In Plato's Republic, Socrates defines a democracy though the discussion of six important characteristics. The freedom of speech, and license to do what ever they may desire, allows for individuals of a democracy to have an active voice in their government and live their lives in a manner which best suites their appetites (557b). The plurality of the individuals in the democracy creates a society containing many constitutions (557c-d). Once the democracy is established, "when the poor are victorious, killing some of their opponents and expelling others, and giving the rest an equal share in ruling under the constitution, and for the most part assigning people to positions of rule by lot," there is no requirement to rule or to be ruled (557a). Plato's Socrates also finds it important for there to be sophistication among the people in the city -- this is perhaps a plug for Socrates, as Plato found him to be admirably calm as he faced his eminent death in Athens (558a). The final characteristic of the democracy Socrates addresses is tolerance. This tolerance is only thought to be complete if it is working for the benefit of the majority (558b). While each of these comprising elements appears to create a balanced and ideal society, it is the rise of the idler and his inherent weaknesses, which drives the democracy into a state of tyranny. .
There are three different social classes, which influence the democratic state. They are "the idlers" (who will eventually become the leaders), the second class or "the wealthy," and the class that holds the greatest potential for power once assembled, "the workers." The class that Socrates is most concerned with is the idlers or the people whom he describes as being the "class that manages everything" (564d). The rise of the single idler comes when the people elect a champion to help preserve their democracy. This leads directly to tyranny for "it is clear that, when a tyrant arises, this special leadership is the sole root from which he sprouts" (565c).