Which of the following describes a democracy?

A democracy is fundamentally characterized by the principle of government by the people, which often manifests through elected representatives. This system is designed to ensure that the populace has a say in the decision-making processes that affect their lives and society. In a representative democracy, citizens vote in elections to choose representatives who align with their interests and values, thereby participating in governance even if they do not directly vote on every issue.

This emphasis on elected representatives distinguishes a democracy from other forms of government. For instance, a monarchy is ruled by a king or queen, often without the input of the population. Similarly, military governance typically involves control by armed forces rather than elected officials. A dictatorship concentrates power in the hands of a single leader without the need for elections or public accountability. Thus, the essence of democracy lies in its inclusive and participatory nature through elections and representation, making option C the correct description.