In The Republic, Plato critiques democracy, viewing it as a flawed system. He argues that democracy prioritizes freedom and equality over competence, leading to chaos and poor governance. Plato believes democratic societies are prone to demagoguery, as leaders appeal to desires rather than wisdom. Ultimately, he sees democracy as a step toward tyranny, as unchecked freedoms can destabilize society. Plato favors a meritocratic system ruled by philosopher-kings, who govern with wisdom and virtue.