Democracy –
What is democracy? –
Aristotle believed that democracy is a useless form of government in which a large number of poor classes come to rule taking the form of mob rule for the benefit of their class. At the same time, Aristotle considered democracy as a form of politics. Democracy is a form of government in which the people have a say in how their country is run. But its concept has become somewhat complicated due to the use of different terminology at different times and circumstances.
Many proposals have been made in the context of democracy since ancient times, but many of them have never been implemented. Democracy is not only a type of political, social, and economic system but also its name in an unusual approach to life. In a democracy, all individuals should treat each other as they treat the people they like themselves.
What is democracy according to many views? –
Let us understand this from the views of some popular people-
• Such a government where the people are powerful.
• Ruled by many people.
• People by the people for the people This is called democracy – Abraham Lincoln
• In which there is the participation of the people, it is called democracy-Sile.
• The governing power of the state vested in the community in the form of an event list is called democracy – Bryce.
Definition of democracy:-
What is democracy as well as includes such types of subjects as these types change as a type. Different at different times at different times.
Features of Democracy –
First let us also know what are the characteristics of democracy, such as-
• Adult franchise
• The will of the people is supreme.
• Responsible Government.
• Representative government elected by the people
• Decision by majority
• Fair and time-bound elections
• Public shares in the decisions of the government through advice, pressure, and public opinion
• Fair Judiciary and Rule of Law
• Presence of various political parties and pressure groups
• Committee and Constitutional Government
• The duty of the government to protect the rights and freedoms of the people Happen
What is democratic government? –
Democracy is a system of governance in which the people choose their rulers themselves. Democratic government means that such a government that is elected by the people, for the people, and in the interest of the people is called democratic government.
Types of Democracy –
(1) Pure or direct democracy
(2) Representative authoritarian or indirect democracy
(1)Pure or direct democracy –
At present direct democracy runs in Switzerland. This type of democracy was found in the city-states of ancient Greece. Direct democracy means that in which all the citizens of the country directly participate in the state's work. In this way, a decision is taken only after their consultation. The famous philosopher Rousseau has considered such democracy as the ideal system.
(2)Representative authoritarian or indirect democracy –
Today’s governance in many countries is representative, authoritative or indirect democracy, in which decisions are taken by the representatives elected by the people, in this the people of the country only contribute to choosing their representative, they do not participate in any governance and law-making. This is what is called representative authoritarian or indirect democracy.
Importance of democracy –
Democratic Governance Despite many criticisms and faults, democracy has its own importance.
1. The democratic governance system is far better than any other system of governance in terms of behaving according to the needs of the people.
2. The democratic form of governance is better than all the other systems because it is a more accountable form of apprehension.
3. Democracy plays a different role in increasing the chances of giving better decisions.
4. Democracy provides a different way of handling differences and conflicts.
5. Democracy enhances the respect of the people and citizens.
6. Democratic system is better than others because in this we are also given an opportunity to correct our mistakes.
Features of Democracy –
• Based on high ideals
• Based on Public Welfare
• Public Education
• Protection from revolution
• Changing Governance
• Developing a sense of patriotism
• Developing self-confidence and a sense of responsibility in donations
Defects of democracy –
• Democracy is ruled by incompetent people
• Decision by majority not rational
• Democracy lays emphasis not on qualities but on numbers
• Valuable professional political people
• Expensive Governance
• Unsuitable for crisis times
• Furious Partisanship
Features of Democracy –
1. In democracy re-election is held after a certain time. If people are not happy with their elected representative or government. So he can freely choose a new representative or government in his place as per his wish.
2. In a democracy, there is a system of elections with freedom and without any partisanship. The responsibility of which rests with the Election Commission.
3. The general meaning of democracy is the government of that state. In which the ultimate power of governance is in the hands of the people. Universal adult suffrage is the basis of elections.
4. Every person gets the right to vote after a certain age. It doesn’t matter that a voter is a young man. Or a girl. This right applies equally to everyone.
5. In a democracy, the common man is considered the main source of power. Because it is the common man who takes this decision. Which party will form its government this time? 6. Fundamental rights are given to every person in a democracy. Under this fundamental right, every person is completely free to express his feelings or views.
7. Newspapers and media have full freedom to express their opinion on the policies of the government. What is wrong with those policies? And what is good for the people. Newspapers and media can freely express their views on this. That is why newspapers and media are considered the most important link between the government and the common citizen.
8. Democracy is not just a form of governance but also functions as a way of life. In which people of all classes can follow their religion with full devotion. And they are completely free to adopt any language or culture.
9. Democracy system has proved to be very useful in today’s time. And it is also time friendly. Through this, a person can protect his rights. And can convey his feelings or ideas to the government in the right way. With the help of this democratic system, it is able to prevent the authoritarianism of the state and arrange for an independent and fair judiciary.
By Chanchal Sailani | October 13, 2022, | Editor at Gurugrah_Blogs.
