Democracy is a system where political power resides with the people, exercised through participation and representation.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Government by the people, for the people.
- Emphasizes citizen participation and rights.
- Key concept in modern political systems.
Overview
民主（mínzhǔ）是一个源自古希腊语的词汇，意为“人民的统治”。它是一种政治制度，其核心理念是权力属于人民，人民通过直接或间接的方式参与国家治理。在现代社会，民主通常意味着定期的、自由公正的选举，保障公民的基本权利（如言论自由、集会自由等），以及法治。民主制度的成功与否，很大程度上取决于公民的积极参与和对制度的信任。
“民主”一词常用于讨论政治制度、国家治理、社会发展和国际关系等话题。它可以作为主语、宾语或定语使用。例如，“民主制度”、“民主选举”、“民主国家”、“实现民主”等都是常见的搭配。
国际关系：在评价国家间的关系和国际秩序时，民主也是一个重要的考量因素，如“民主国家联盟”。
自由（Freedom/Liberty）是民主制度的重要组成部分，但自由本身不完全等同于民主。民主制度保障了公民的自由，而自由的实现也需要民主的框架。例如，言论自由是民主国家公民的基本权利，但仅仅拥有言论自由并不意味着一个国家就是民主的。
人民（People）是民主概念的核心，民主的权力最终来源于人民。但“人民”本身只是一个群体概念，不直接等同于民主这种政治制度。
共和制（Republic）是一种国家结构形式，强调国家权力来源于人民，但其不一定等同于民主。共和制可以存在君主立宪制（如英国）或非民主的共和制（如一些历史上的政体）。而民主（Democracy）则更侧重于人民的统治方式和权力来源，强调人民的参与和选择。
Examples
这个国家正在努力建设更加完善的民主制度。
formalThis country is striving to build a more complete democratic system.
我们应该积极参与投票，行使我们的民主权利。
everydayWe should actively participate in voting and exercise our democratic rights.
许多年轻人对传统的政治模式感到失望，渴望真正的民主。
informalMany young people are disappointed with traditional political models and yearn for genuine democracy.
学术界一直在探讨不同民主模式的优劣及其对社会治理的影响。
academicAcademia has been discussing the pros and cons of different democratic models and their impact on social governance.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
民主的基石
Cornerstone of democracy
政治民主化
Political democratization
人民民主专政
People's democratic dictatorship
Often Confused With
While often related, 'republic' (共和) refers to a form of government where power is held by the people and their elected representatives, typically without a monarch. 'Democracy' (民主) specifically emphasizes the rule by the people, often through majority rule and protection of minority rights. A republic is not necessarily democratic, and some democracies might not be republics (e.g., constitutional monarchies).
Freedom or liberty (自由) is a core value and outcome of a democratic system, referring to the absence of undue restraint. Democracy (民主) is the political system designed to protect and facilitate these freedoms through popular sovereignty and participation. One can have some freedoms in non-democratic states, but democracy provides a structured framework for ensuring broad liberties.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term 'democracy' is widely used in formal political discourse, international relations, and academic contexts. In everyday conversation, it might appear when discussing current events or personal political views. Its register is generally neutral to formal, depending on the specific context.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse democracy with related concepts like republic or freedom. It's also important to distinguish between the ideal of democracy and its varied implementations in different countries. Avoid using 'democracy' simply to mean 'freedom' or 'progress' without specifying the political system.
Tips
Understand Democracy's Core Principles
Democracy fundamentally means rule by the people. Key elements include citizen participation, free elections, and protection of rights.
Beware of 'Democracy' Misuse
The term 'democracy' can be used loosely or deceptively by regimes that do not uphold its core principles. Always examine the actual practices.
Diverse Forms of Democracy
Democracy manifests in various forms globally, influenced by cultural and historical contexts. Direct democracy, representative democracy, and parliamentary systems are common examples.
Word Origin
The word 'democracy' comes from the Greek 'dēmokratía', meaning 'rule by the people'. 'Dêmos' means 'people' and 'krátos' means 'power' or 'rule'. This origin highlights the fundamental concept of popular sovereignty.
Cultural Context
In many cultures, democracy is seen as the most desirable form of government, linked to concepts of human rights, self-determination, and political freedom. However, the specific interpretation and practice of democracy can vary significantly across different societies.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Democracy' as 'Demo' (people) + 'cracy' (rule) – rule by the people. Imagine a town hall meeting where everyone gets a say.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions共和（Republic）是一种国家结构形式，强调国家权力来源于人民，但其不一定等同于民主。民主（Democracy）则更侧重于人民的统治方式和权力来源，强调人民的参与和选择。一个国家可以是共和制但并非完全民主。
民主制度通常包含定期的自由公正选举、保障公民基本权利（如言论、集会自由）、法治、权力制衡以及公民参与等特征。
民主被许多人认为是实现个人自由和集体福祉的有效途径，但它并非没有挑战和缺点。不同的文化和社会背景可能需要不同的治理方式来适应。
在中国，“中国特色社会主义民主”被提出，强调在中国共产党领导下的人民民主。这与西方多党制下的民主模式有所不同，更侧重于协商、共识和党的领导作用。
Test Yourself
一个健康的______需要公民积极参与政治生活。
句子强调公民的积极参与，这是民主制度的重要特征。
下列哪项最能体现“民主”的核心精神？
民主的核心是人民主权和人民的参与。
请用“民主”、“选举”、“保障”和“权利”组句。
这个句子结构完整，逻辑清晰，正确地表达了民主、选举、保障和权利之间的关系。
Score: /3
Summary
Democracy is a system where political power resides with the people, exercised through participation and representation.
- Government by the people, for the people.
- Emphasizes citizen participation and rights.
- Key concept in modern political systems.
Understand Democracy's Core Principles
Democracy fundamentally means rule by the people. Key elements include citizen participation, free elections, and protection of rights.
Beware of 'Democracy' Misuse
The term 'democracy' can be used loosely or deceptively by regimes that do not uphold its core principles. Always examine the actual practices.
Diverse Forms of Democracy
Democracy manifests in various forms globally, influenced by cultural and historical contexts. Direct democracy, representative democracy, and parliamentary systems are common examples.
Examples
4 of 4这个国家正在努力建设更加完善的民主制度。
This country is striving to build a more complete democratic system.
我们应该积极参与投票，行使我们的民主权利。
We should actively participate in voting and exercise our democratic rights.
许多年轻人对传统的政治模式感到失望，渴望真正的民主。
Many young people are disappointed with traditional political models and yearn for genuine democracy.
学术界一直在探讨不同民主模式的优劣及其对社会治理的影响。
Academia has been discussing the pros and cons of different democratic models and their impact on social governance.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
More academic words
缺席
B1The state of being absent from a place or event where one is expected to be, such as a class, meeting, or ceremony.
抽象的
A2Abstract.
抽象地
B1In an abstract manner; conceptually.
艰深
B1Profound; abstruse; recondite.
学术性
A2Academic; scholarly; relating to education and scholarship.
学术化
B1Academic; characterized by formal study or research.
学术会议
A2Academic conference; a formal meeting for academic discussions.
学术交流
B1Exchange of ideas, information, and research among scholars.
学术期刊
B1A periodical publication containing scholarly articles.
教务处
A2Academic affairs office; department handling educational administration.
