In this lecture, the concept of democracy is explored through the lenses of participation, representation, and the spectrum of democratic systems worldwide. The discussion includes an analysis of democratic institutions, participation mechanisms, electoral systems, and the role of political parties. It also addresses challenges such as voter turnout and collective action problems, as well as the rise of populism and influence of elites. The lecture further examines different electoral and party systems, including single-member districts, proportional representation, and the impact of political party structures. The implications of institutional designs on representation of marginalized groups are considered, ultimately questioning who truly holds power in modern democracies.
