In modern democracy, a government is _________

Analyzing the question

The question asks about the nature of government in a modern democracy. We need to pick the option that best describes what democratic government is.

The concept

In a modern democracy, government is based on the consent of the people. Key features include:

• Power comes from the people (popular sovereignty)
• Leaders are chosen through free and fair elections
• Citizens can remove leaders through the ballot
• There is a link between the rulers and the ruled, because rulers are accountable to the people

Evaluating the options

• A. "a contrast between the rulers and the ruled": The wording is odd. Strictly, a democracy is marked by a link or relationship between rulers and ruled, not a contrast. Still, it is the only option that speaks about the rulers-and-ruled relationship, which is the heart of government in any political system.
• B. "a preserve of the political party in power": This describes a one-party or authoritarian system, where the ruling party monopolizes power. It is not democratic.
• C. "monopoly of the ethnic group": This describes ethnic domination, which is against democratic equality and inclusiveness.
• D. "alternation of power between the majority and minority tribes": Democracy alternates power between political parties through elections, not between tribes.

Working it out

Options B, C and D each describe something that contradicts democratic principles. That leaves A. I should be honest that the wording of A is imperfect. A more precise version would say "a distinction/relationship between the rulers and the ruled". The word "contrast" is likely meant as "distinction": in a democracy, there is a clear separation between those who govern (elected officials) and those who are governed (citizens), with the governed holding the power to choose and remove the governors.

Answer: A

Exam tip: When an option's wording looks slightly off, don't panic. Eliminate the options that clearly contradict the concept (monopoly, "preserve of a party", "tribe-based") and choose the one left. In Government, words like monopoly, preserve and tribe in a question about democracy are red flags for wrong answers.