How does democracy differ from dictatorship?

Democracy and dictatorship represent opposing forms of governance. In a democracy, citizens have the right to participate in decision-making, usually through voting and free elections, ensuring that leaders are accountable to the populace. In contrast, a dictatorship centralizes power in one individual or a small group, often suppressing opposition and limiting freedoms. This lack of public participation in a dictatorship means decisions are made without consent or input from the general population.