Democratic theory is a framework that explores the principles and practices of democracy, focusing on how power is distributed and exercised within a society. It examines the role of citizens, the importance of participation, and the mechanisms that ensure accountability and representation in governance. Key concepts include popular sovereignty, political equality, and civil liberties. This theory also addresses various forms of democracy, such as direct democracy and representative democracy, and the challenges they face, including political polarization and voter apathy. By analyzing these elements, democratic theory aims to understand how to create and sustain effective democratic systems.