What does 'democracy' literally mean?

Democracy literally means "rule by the people." This term is derived from the Greek words "demos," meaning people, and "kratos," meaning power or rule. The concept of democracy emphasizes that the authority and governance of a state should rest with its citizens, allowing them to participate in decision-making processes, often through voting and other forms of civic engagement. This foundational principle is central to modern democratic systems, where individual rights and the collective will of the populace are prioritized.

The other options reference forms of governance that concentrate power in fewer hands, contrasting sharply with the democratic ideal of broader participation. Monarchies typically involve a single ruler, aristocracies favor a privileged class, and military rule signifies control by armed forces, none of which align with the fundamental premise of democracy as governance by the general populace.