Liberal Democracy

Explanation

Liberal democracy combines representative democracy (elected government accountable to the people) with liberal values (individual rights, rule of law, freedom of speech, independent courts, and constitutional limits on government power). The "liberal" in liberal democracy refers not to the left-right political spectrum but to the philosophical tradition emphasizing individual liberty and limited government. Most Western democracies — the US, UK, France, Germany, Canada, Australia, Japan — are liberal democracies. The concept is under pressure globally, as some elected leaders weaken institutions, restrict press freedom, or undermine judicial independence while maintaining electoral legitimacy.