liberal democracies

[ˈlɪbərəl dɪˈmɑːkrəsiz]
nounpl: liberal democracies
democracias liberais
1. Political systems that combine democratic governance with constitutional protections of individual rights, rule of law, separation of powers, and market-oriented economies
Most Western nations are considered liberal democracies with constitutions protecting fundamental freedoms.
A maioria das nações ocidentais são consideradas democracias liberais com constituições que protegem liberdades fundamentais.
2. Governments that emphasize both popular sovereignty and individual liberties, typically featuring free elections, independent judiciaries, and protection of civil rights
Liberal democracies prioritize both the will of the majority and the rights of minorities.
As democracias liberais priorizam tanto a vontade da maioria quanto os direitos das minorias.
In both Brazil and the United States, 'liberal democracies' is primarily academic and political terminology used to describe governance systems emphasizing both democratic participation and individual freedoms. In Brazil, the term gained prominence during redemocratization (1985 onwards) when discussing the transition to liberal democratic governance. The concept remains central to international relations discussions and is often contrasted with emerging or non-democratic systems in geopolitical discourse.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
constitutional democraciesrepresentative democraciesWestern democraciespluralistic democracies
Antonyms / Antônimos
authoritarian regimestotalitarian statesautocraciesdictatorships

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
democracias liberais
Standard academic and political terminology used in educational and governmental contexts
Portugal
democracias liberais
Same term used; common in political science and international relations discourse
United States
liberal democracies
Common term in political science, international relations, and policy discussions

Related Words

democracyconstitutionalismrule of lawcivil libertiesseparation of powershuman rights

Related Idioms & Phrases

the liberal democratic order
liberal democratic values
liberal democratic institutions
defend liberal democracy
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