Democracy

 WHAT IS DEMOCRACY? WHY DEMOCRACY?

The word democracy is derived from the Greek word Demos- People Kratos-Power 

Meaning of Democracy

 Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people

 Abraham Lincoln said- Democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people.

 Features of Democracy 

 In a democracy the final decision making power must rest with those who elected by the people.

  A democracy must be based on a free and fair election where those currently in power have a fair chance of losing. 

 In a democracy, each adult citizen must have one vote and each vote must have one value.

  A democratic government rules within limits sets by constitutional law and citizen’s right.

  The opposition parties are allowed to function freely before and after the elections.

  The democratic governments are based on fundamental principles of political equality.

 Merits of Democracy

  A democratic government is a better government because it is a more accountable form of government. 

 Democracy improves the quality of decision making. 

 Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts. It is suitable the countries like India. India having diversity of language, religion and cultures. Democracy in India made it possible to keep unity in diversity.

  In a democracy no one is a permanent winner or loser.

  Democracy is better than other forms of government because it allows us to correct its own mistakes. 

 Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens, because it is based on the principle of political equality, on recognizing that the poorest and least educated have the same status as the rich and the educated. 

Demerits or Drawbacks of Democracy 

 Leaders keep changing in a democracy. This leads to instability. 

 Democracy is all about political competition and power play. There is no scope for morality.

  Elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people. It leads to bad decisions. 

 Democracy leads to corruption for it is based on electoral competition. 

 Ordinary people don’t know what is good for them; they should not decide anything. Democratic Govt Non Democratic Govt

  Democracy is the best form of government as the rulers are accountable to the people and have to fulfill their needs. 

 The rulers are not accountable to the people and their needs. Distinguish between Democratic and Non Democratic government Democratic Non Democratic.

  In democratic govt people elect their rulers and have right in decision making. 

 The parliament is a separate body and has no interference of army. 

 People do not elect their rulers and have no right in decision making.

  The parliament cannot pass a law about the army without the consent of the chief of army.

 Comparison of Democratic Non Democratic  government

 In democratic govt people elect their rulers and have right in decision making. 

 The parliament is a separate body and has no interference of army. 

 People don not elect their rulers and have no right in decision making. 

 The parliament cannot pass a law about the army without the consent of the chief of army. Comparison Democartic Non Democratic

  Any citizen can aspire to contest election for any post irrespective of his or her caste, religion, socioeconomic and educational background which means the right of vote is available to all citizens. 

 The citizens of the country have no right to vote. Comaparison Democratic Non Demcratic

  Democracy is based on consultation and in democratic govt people enjoy their right of discussion.

  There are free and fair elections. Elections offer a choice and fair opportunity to the people to change the current rulers. 

 Non democratic govt is based on dictatorship. The ruler does what he wishes. 

 In a democratic government elections are either not held and if held they are not fair enough rather they are imposing. Comparison Democratic Non Democratic 

 There is a freedom of expression and people enjoy their fundamental rights.  Example- India 

 There is no freedom of expression and people do not enjoy their fundamental rights.  Example- Saudi Arabia, Zimbabwe. 

Comparison of Two Types of Democracy- Direct &Indirect 

Direct Democracy 

It is a political setup, where the people themselves make the laws and parliament directly in the functioning of the govt. Decisions are taken on the base of the majority of opinion. It is suitable for the geographically small countries with less population. Eg : Ancient Greek/ Rome and India Modern period- Switzerland.

 In Direct Democracy 

 In the modern world most of the countries are following the in direct democracy.  It is system, in which the representatives are elected by the people and they act on behalf of the people.  They are so sensitive to cater the needs and opinion of the people. Eg ; India/ France/ USA