What system of government allows citizens to vote for their leaders?

Democracy is characterized by the fundamental principle that power ultimately resides with the people, allowing them to participate in the decision-making process through voting. In a democratic system, citizens have the right to elect their leaders and influence legislation, reflecting the will of the majority. This form of government is built on the ideals of political equality and representation, ensuring that multiple voices and perspectives have the opportunity to shape governance. Such participation can take various forms, including direct voting and representative systems where elected officials act on behalf of the populace.

In contrast, the other systems mentioned do not provide a similar level of public participation in leadership selection. Authoritarianism centralizes power in the hands of a single leader or a small group, often inhibiting free elections and citizen involvement. Monarchies may be hereditary where leaders are not elected by the populace, and in theocracies, governance is typically intertwined with religious authority, limiting democratic processes. Thus, the defining feature of democracy relating to citizens' ability to vote for their leaders distinctly separates it from these other forms of government.