Understanding Democracy for Students

Rule by the government

Rule by the people

Rule by the king

Rule by the law

Citizens must follow the king's orders

Citizens have the right to vote and express their opinions

Citizens cannot question the government

Citizens must pay extra taxes

Only the citizens

Only the government

Everyone, including the government

Only the leaders

People have no rights

People have the right to freedom of speech and religion

People must follow the majority's religion

People cannot express their opinions

Elections are held once every 50 years

Elections are held regularly and are free and fair

Elections are held only for the president

Elections are held secretly without public knowledge

The government keeps all its actions secret

The government is open about its actions and decisions

The government only shares information with the military

The government hides its financial records

To ensure the majority always wins

To make sure everyone's voice is heard and respected

To ignore the needs of the minority

To allow the majority to make all decisions

The government can do anything it wants

The powers of the government are restricted by law; cannot do whatever it wants

The government has unlimited power

The government can change laws without approval

A monarchy

A system of checks and balances

A dictatorship

A single-party system

To obey without question

To actively participate and engage in the democratic process

To avoid voting

To follow only the majority's decisions