Why is it incomplete to treat democracy only as elections?
Correct answer: A. Elections are essential because they allow citizens to choose representatives and replace a government, but elections alone do not guarantee a genuine democracy. Citizens also need basic rights, opportunities to participate, freedom to discuss public issues, and institutions that make rulers answerable. A government that holds elections but silences criticism, violates rights, or refuses accountability cannot be considered fully democratic. B is wrong because elections are an important democratic mechanism. C is wrong because people are the source of authority and participate in public life. D is wrong because hereditary power belongs to monarchy, not democracy. Memory cue: democracy is more than voting day—think “rights, participation, accountability.”