Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Democratic governance refers to a system of government where power is vested in the people, who exercise it directly or through elected representatives, and decisions are made based on majority rule while respecting minority rights.
The division of governmental powers among different branches (such as executive, legislative, and judicial) to prevent concentration of power in one entity.