Which political system, whose name is derived from the Greek for "rule by the people," is characterized by citizens exercising power directly or through elected representatives?

Democracy

Democracy originates from the Greek words 'demos' (people) and 'kratos' (rule), a concept famously pioneered in ancient Athens. While modern systems often rely on elected representatives, the original Athenian model required eligible citizens to vote directly on every proposed law. This system is built on the fundamental principle that the legitimacy of a government comes from the consent of the governed.