🗳️ What Is Democracy?
4th Grade 🏛️ Civics & Government
Democracy is a kind of government where the people have the power, usually by voting for their leaders.
Rule by the people
The word comes from Greek: demos (people) + kratos (power). Ancient Athens, in Greece, had one of the first democracies about 2,500 years ago.
Representative democracy
In the United States, citizens 18 and older vote for representatives — like members of Congress, governors and the President — who make decisions for them.
Rights and responsibilities
Democracy needs free and fair elections, freedom of speech and a free press, and laws that apply to everyone. Citizens help by voting, staying informed and respecting others’ opinions.
Quick quiz
What does "demos" mean in Greek?
Where was an early democracy?
How old must US citizens be to vote?