Democracy is more than a set of political procedures culminating in elections. It has evolved over centuries and has many shapes and permutations. The conception and practice of democracy differ widely. Yet, everybody is for it. Pro-democracy movements are celebrated from China to Albania. However the system's actual workings are often not clear. In a democracy the people rule in principle but power and control reside elsewhere. What are the institutional arrangements? Who governs and how? Who gets what?

Michael Parenti
Michael Parenti is one of this country's foremost independent political analysts. He has taught at major colleges and universities in the U.S. and abroad. He is the author of numerous books including the classic "Democracy for the Few" and the highly acclaimed "The Assassination of Julius Caesar." His latest book is "Contrary Notions."