Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a democracy?

The characteristic that distinguishes a democracy fundamentally involves collective participation, representation, and a commitment to ensuring that all voices are heard and heard respectfully. Citizens having the ability to participate in governance ensures inclusivity and allows for a diversity of perspectives in decision-making processes, which is integral to democratic systems. Majority rule paired with protections for minority rights emphasizes that while the majority's preferences can guide governance, the rights of those in the minority are equally respected and safeguarded, preventing tyranny of the majority. Furthermore, the principle of free and fair elections underpins democratic governance, ensuring that leaders are chosen through a transparent and equitable process.

In contrast, the concept of rule by one individual is antithetical to democracy. A system characterized by such singular authority typically leans towards autocracy or dictatorship, where decisions are made unilaterally, and the rights and voices of the populace are often marginalized or ignored. Thus, the presence of one individual in control contradicts the essence of democracy, which revolves around shared power and collective governance.