What is a democracy and how does it fail?

Democracy is a system where governing power ultimately comes from the people – typically via free, fair elections and majority rule. It usually features rule of law, protected civil liberties (speech, assembly, etc.), and institutions (courts, free press) to check power. In an ideal liberal democracy, majority decisions are tempered by constitutional safeguards for minorities. Democracy can fail when these safeguards break down. For example, if elections become unfair or suppressed, courts lose independence, or a dominant party ignores laws, power concentrates and the system slides toward authoritarianism. Other failure modes include severe polarization or corruption: the "tyranny of the majority" can emerge if winners ignore minority rights. In short, democracy fails when consent of the governed or accountability mechanisms erode, allowing abuse of power.