Final answer:
Democracies feature citizen participation in governance through direct democracy and expanded voter eligibility, protection of individual rights such as freedom of speech and assembly, and government accountability to laws reflecting the majority's will.
Step-by-step explanation:
Features of a Democratic Government
Three key features of a democratic government that emerged from the study of ancient Greece and are paramount for democracy include:
- Direct democracy: In this system, seen in ancient Athens, citizens voted directly on laws and government matters, highlighting the importance of citizen participation in the legislative process.
- Eligibility to Participate: Despite Athens only allowing a fraction of the population to vote, modern democracies aim to expand eligibility, ensuring that a larger percentage of the population can exercise the right to vote and participate in the governance process.
- Protection of Individual Rights: Modern democracies echo ancient Greek principles by championing freedom of speech, the press, and assembly, protecting citizens from unlawful imprisonment, and keeping a government constrained by laws that reflect the will of the majority.
The functions of these features are not only to manage and guide the operations of the government but also to safeguard the liberties and rights of the citizens, ensuring a society where people are empowered to influence governmental decisions and uphold accountability.