What is Democracy Why Democracy ||Political Science|| Chapter 1 Notes
1. Definition of Democracy
Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people. It is derived from two Greek words: ‘Demos’ (meaning ‘people’) and ‘Kratos’ (meaning ‘rule’). Thus, democracy means "rule by the people."
The most common definition is provided by Abraham Lincoln, who described democracy as:
"Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, and for the people."
2. Key Features of Democracy
There are several essential features of democracy:
a) Major Decisions by Elected Leaders
- In a democracy, major decisions are made by leaders elected by the people.
- Example: In India, the Prime Minister and other ministers are elected representatives who make important decisions on behalf of the people.
b) Free and Fair Elections
- A democracy must have free and fair elections, where people can choose their leaders without fear or pressure.
- Elections should be held at regular intervals to give citizens a chance to change their government if they are unhappy with its performance.
- Example: In India, general elections are held every five years.
c) One Person, One Vote, One Value
- In a democracy, every citizen has equal voting rights. Every vote is of equal value, and no one can be discriminated against on the basis of their caste, religion, gender, or wealth.
- Example: In a democratic country like India, whether a person is rich or poor, they get one vote in elections.
d) Rule of Law
- Democracy functions based on laws. Everyone, including elected leaders, must follow the law. No one is above the law.
- Example: If a leader breaks the law, they can be tried in court, just like any other citizen.
e) Respect for Fundamental Rights
- Democracy ensures that citizens' fundamental rights are protected. These rights include freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to equality.
- These rights are important because they allow people to express their views, criticize the government, and practice any religion without fear.
3. Forms of Democracy
There are two main forms of democracy:
a) Direct Democracy
- In a direct democracy, people directly participate in decision-making. All citizens gather to make laws and decisions.
- Example: In ancient Greece (Athens), citizens participated directly in decision-making.
b) Representative Democracy
- In a representative democracy, people elect representatives who make decisions on their behalf.
- These representatives are accountable to the people and must make decisions that are in the public’s interest.
- Example: India, the USA, and most modern countries have representative democracies.
4. Why Democracy?
There are several reasons why democracy is considered the best form of government:
a) Promotes Equality Among Citizens
- In a democracy, all citizens are considered equal, regardless of their background. It ensures equal voting rights for everyone, which promotes social and political equality.
b) Enhances Dignity of Individuals
- Democracy provides freedom of expression, allowing individuals to have a say in governance. People can express their opinions, form associations, and choose their leaders, which enhances their dignity.
c) Improves Decision-Making
- Democratic governments involve discussion, debate, and consultation before making decisions. This helps in making better, well-thought-out decisions.
- In non-democratic regimes, decisions are often made by a single ruler without consulting others, which can lead to poor governance.
d) Provides Methods to Resolve Conflicts
- Democracy provides peaceful ways to resolve conflicts and differences. Through elections, people can choose a new government if they are unhappy with the existing one.
e) Accountability
- Democratically elected governments are accountable to the people. If the government fails to meet the needs of the people, citizens can vote them out in the next election.
5. Arguments Against Democracy
While democracy has many advantages, there are also some criticisms and challenges:
a) Instability
- Democratic governments can change frequently, which may lead to political instability. Frequent changes of government might delay important decisions and development.
b) Delay in Decision-Making
- Democratic processes involve a lot of discussion and debate, which can sometimes slow down decision-making.
- Important decisions may take a long time due to the involvement of multiple parties and viewpoints.
c) Leaders May Not Be Fully Qualified
- In a democracy, anyone who wins the election can become a leader, even if they do not have the necessary skills or experience to govern effectively.
d) Focus on Majority
- Democracy works on the principle of majority rule, which sometimes means that the concerns of minorities may not be addressed.
e) Corruption and Inefficiency
- Elected representatives may sometimes focus on their personal gains instead of working for the public good, leading to corruption and inefficiency.
6. Challenges to Democracy
While democracy is widely accepted as the best form of government, it faces many challenges:
a) Reducing Inequality
- In many democracies, including India, there are significant inequalities in wealth, income, and access to resources. These inequalities can lead to a lack of real political participation by disadvantaged groups.
b) Casteism and Communalism
- In countries like India, social divisions like caste and religion can sometimes lead to violence and discrimination. These divisions can also influence voting patterns, undermining the fairness of elections.
c) Political Instability
- Coalition governments, where no single party has a clear majority, can lead to political instability as different parties may have conflicting agendas.
d) Lack of Political Awareness
- In many parts of the world, including rural areas of India, people may not be fully aware of their rights or the functioning of democracy. This lack of awareness can be exploited by politicians for their own benefit.
7. Broader Meaning of Democracy
The concept of democracy is not limited to just government and elections. It applies to various aspects of life, such as:
- Democracy in the Family: Decision-making within families should involve discussion and not be based on authoritarian rule by elders.
- Democracy in Schools: Students should have a say in matters that affect them.
- Democracy in the Workplace: Workers should have rights and be allowed to participate in decisions affecting their work conditions.
8. Democracy Beyond Government
Apart from political democracy, economic democracy and social democracy are also essential. True democracy means that everyone has access to economic opportunities and social equality, not just political rights.
Summary:
- Democracy is a system of government where the people elect their leaders and have a say in the decision-making process.
- The key features of democracy include free and fair elections, equality, rule of law, and respect for fundamental rights.
- Democratic governments are accountable to the people and involve broader participation in decision-making.
- Although democracy has some limitations, such as delayed decision-making and political instability, it remains the most preferred form of government due to its emphasis on equality, individual dignity, and peaceful conflict resolution.