Notions of inclusion and democracy are distinguished, discussed and related to one another. Three notions of inclusion are discerned: weak inclusion, strong inclusion and inclusion as a dilemma. Whereas a weak notion of inclusion subscribes to a general idea of inclusion while at the same time allowing for exceptions, the strong notion supports inclusion as a firm principle. A dilemma perspective, on the other hand, to a larger extent involves the recognition of inclusion/exclusion as inherent characteristics of educational systems dealing with diversity. Four notions of democracy are discussed: rule-governed, representative, participatory and deliberative. Relations between notions of inclusion and democracy are – tentatively – discussed. It is argued that the different models of democracy have implications vis-a-vis notions of inclusion and some of these implications are discussed.