The courts and the government must also make sure that what they do is constitutional. The Constitution guarantees democracy through giving every person over 18 the right to vote and ensuring one voters' roll for all adult citizens, regular elections, and a multi-party system of government. All aspects of how our democracy works are explained in the Constitution. The word 'democracy' comes from the Greek word demokratia which means 'government by the people'. Democracy is a balance between 'might' and 'right'.
Democracy is about balancing rights and responsibilities.
Citizens can expect the government to do things for them like providing protection, health services, education and housing. Citizens also have responsibilities like obeying the law and paying tax to the state. Democracy is about balancing the rights of the majority with protection for minorities. Democracy is about achieving a greater balance in society so that there is greater equality for all over a period of time. This was a direct democracy in which the citizens participated directly in the government of their city.