independence, state autonomy, citizen participation, and law-making transparency, with democracies featuring more public involvement and checks on power.
Step-by-step explanation:
A democratic government and an oligarchy differ substantially in several aspects including the judicial system, the role of individual states, the role of the citizen, and the law-making process.
- In a democracy, the judicial system is designed to be impartial and independent, serving as a check on the other branches of government. In an oligarchy, the judicial system may be controlled or influenced by a few powerful individuals or groups.
- The role of individual states in a democratic government often involves a degree of autonomy and the ability to make certain decisions at a local level, whereas in an oligarchy, power is more centralized.
- Citizens in a democracy have a significant role, actively participating in elections and the decision-making process. In an oligarchy, the citizens' voices and roles are limited as a small group holds most of the power.
- Lastly, in the law-making process of a democratic government, laws are created and passed through elected representatives and procedures that encourage transparency and public input. In an oligarchy, law-making is typically in the hands of the ruling elite, without much input or oversight from the general population.