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For the similarly named affiliation, please see democrat.
Federation President, 2286

Democratic societies elect presidents on behalf of the people.

A democracy (literally "rule by the people") was a form of government in which collective decisions were achieved through methods such as elections or referendums. In a representative democracy, also known as a representative republic, holders of political office made laws for those who elected them.

Following the fall of the Second Dynasty, the Klingon Empire was ruled by a council elected by the people. This was the first and only experiment in Klingon democracy and was known for producing several notable reforms. 24th century Klingon historians were critical of the period, naming it "The Dark Time". The experiment ended after ten years with the beginning of the Third Dynasty. (DS9: "You Are Cordially Invited")

The inhabitants of Platonius followed the teachings of Plato, with a few adaptations, however, their society was, according to Parmen, "the most democratic society conceivable." He further stated that "anyone can, at any moment, be or do anything he wishes, even to becoming ruler of Platonius if his mind is strong enough." (TOS: "Plato's Stepchildren")

The United Federation of Planets was a democratic body. During the Klingon-Federation War in 2267, Commander Kor told Captain James T. Kirk that he felt that the people of the Federation were much like the Klingons. Kirk noted that unlike the Klingon Empire, the Federation was a democracy, however, Kor clarified that he was not referring to "minor ideological differences," but instead meant similar "as a species". (TOS: "Errand of Mercy")

Bajor holds free elections to appoint First Ministers to serve 6-year terms. Shakaar Edon entered an election as a candidate and ran against Winn Adami for the office of the First Minister. (DS9: "The Circle", "Shakaar")

Akorem doubted that many people on Bajor would vote a farmer into political office once the D'jarra caste system has been reestablished. (DS9: "Accession")

After Worf complained to Kor about him having once struck Martok from an officer's list because his family came from the Ketha lowlands, Kor complained that Worf had been living among "democratic rabble" for too long. (DS9: "Once More Unto the Breach")

When the USS Enterprise was cornered by a First Federation buoy, the panicked Lieutenant Dave Bailey exclaimed to Captain Kirk that they had phaser weapons, and that he voted they "blast it." Kirk, however, felt otherwise, stating, "I'll keep that in mind, Mr. Bailey, when this becomes a democracy." (TOS: "The Corbomite Maneuver")

During Captain Kathryn Janeway's plan to form an alliance with the Kazon, Commander Chakotay voiced his opinion about how "a lot of the crew feel they haven't had the chance to voice their opinions" about the situation. Janeway, however, held to her decision, stating, "this isn't a democracy, Chakotay. I can't run this ship by consensus." (VOY: "Alliances")

According to a PADD prop created for Star Trek: Insurrection but not readable in the movie, the Evora (referred to as the Bartisi) system of government was a semifeudal democracy.

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