DEMOCRACY
What is Democracy ?
Democracy where people make decisions for the country is the only
known form of governance in the world that promises to inculcate
principles of equality, liberty and justice. The deliberations and
negotiations to form policies and make decisions for the country is the
basis on which the government works, with supreme power to people to
choose their representatives, delegate country’s matters and express their
dissent. The democratic system is usually of two types, the presidential
system, and the parliamentary system. In India, the three pillars of
democracy, namely legislature, executive and judiciary, working
independently and still interconnected, along with a free press and
media provides a structure for a truly functional democracy. Despite the
longest written constitution incorporating values of sovereignty, socialism,
secularism etc.. India, like other countries, still faces challenges like
corruption, bigotry, oppression of certain communities and thus, struggles
to stay true to its democratic ideals.
Now people may have a common question, from where democracy has
originated? The first known democracy in the world was in Athens.
Athenian Democracy developed around the 5th Century BCE.
Distinguish between Democratic &
Non-Democratic Government
Democratic Government:- Non-Democratic Government:-
1. In this the rulers are accountable to 1. In this ruler is not accountable to the
people who elect them and fulfill their people and their needs are not given
needs. much importance.
2. People elect their own ruler and have 2. People do not elect their leader and
right in decision making. have no right in decision making.
3. Parliament is a separate body and has 3. Parliament cannot pass any law for army
no interface of army. without the consent of army chief.
4. Any citizen can aspire to contest in 4. The citizens cannot contest in elections
elections irrespective of his/her caste, and they don’t have right to vote.
religion, socio economic background,
sex, etc.
Features of Democracy.
1. A Pluralistic system in which at least Two legitimate but different political
parties coexist.
2. A free and fair electoral process that enables the people to choose
between candidates from those parties.
3. A government that operates openly and transparently works for the good
of all people, respects its own rule, has proper checks and balances, and
gives its citizens free choice and control over their lives.
4. Politically engaged citizens who support democratic principles, “fight
fair” ,vote regularly, accept the will of the voters, and commit to a
peaceful transfer of power after each election.
5. An emphasis on preserving civil liberties and personal freedoms of both
the majority and minorities.
6. A free and independent media unhindered by government interference,
influence or intimidation.
Advantages of Democracy
Everything has its own pros and cons. And the same
goes with Democracy too.
The advantages of democracy are as follows:-
1. In a democracy people expect the government to work for their
welfare. This could be through development of electricity, roads,
through the provision of housing, employment, help, education, etc.
2. Democracy gives rooms to correct the mistakes.
3. If there are conflicts, Democracy gives room to resolve the conflicts.
4. Democracy helps in improving the quality of decision making.
5. The dignity of all individuals gets enhanced due to Democracy.
6. Very importantly, Democracy helps in promoting equality among all
the citizens of the country.
7. In a Democracy, the Governments are accountable, legitimate, and
responsive to the expectations and needs of the citizens.
8. All the citizens have equal weight in electing their Government
representatives.
Disadvantages of Democracy
1. Democracy is ineffective unless voters educate themselves
on governing decisions.
2. The structure of democracy depends upon the will of the
majority.
3. Democracy can encourage mob rule.
4. The cost of democracy is something people don’t realize
exists.
5. Democracy requires more time to implement changes.
6. The structure of a democracy is a person- first process.
7. There is still the risk of creating a conflict of interest within the
Government.
8. It can require individual voters to accept an entire mandate
for a single issue.
Arguments for Democracy
We can give the following arguments in favor of
Democracy :-
1. A democratic government is a better government
because it is a more accountable form of government.
2. Democracy improves the quality of decision making
because a democratic decision always involves many
persons, discussions and meetings.
3. In any society, people are bound to have differences
of opinions and interests. Democracy provides a
method to deal with differences and conflicts.
4. Democracy enhances the dignity of concise.
5. Democracy is better than other form of government
because it allows us to correct its own mistakes.
Arguments against Democracy
This conversation has most of the
arguments that we routinely hear against
democracy. Let us go over some of these
arguments:-
1. Leaders keep changing in a democracy. This
leads to instability.
2. Democracy is all about political competition
and power play. There is no scope for morality.
3. So many people have to be insulted in a
democracy that it leads to delays.
4. Elected leaders do not know the best interest of
people. It leads to bad decision.
5. Democracy leads to corruption for it is based
on electoral competition.
Democracy in India
First of all, democracy refers to a system of government where the citizens
exercise power by voting. Democracy holds a special place in India.
Furthermore, India without a doubt is the biggest democracy in the world. Also,
the democracy of India is derived from the constitution of India. After suffering at
the hands of British colonial rule, India finally became a democratic nation in
1947. Most noteworthy, Indian democracy since independence is infused with
the spirit of justice, liberty, and equality.
Features of Indian Democracy
Sovereignty is a vital feature of Indian democracy. Sovereignty refers to the full
power of a governing body over itself without outside interference. Moreover,
people can exercise power in Indian democracy. Most noteworthy, people of
India elect their representatives. Moreover, these representatives remain
responsible for common people.
The democracy in India works on the principle of political equality. Furthermore,
it essentially means all citizens are equal before the law. Most noteworthy, there
is no discrimination on the basis of religion, caste, creed, race, sect, etc. Hence,
every Indian citizen enjoys equal political rights.
Rule of the majority is an essential feature of Indian democracy. Moreover, the
party which wins the most seats forms and runs the government. Most
noteworthy, no-one can object to support of the majority.
Another feature of Indian democracy is federal. Most noteworthy,
India is a union of states. Furthermore, the states are somewhat
autonomous. Moreover, the states enjoy freedom in certain
matters.
Collective responsibility is a notable feature of Indian democracy.
The council of Ministers in India is collectively responsible to their
respective legislatures. Therefore, no minister alone is responsible
for any act of their government.
Indian democracy works on the principle of formation of opinion.
Furthermore, the government and its institutions must work on the
basis of public opinion. Most noteworthy, public opinion must be
formed on various matters in India. Moreover, the Legislature of
India provides an appropriate platform to express public opinion.
Why is “Democratic Government”
considered as the best form of Government ?
Democracy is a better form of Government compare to
any other form of Government as :-
1. Democracy is an accountable form of government.
2. If you make a mistake you get a chance to correct it.
3. In a democratic government we get a chance to choose our own
representative.
4. Dignity of citizens enhances due to democracy.
5. In a democratic government everyone are equal before the law.
6. In a democratic government a constitution is layed which informs us
about our civil or fundamental rights and duties.
7. Democracy improves the quality of decision making.
8. Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts.
Thank you