The most useful indicator of the degree of democracy reached by a particular society is whether it has a:

Here is my opinion. It may not be what they are hoping for an answer. Maybe they want your thoughts. There are many "democracies" that are corrupt, with one party or the military in control, and meaningless elections.

What is needed is a fairly elected legislature, with an independent judicial system. How the chief executive is chosen is less important, as long as his or her powers are limited and that person can be removed from office when there is extreme malfeasance or criminal activity by the chief executive.

A free press and freedom of speech would be necessary in such an ideal democratic society. Those will be among the first things to go when the degree of democracy falters.

The most useful indicator of the degree of democracy reached by a particular society is whether it has a "freely and fairly elected government."

To determine whether a society has a freely and fairly elected government, you can consider the following factors:

1. Universal suffrage: The right to vote should be available to all adult citizens without any discrimination based on gender, race, or other factors. Check if there are any restrictions on voting rights or if marginalized groups are excluded.

2. Regular elections: Elections should be held at regular intervals, providing an opportunity for citizens to choose their representatives. Check if there is a consistent electoral process and if elections are conducted in a timely manner.

3. Political competition: There should be multiple political parties or candidates competing for positions of power. This allows citizens to have a meaningful choice and ensures that power is not concentrated in the hands of a single group. Check if there is a competitive political landscape and if opposition parties have a fair chance of winning.

4. Electoral integrity: The electoral process should be transparent and free from corruption, intimidation, or coercion. Check if there are safeguards in place to prevent electoral fraud and if independent bodies oversee the electoral process.

5. Respect for human rights and civil liberties: A democratic society upholds and protects the fundamental rights and freedoms of its citizens, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and association. Check if there are any restrictions on these rights and if individuals are free to express their views without fear of reprisal.

By examining these factors, you can assess the extent to which a society has a freely and fairly elected government, which is a strong indicator of its level of democracy.