ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary Builder›Words›D›democracy
ISEE/SSATeasy
democracy
a system of government in which citizens vote to choose their leaders
Synonyms
- self-rule
- self-government
Antonyms
- autocracy
- dictatorship
- tyranny
democracy in a sentence
Ancient Athens is often described as the birthplace of democracy in the Western world.
In social studies class, students role-played ancient Athens to understand how democracy let citizens vote directly on laws.
Where it comes from
From Greek dēmokratia 'rule of the people'
Memory hook
DEMO-CRACY — DEMOS (people) + CRACY (rule): rule by the people.
Word parts
- dem — people
democracy: dem (people) + -cracy (rule)
Read it in context
- Seven Beats Together Arts