Therefore, democracy literally means "rule by the people."
This concept originated in Ancient Greece, particularly in Athens, where citizens participated in the political process through assemblies and direct voting.
While not a perfect system even in ancient times (women, slaves, and foreigners were excluded from participation), the idea of citizens having a voice in their governance was a groundbreaking one.
The word "democracy" has evolved over time, but its core meaning of "rule by the people" has remained central to its understanding.