What is the difference between a dictatorship and democracy?

The distinction between a dictatorship and democracy lies primarily in the structure of governance and the role of the populace in the political process. In a dictatorship, power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small group. This system often places limits on individual freedoms and public participation, with decisions being made unilaterally by the ruling authority. Citizens typically have little to no influence over political decisions or leadership selection.

In contrast, democracy is characterized by the active involvement of the public in governance. In a democratic system, power derives from the consent of the governed, typically expressed through free and fair elections where representatives are chosen by the electorate. This setup promotes civic engagement and often includes mechanisms for accountability, allowing for more significant public influence over laws and policies.

This fundamental difference highlights why the choice correctly identifies that a dictatorship is led by a single leader, while democracy emphasizes the importance of public participation. The other choices either mischaracterize the systems or provide overly simplistic views that do not accurately represent the complexities of governance in these contexts.