Democracy is a government system where power is derived from the people. Citizens participate through free and fair elections, have political freedoms, and leaders are accountable. It emphasizes representation, rule of law, protection of individual rights, transparency, and peaceful transfer of power.Dictatorship is ruled by a single person or a small group with absolute power, often seized or maintained by force. Political freedoms are restricted, decisions are centralized without public input, checks and balances are weak or absent, and power is not accountable to the people. The government often suppresses opposition and controls information.