Democratic governments are systems of governance where power is vested in the people, who exercise that power directly or through elected representatives. In a democracy, citizens have the right to vote, express their opinions, and participate in decision-making processes. This ensures that the government reflects the will of the majority while protecting the rights of minorities. There are various forms of democracy, including direct democracy, where citizens vote on laws and policies directly, and representative democracy, where they elect officials to make decisions on their behalf. Key principles of democratic governments include freedom of speech, equality, and the rule of law, which help maintain a fair and just society.