Meaning of a democratic government

Democratic government base their authority and legitimacy on the people of their country. If you have a King who rules by virtue of family ties or the will of God or a dictator who rules by fear and physical power over the people you do not have a democratic government.

There are many ways the people of a country can arrange their political affairs to be considered democratic, but it always starts with the people.

Democratic governments typically embrace liberty and freedom as the citizens prefer freedom to tyranny. A well educated and free population is usually a requirement of a successful democratic government as a population that is ignorant, superstitious, and fearful are frequently the target of those who would manipulate them out of their freedoms for their own gain.