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Preferably, neither. Dictionaries are a useful tool for identifying terms, for example if you want to look up the difference between "democracy" and "theocracy", but they are a very primitive basis for arguing the subtle details of a complex system, that can't be completely explained in a single sentence.
To use a troper's analogy, they are like our laconic entries: Those are not supposed to be ultimate explanations of the tropes, listing all boundarities, that is the description's job. They just give an idea about it, that you can start with.
OMG NO NOSECONES
Oh, of course. If I want just a definition, a dictionary is good enough. But if i want a in-depth article or entry, it's time to hit up an encyclopedia or dive into some source material.
Happiness is zero-gee with a sinus cold.
The most valid dictionary is the thickest.
OMG NO NOSECONES
It's pretty thick, yes...
Happiness is zero-gee with a sinus cold.
V
From the OED
(not sure if this is the full OED):
Pronunciation:/dɪˈmɒkrəsi/ ''noun (plural democracies) [mass noun]''
a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives: a system of parliamentary democracy [count noun] a state governed under a system of democracy:a multiparty democracy control of an organization or group by the majority of its members: the intended extension of industrial democracy the practice or principles of social equality:demands for greater democracy
Origin: late 16th century: from French démocratie, via late Latin from Greek dēmokratia, from dēmos 'the people' + -kratia 'power, rule'
edited 8th May '11 3:24:43 AM by Greenmantle
Keep Rolling On
This foreboding is fa...
nvm
edited 8th May '11 3:51:37 AM by deathjavu
Look, you can't make me speak in a logical, coherent, intelligent bananna.
victorinox243
Dictionaries are for reference, not authority.
The best dictionary is made of flesh and bones.
I see the Awesomeness.
Citizen
Be sure to wear adequate protection when consulting the Necronomicon for political insight.
I look at "Democracy" as describing where the ultimate power in a political system resides. In a Democracy the highest power resides with the people as a whole. The people may consent to a Constitution, to written laws, and a series of customs covering how they live.
There are degrees of Democracy, and there are good and bad traits in all Democracies. I would view the United Kingdom as a Democracy, for example. While they have a monarch, the highest power in the country resides with the people, not the Queen. The people regularly delegate their power to Parliament, who act according to the peoples' wishes. If the people do not like what the Prime Minister and Parliament do, then they can vote others into office.
There is a difference, in my mind, between Sovereignty and Power. Sovereignty is largely a matter of perception. "What is the State?" Power is a matter of practicality. "Who has the authority?"
What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly.
Double Standard Killer
Demoracies are basically Aristocracies dressed up. People don't look up politition's (butchered spelling sorry) policies, but instead only watch the adverts that they put up. So basically the rich that have the luxury to make themselves known win. Or of course being slaves to corporations work too.
I don't disagree for the hell of it. I just want the real truth. Life should be a quest for love & the truth. Tell me when I'm wrong.
So, concerning definitions, is there a hive-mind consensus as to which version or revision of a particular dictionary to use? I got an April 2000 Random House Webster's College one here on my desk.
From that: Democracy - government by the people; a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system.
Happiness is zero-gee with a sinus cold.