Which term signifies that "the people rule"?

The term that signifies "the people rule" is democracy. This concept emphasizes that the power of governance is derived from the consent and participation of the populace. In a democracy, citizens have the right to vote and influence decision-making processes, thereby shaping their government and society according to their needs and desires. This system can manifest in various forms, such as direct democracy, where individuals participate directly in legislative decision-making, or representative democracy, where elected officials act on behalf of the people.

In contrast, autocracy refers to a system where one individual holds absolute power, leaving little or no room for public participation or input. Meritocracy emphasizes leadership based on individual merit, typically through education and abilities, rather than public consensus or popular choice. Oligarchy describes a form of government where power rests in the hands of a small, elite group, often excluding the larger population from governing processes. In summary, democracy is unique in prioritizing the voice and authority of the people in governance.