This paper explains that democracy may be a word familiar to most, but it is a concept still
misunderstood and misused, in
a time when totalitarian regimes and military
dictatorships alike have attempted to claim popular support by pinning democratic labels upon themselves. The author points out that major features of modern democracy include individual freedom, which entitles citizens to the liberty and responsibility of shaping their own careers and conducting their own affairs; equality before the law and universal suffrage and education. The paper concludes that, although the ideals of democracy have been widely professed, the practice and fulfillment have been different in many countries.