noun

• (uncountable) Rule by the people, especially as a form of government; either directly or through elected representatives (representative democracy).
  "And the essential value and power of Democracy consists in this,—that it combines, as far as possible, power and organization ; THE SPIRIT, MANHOOD, is at one with THE BODY, ORGANIZATION. [....] Democracy is Government by the People."
• (countable, government) A government under the direct or representative rule of the people of its jurisdiction.
  "Of course, the Russians think it is something else because they say the Russians have a democracy and it is plain that their government is not what the Americans regard as a democracy."
• (countable) A state with a democratic system of government.
  "After almost four decades of authoritarian rule, South Africa became a democracy in April 1994."
• (uncountable) Belief in political freedom and equality; the "spirit of democracy".
  "As states of the human spirit democracy, righteousness, and faith have much in common and may be cultivated by the same means..."

name

• (obsolete, US) The Democratic Party.
  "I so adopt it because it furnishes a precise and an agreed starting point for a discussion between Republicans and that wing of the Democracy headed by Senator Douglas."