broader meaning of democracy

Democracy is a term derived from two Greek words, ‘demos’ and ‘cratia’. ‘demos means the people and ‘cratia’ means power. In short, democracy means the power of the people.
According to Abraham Lincoln,’ democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people, by all, for all”.
The most common form that democracy takes in our times is that of a representative democracy.
A majority is allowed to take decisions on behalf of all the people. Even the majority does not rule directly.
In its broader meaning we use democracy for organisations or institutions other than the government that take decisions after discussions and arrive at some consensus.
A democratic decision involves consultation with and consent of all those who are affected by that decision. Those who are not powerful have the same say n taking the decision as those who are powerful. This can apply to a government or a family or any other organisation.

The key features of Indian democracy are: Universal Adult Franchise Participation of the people Conflict resolution Equality and Justice
1. A system of free and fair periodic elections for choosing ans replacing the representatives who actually run the government
. 2. The active participation of the citizens in poitical and civic life.
3. Protection of human rights of all the citizens
4. A rule of law, in which laws and procedures apy equally to all citizens.
5. Consensus and tolerance as the limits and requirements for democracy.