What distinguishes democracy in a city-state?

The distinguishing feature of democracy in a city-state is that most citizens have a say in government actions. In democratic systems, power is distributed among the citizenry, allowing them to participate in decision-making processes, such as voting on laws and policies that affect their lives. This engagement fosters a sense of community and civic responsibility, empowering individuals to shape their governance.

In contrast, the other options reflect forms of governance where participation is significantly limited. For example, when only the elite class is allowed to participate, this signifies an oligarchic structure rather than a true democracy. The presence of a monarch making decisions unilaterally indicates autocracy, which stands in stark contrast to democratic principles, while a system where only military leaders dictate policies lacks the inclusive nature of democracy, often leading to authoritarian rule. Thus, the essence of a democratic city-state lies in the active involvement of most citizens in the governance process.