Democracy and self-government are key concepts in political theory and practice, often intertwining and complementing each other. Democracy is a political system in which power comes from the people. It is based on the principles of freedom, equality and the right of citizens to participate in decision-making, either directly, as in direct democracy, or through elected representatives, as in representative democracy. Self-government or self-government refers to a system in which people govern their own communities or organizations. This concept can be applied at different levels, from local communities to national governments. Self-government emphasizes the decentralization of power and participatory decision-making, where community members actively participate in the management and decision-making process. Both concepts emphasize the importance of involving citizens in the decision-making process but differ in scope and methods of application. While democracy can function on large scales, including entire nations, self-government is often practiced at a smaller, local level, allowing for greater direct control and participation. A combination of both approaches can create a balanced governance system that maximizes citizen participation and ensures government accountability.