1. Democracy
Democracy, derived from the Greek words *dēmos* (“people”) and *kratos* (“rule”), signifies “rule by the people.” Originating in ancient Athens around 507 BCE under Cleisthenes, it allowed adult male citizens to participate directly in decision-making. This system evolved into representative democracies, where citizens elect officials to govern on their behalf. Democracy has become a dominant global governance model, emphasizing individual rights, political equality, and the pursuit of freedom and equality (britannica.com).
