Which of the following best defines democracy?

The correct choice reflects the essence of democracy, which is fundamentally characterized by the participation and involvement of the citizenry in governing processes. In a democratic system, citizens have the ultimate authority and play a crucial role in decision-making, typically through voting in free and fair elections. This empowerment allows people to influence laws, policies, and the overall direction of their government, ensuring that their voices are heard and that they have a say in how their society is organized and governed.

The other options illustrate different forms of governance that contrast with democratic principles. A system where power is held by a single ruler describes an autocracy or dictatorship, and it typically lacks the active participation of the populace. A political approach focused on wealth redistribution does not inherently define a governing system and might be a policy within various types of governments, including democracies. Lastly, a government directed by military leaders indicates a military junta, which operates without the democratic involvement of citizens, often suppressing their rights to influence governance. Each of these alternatives points away from the foundational concept of democracy as a citizen-powered system.