1. © AP Images

2. Constitutions A nation’s constitution states the government’s duties to the people, limits the government’s power, and lays out the structure of governance. Democratic constitutions are flexible and adaptive. Former Afghan King Mohammed Zahir Shah reviews a draft constitution in 2003. © AP IMAGES

3. Legislative branch makes laws. Executive branch implements laws. Executive branch implements laws. Judicial branch interprets laws. Judicial branch interprets laws.

4. Democracies ensure basic civil rights: Freedom of speech and religion Equal protection under the law Freedom of assembly Demonstrators in Hong Kong push for more press freedom in 1998. © AP PhotoFreedom © AP IMAGES

5. "Intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit.” - Mahatma Gandhi Democratic societies value tolerance, cooperation and compromise. © AP Images

6. Who participates in a democracy? All adult citizens, either directly or through their freely elected representatives © AP Images

7. How do citizens in democracies exercise their power? By voting in free and fair elections. © AP Images

8. Protests When the people’s needs are not met, demonstrations are tools of change. When the people’s needs are not met, demonstrations are tools of change. Buddhist monks in Burma take to the streets in defiance of the country’s military rulers Buddhist monks in Burma take to the streets in defiance of the country’s military rulers.

9. Democracies guard against totalitarian central governments by decentralizing authority In democracies, diverse interests are represented through civil society, which comprises nongovernmental organizations such as: labor unions, religious organizations, humanitarian groups, and academic institutions. Civil Society © AP Images

10. News Media Watchdogs of Democracy A free press is vital to a functioning democracy.A free press is vital to a functioning democracy. It informs and educates its readers while holding elected officials accountable.It informs and educates its readers while holding elected officials accountable. © AP Images

11. The word “democracy” is derived from ancient Greek, the language of Athens, its birthplace. ΔΗΜΟΣ – “people” ΚΡΑΤ ΟΣ – “rule” As democracy spreads, electorates grow – India alone has 690 million voters. But the fundamental principle of democracy does not change: people hold the power.