Which example best explains responsible use of power in broader democracy?

Correct answer: The leader hears affected people before making a decision

Direct answer: C, the leader hears affected people before making a decision. Power gives a person or group the ability to make or influence decisions, but democratic power is not meant for personal domination. It should be exercised with responsibility, consultation, fairness, and accountability. The steps are: identify who will be affected, give those people a meaningful chance to express concerns, consider the information, explain the decision, and remain answerable for its consequences. Option A is incorrect because imposing a personal preference ignores the interests of others. Option B is incorrect because silencing weaker groups is exclusion and misuse of power. Option C is correct because listening to affected people makes decision-making more informed and participatory, even though the leader may still have to take the final decision. Option D is incorrect because announcing a decision without reasons prevents accountability and makes arbitrary power more likely. Listening does not mean every demand must be accepted; it means affected voices are seriously considered. Memory cue: democratic power is power with people and responsibility, not power over people.