The central feature of a democracy is the notion of popular sovereignty, which means that power ultimately resides with the people. In a democratic system, citizens have the right to participate in decision-making, primarily through voting in elections for representatives. This accountability structure enables the electorate to influence policies and governance. Additionally, democracies typically promote individual freedoms, rule of law, and the protection of human rights. Various forms of democracy exist, such as direct and representative democracy, but the essence remains the same: government actions reflect the will and interests of the populace, fostering a participatory political environment.