A democracy serves as a cornerstone of political systems, embodying the principles of power-sharing among its members. In modern times, democracies exhibit two distinctive features that set them apart from earlier forms of governance: the ability of citizens to actively participate in society and hold their elected representatives accountable under international laws.

The roots of democracy trace back to ancient Greece, where early democratic experiments laid the groundwork for Western civilization. Intellectuals of the 18th century, inspired by these ancient precedents, sought to revitalize democratic ideals as a new paradigm for post-monarchical governance. While the success of these efforts in making democracy the dominant political institution over the following centuries is undeniable, the moral arguments employed in their justification remain subject to debate.

Nonetheless, the resurgence of democratic principles and institutions at this historical juncture marked a profound transformation that has shaped global politics since the demise of imperial rule following World War II.

In contemporary representative democracies, efforts are made to reconcile conflicting perspectives on human nature and society’s organization. Drawing from Rousseau’s vision of the state of nature and Hobbes’s portrayal of societal authority, modern democracies establish “social contracts” that safeguard citizens’ rights, limit state power, and empower individuals through the right to vote.