<Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> <P> Liberal democracy is a liberal political ideology and a form of government in which representative democracy operates under the principles of classical liberalism . Also called western democracy, it is characterised by fair, free and competitive elections between multiple distinct political parties, a separation of powers into different branches of government, the rule of law in everyday life as part of an open society and the equal protection of human rights, civil rights, civil liberties and political freedoms for all people . To define the system in practice, liberal democracies often draw upon a constitution, either formally written or uncodified, to delineate the powers of government and enshrine the social contract . After a period of sustained expansion throughout the 20th century, liberal democracy became the predominant political system in the world . </P> <P> A liberal democracy may take various constitutional forms: it may be a constitutional monarchy (Australia, Belgium, Canada, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom) or a republic (France, India, Italy, Ireland, the United States). It may have a parliamentary system (Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, Italy and the United Kingdom), a presidential system (Indonesia and the United States), or a semi-presidential system (France and Romania). </P> <P> Liberal democracies usually have universal suffrage, granting all adult citizens the right to vote regardless of race, gender or property ownership . However, historically some countries regarded as liberal democracies have had a more limited franchise and some do not have secret ballots . There may also be qualifications such as voters being required to register before being allowed to vote . The decisions made through elections are made not by all of the citizens, but rather by those who choose to participate by voting . </P>

What is the nature and scope of democracy in the modern world