A true democracy in the modern sense exists where the

Analyze the question: The question asks what defines a "true democracy in the modern sense." The key phrase is in the modern sense, which separates modern democracy from the ancient (direct) democracy of Athens.

Explain the concept:

• Ancient/direct democracy (Athens): Citizens gathered and made decisions themselves.
• Modern democracy: Countries are large and populations are big, so direct participation by everyone is impractical. Citizens elect representatives to make laws and decisions on their behalf. This is representative democracy, which is what Nigeria, Ghana, the USA and the UK practise.

Evaluate the options:

• A. Elite rules: This is oligarchy or aristocracy, not democracy.
• B. Elected representatives rule: This matches representative democracy, the modern form. The people choose leaders through free and fair elections, and those leaders are accountable to the people.
• C. Majority of the people vote: Voting is only one part of democracy. It does not by itself describe who governs.
• D. Majority of the people rule: This describes classical direct democracy, which is rarely possible today. It is the idealised textbook definition, but not the "modern sense."

Answer: The modern form of democracy is rule through elected representatives, so the correct option is B.

Tip: When you see "in the modern sense" or "in modern times" in a democracy question, think representative. When you see "in ancient Greece" or "city-states," think direct.