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Liberal democracy is a form of representative democracy in which majority rule is qualified by respect for liberal rights such as freedom of speech and assembly, freedom of religion, the right to private property and privacy, as well as equality before the law and due process under the rule of law, and else.

Such rights are guaranteed through various institutions and statutory laws in order to protect the rights of individuals and minorities from the 'tyranny of the majority'.

Australia,Canada, the member states of the European Union, Iceland, New Zealand, Norway and the United States are all examples of liberal democracy (though of course it is sometimes argued that none is perfect with respect to the above rights).

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See also:

• liberalism

• Elections
• Liberalism