Full Idea
Democracy is properly defined as a united gathering of people which collectively has the sovereign right to do all that it has the power to do.
Gist of Idea
Democracy is a legitimate gathering of people who do whatever they can do
Source
Baruch de Spinoza (Tractatus Theologico-Politicus [1670], 16.08)
Book Reference
Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Theological-Political Treatise', ed/tr. Israel,Jonathan [CUP 2007], p.200
A Reaction
Representative democracy doesn't fit this definition. What 'unites' the people, and where do they get their sovereign right? If my neighbouring village votes to invade mine, I spurn their pathetic 'sovereign right'.