Democracy

The word “Democracy”, comprised as two Greek words “Demos”

(People) and “Kratos” (rule or government). Literally it means “Rule by the
people”. Democracy is a system of government by the whole population run
usually through elected representatives.
Political Science Dictionary defines democracy as “a system of
government in which ultimate political authority is vested in the people.”
Abraham Lincoin defined democracy that “a government of the
people, by the people, for the people,”. Thus, according to Lincoin, the
essence of Democracy is that it is based on the consent of the people.
The Oxford English Dictionary, Democracy is a system of
government by the whole population run usually through elected
representatives.
DEMOCRACY
The word “Democracy”, comprised as two Greek words “Demos”
(People) and “Kratos” (government). Literally it means “Rule by the people”.
Democracy is a system of
government by the whole population run usually through elected
representatives.

Definitions
Political Science Dictionary defines democracy as “a system of
government in which ultimate political authority is vested in the people.”
Abraham Lincoin defined democracy that “a government of the
people, by the people, for the people,”. Thus, according to Lincoin, the
essence of Democracy is that it is based on the consent of the people.
The Oxford English Dictionary, Democracy is a system of
government by the whole population run usually through elected
representatives.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Democracy
Strengths / merits of democracy

Equality of all: The model of democracy is based on the principle of

'equality of all'. It automatically means 'equal opportunities to all', equal
protection of law to all.' Here no discrimination on the grounds of caste,
creed, colour, religion etc are allowed.
Decision making. In democracy people choose their representatives
who do decisions on the behalf of the people. In democracy people are
directly or indirectly involved in decision making process.
Basic Rights: Democracies often emphasize the protection of
individual rights and freedoms. Constitutions and legal frameworks are
designed to safeguard the rights of citizens.
Peaceful transition of power. Democracies typically facilitate the
peaceful transfer of power. Elections provide a non-violent means for people
to express their preferences and bring about change.
Political Stability. Democratic governments are often more stable
because they are responsive to the needs and concerns of the people. This
responsiveness can prevent social unrest and political instability.
Freedom- Under democracy, every citizen is given freedom of speech
and expression, free movement anywhere in the country, freedom of
religion, freedom of trade / occupation, etc.
Responsive government - Under democracy, government is not only
responsible to people, it is also responsive to people's needs, public opinion.
Interest of all- Today all over the democratic world, 'welfare state' is
an established [Link] means government will be looking after welfare of
all people.
World peace - In democracy, the principle of peaceful coexistence is
quite important. A democratic set-up will strive for world peace.
Demerits / Disadvantages

Though democracy is a favoured form of governance, it does not mean

that it has no disadvantages, weaknesses. We must know both-strengths, as
well as weaknesses.
Slow Decision Making. Democratic processes, including debates and
negotiations, can be time-consuming. This can result in delayed decision-
making, especially in urgent situations.
Majority Tyranny. There is a risk of majority tyranny, where the
majority may oppress minority groups. This can lead to the neglect of the
interests and rights of minority populations.
Populism and short term focus. Politicians in a democracy may
focus on short-term goals to win immediate public approval, neglecting long-
term issues that require sustained attention.
Voter Ignorance. In some cases, voters may lack sufficient
information about complex issues, leading to uninformed decisions during
elections.
Rule of small number- In democracy, smart, manipulative leaders,
can appeal to people on emotional ground to get votes. Even in a political
party, the real power is concentrated in the hands of few. Hence it can be
dangerous.

These are the advantages and disadvantages of democracy. Though

there are disadvantages, it does not mean that we throw away democratic
model. The idea is to remove these disadvantages and make democracy a
perfect model.
It's important to note that the effectiveness of a democratic system
depends on various factors, including the political culture, institutions, and
the level of civic engagement in a particular society. Additionally, the merits
and demerits can vary based on the specific implementation and functioning
of the democratic system in different countries.

Types of Democracy
Direct Democracy
In direct democracy, people participate directly in important decision
makings. In a direct democracy, individuals have the right to vote on specific
laws, policies, and other important issues that affect the functioning of the
government. Example. Switzerland.
Indirect/ Representative Democracy
In indirect or representative democracy, peoples elect their
representatives and these representatives act as representatives of the
peoples and make laws and decisions in assemblies. Unlike direct
democracy, where citizens participate directly in decision-making, indirect
democracy involves a delegation of authority to elected officials. Example
Pakistan, UK, U.S.A., India, New Zealand.
Presidential form of Government
A presidential form of government is a system in which the head of
state and head of government are fused into a single individual, known as
the president. In this system, the president is elected independently of the
legislative branch and serves a fixed term. The United States is a prominent
example of a country with a presidential form of government. In presidential
form of democracy, the president is both the ceremonial head of state and
the chief executive with significant [Link] president's authority is
separate from the legislative branch, and they are not directly accountable
to the legislature. The president may be elected directly by the citizens or
indirectly through an electoral college or another method. The president
serves a fixed term, and the length of the term varies among countries (e.g.,
four years in the United States, six years in Mexico). The president appoints a
cabinet and other key advisors to assist in the administration of the
government. These appointees are not typically members of the legislature
and serve at the pleasure of the president. In contrast to parliamentary
systems, where the head of government is drawn from the legislature, the
president in a presidential system is not a member of the legislature.

Parliamentary form of Government

A parliamentary form of government is a system of government in

which the executive branch derives its legitimacy and authority from the
legislative branch. The head of government (usually the Prime Minister) is
typically a member of the legislative body, and their government is
accountable to the parliament. In a parliamentary system, the head of state
and head of government roles are often separate. The head of state may be
a monarch or a ceremonial president, while the head of government is
usually the Prime Minister. The head of government, or Prime Minister, is
typically the leader of the majority party or coalition in the lower house of
the parliament. The head of government is not directly elected by the public
but is chosen through the parliamentary process. The Prime Minister forms a
cabinet composed of ministers responsible for various government
departments. Cabinet ministers are often selected from among the members
of the parliament. The cabinet operates on the principle of collective
responsibility, meaning that all cabinet members are collectively responsible
for government policies and decisions. If the government loses a vote of
confidence in the parliament, the entire government may be required to
resign. Unlike presidential systems, there is no fixed term for the head of
government in a parliamentary system. The government can continue as
long as it maintains the confidence of the parliament.

Examples of countries with parliamentary systems include the United

Kingdom, Canada, India, Australia, and Pakistan etc.

Presidential System Parliamentary System

Executive power is vested in a Executive power is vested in the
separate elected president elected parliament or legislature
 Head of state (monarch or
ceremonial president) is separate
Typically the President serves as from the head of government
both head of state and government. (prime minister).
The head of government is the The head of government is usually
president the prime minister
The president is not directly The prime minister is accountable
accountable to the legislature to the parliament

The president's term is fixed and not The government can be dissolved
subject to a vote of no confidence by a vote of no confidence

Separation of powers between the The government is responsible for

executive and legislative branches both legislative and executive
functions

No fixed term for the head of

government; continues as long as
Fixed term for the president (Four they have the confidence of the
years in USA, 6 years in Mexico). parliament.
President appoints cabinet Prime Minister forms the cabinet,
members; not required to be and ministers are typically
members of the legislature. members of the parliament.
United Kingdom, Canada, India,
United States, Brazil, [Link]. Germany.