democratic choice

[/ˌdeməˈkrætɪk tʃɔɪs/]
noun phrasepl: democratic choices
escolha democrática
1. A decision made through democratic processes where citizens or members have the right to vote and participate in selecting options or leaders
The election resulted in a democratic choice that reflected the will of the people.
A eleição resultou em uma escolha democrática que refletiu a vontade do povo.
2. The right and freedom to make selections based on democratic principles and procedures
Freedom of speech is essential to ensure genuine democratic choice.
A liberdade de expressão é essencial para garantir uma verdadeira escolha democrática.
3. A collective decision reached through voting or consensus in a democratic system
The board's democratic choice was to implement new policies.
A escolha democrática do conselho foi implementar novas políticas.
In both Brazilian and American political cultures, 'democratic choice' is a cornerstone concept emphasizing citizen participation and the legitimacy of government derived from voting. In Brazil, it gained prominence during the transition from military dictatorship to democracy (1985 onwards). The phrase reflects deeply held values about self-governance and is frequently invoked in political discourse, civic education, and constitutional debates in both countries.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
democratic decisionelectoral choicepopular votedemocratic selectionfree choice
Antonyms / Antônimos
authoritarian decisiondictatorial choiceimposed selectionunilateral decision

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
escolha democrática
Standard usage in formal and informal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
escolha democrática / voto popular
Both terms commonly used interchangeably
São Paulo
escolha democrática
Formal usage in political and academic discourse
Portugal
escolha democrática / opção democrática
Both 'escolha' and 'opção' are acceptable; 'opção' slightly more formal

Related Words

democracyvotingelectionsuffragecivic participationballotconsent of the governed

Related Idioms & Phrases

respect the democratic choice
honor the democratic choice
the voice of democratic choice
uphold democratic choice
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