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
CONCEPTS, NOT SLOGANS
Democracy vs. Republic: What Is the Difference?
A country can be both a democracy and a republic. Understand the difference, the U.S. example, majority rule, and why constitutional labels are not scores.Read the guide 02A PRACTICAL COMPARISON
Types of Democracy: Direct, Representative & More
Compare direct, representative, liberal, participatory, and deliberative democracy. See how they overlap, with Swiss examples and a practical decision exercise.Read the guide 03UNDERSTANDING DEMOCRATIC CHANGE
Democratic Backsliding: Meaning, Warning Signs & Data
What democratic backsliding means, which institutions can weaken, and how to investigate a falling democracy score. Explore country changes from 2015 to 2025.Read the guide 04DEMOCRACY 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 05THE 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 06EVIDENCE 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.