Democracy learning center
Understand democracy before ranking it.
Definitions, institutions, democratic ideals, measurement, evidence, and uncertainty—explained in plain language and linked to primary sources.
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guides
guides
DEMOCRACY 101
What is democracy?
Start with a plain-language definition, the core principles, the major forms, and the institutions that turn popular power into practice.Learn the foundations 02THE DEMOCRATIC IDEAL
What is the purest form?
Examine direct and representative democracy, the limits of majority rule, and five conditions for equal public control.Explore the standard 03EVIDENCE AND INDICES
How is democracy measured?
Follow the path from definitions and evidence to expert coding, statistical models, composite scores, uncertainty, and responsible comparison.Understand the measurementHOW TO USE THIS RESOURCE
Begin with concepts. Then inspect the evidence.
Democracy is contested, and every index makes choices. These guides separate democratic ideals, institutional designs, measurement decisions, source evidence, and uncertainty so readers can judge the score instead of merely accepting it.