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. This system would not be called democratic today because women and slaves were not regarded as citizens. South Africa is a representative democracy. Elected representatives are said to 'hold seats' in these bodies.