Final answer:
Democracy is often described as 'majority rule,' a principle that ensures decisions reflect the preferences of most voters. However, when multiple choices exist, majority rule may not accurately represent the majority's preference, and variations like supermajority rules add complexity. Ultimately, democracy centers on citizens' rights to choose their leaders and policies, with national variances on how exactly majority rule is enacted.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of democracy is often summarized by the phrase "majority rule." This idea embodies the principle that the decision preferred by most voters should be adopted by a democratic government.
Majority rule usually means that a proposal or candidate must receive more than fifty percent of the votes to win. This system aims to reflect the will of a larger portion of the electorate, giving legitimacy to elected officials and enacted policies.
However, the notion of majority rule becomes complex when multiple choices are present, potentially failing to capture the true preference of the majority. Additional voting systems, such as supermajority rules requiring a higher percentage of votes, can make changing the status quo more challenging.
Despite these complexities, the core of a democratic government is the collective right of its citizens to make choices about their leaders and the policies they implement.
Each democratic nation must address the critical questions concerning the extent and limits of majority rule, the protection of individual rights, and the application of the rule of law.