Which form of government is characterized by rule by many?

The form of government characterized by rule by many is democracy. In a democracy, power is vested in the people, who exercise that power either directly or through elected representatives. This system emphasizes participation, where citizens have a voice in decision-making processes and can influence legislation and policy.

In a direct democracy, all eligible citizens participate in the decision-making directly, whereas in a representative democracy, they elect representatives who make decisions on their behalf. This principle of collective decision-making distinguishes democracy from other forms of government, such as oligarchy, where a small group controls power, or monarchy, where power is held by a single individual or royal family. A republic can also involve a system of representative democracy, but it specifically emphasizes elected representatives and an accountable governance structure.