Define democracy. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of democracy.
Define democracy. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of democracy.
Arguments in favour and against democracy.
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Definition / Concept of Democracy:-
The Greeks were the first to use the word democracy. The English term Democracy, which comes from the Greek words - Demos, which means people and Kratos, which means rule. That is, the etymological meaning of the word democracy is - rule of the people.
About democracy, Swami Vivekananda said - In a democracy, the people are the source of ultimate power.
Lord Bryce said - Although the power of government is vested in the hands of all the people in that country, it actually becomes the rule of the majority.
Dicey said - The type of government in which the power of government is vested in the hands of the majority of the people is called democracy.
US President Abraham Lincoln said - Democracy is the rule of the people, for the people, by the people.
Sweezy said - in democracy, the people are the source of governance.
However, the most modern definition of democracy has been given by - Schumpeter, Robert Dahl, G. C. Field - etc. According to Schumpeter, democracy is the election of representatives in a democratic manner. C. G. Field said, in a democratic process, the people directly influence the decision-making power of the government. Generally, democracy is a type of institution where the source of governance is the people, and if necessary, the people can control and remove the rulers. However, socialists are of the opinion that democracy is not possible without economic equality.
Advantages of democracy / Arguments in favor of democracy:-
1. Sovereignty of the people:-
In democracy, the sovereignty of the people is established. In a democratic system, the people are the main source of all power. The government is formed with the consent of the people and the government is run by the will, reluctance, hopes and aspirations of the people.
2. Practical application of the theory of natural rights: -
The practical application of the theory of natural rights can be achieved only through a democratic system. The natural manifestation of human life, property and rights, etc. occurs only through democracy.
3. Rule of law: -
In a democratic system, the state cannot interfere in the natural life of the people except through a statutory procedure. In a democracy, an individual fulfills his natural rights only through the law.
4. Maximum welfare of individual: -
The main goal of democracy is maximum individual welfare. Only in a democratic environment does an individual get the full opportunity to develop his being. A democratic state also takes into account the maximum individual welfare while formulating policies.
5. Independent and impartial judiciary: -
The presence of an independent and impartial judiciary can be observed in a democratic system. For the impartiality of the judiciary, special constitutional rules and regulations are in force in a democracy. As a result, the possibility of the law and the executive branch imposing authority on the judiciary is very low in a democracy.
6. Three principles: Equality, Fraternity and Liberty:-
In democracy, the three main ideas that emerged from the French Revolution - equality, fraternity and liberty can be observed. Here, the law is applied equally to all and everyone is equally protected by the law. Only in a democratic system is it possible to realize individual freedom to the fullest extent.
7. The ultimate manifestation of individual freedom:-
Various types of freedoms of citizens - such as civil and political freedom - are expressed to the greatest extent through democracy. The state is committed to protecting all these freedoms of citizens.
8. The highest development of personality:-
Only in a democratic system does the individual have the greatest opportunity for self-expression, so the individual's personality gets the opportunity to express itself to the greatest extent. In a democratic system, an ideal and supportive environment is created for the development of the individual's personality, which provides for the excellence of the personality.
9. The development of political consciousness:-
Since in a democratic system, the source of governing power is the people and the government is formed with the consent of the people and through the people; Therefore, in a democracy, people's political activities are organized to a greater extent - as a result, people's political consciousness develops.
10. Reduced possibility of dictatorship: -
In a democratic system, the government is established with the consent of a large number of people and state policy is conducted based on the will and reluctance of the people - as a result, the possibility of a democratic government becoming dictatorial is very low. Because, in a democratic system, the government is obliged to be accountable to the people.
11. Accurate reflection of people's will and reluctance: -
In a democratic system, the government is established based on the consent of the people; as a result, the government is obliged to be sensitive to the will and reluctance and hopes and aspirations of the people. As a result, the will and reluctance of the people are accurately reflected in state policies.
12. Reduced possibility of revolution: -
Since the government is elected based on the consent of the people, the possibility of a mass revolution decreases in a democratic system.
13. Accountability: -
In a democratic system, the state is accountable to the people. The executive branch is accountable to the legal branch.
14. Public welfare state:-
In a democratic system, the only purpose of the state is public welfare. Here, instead of the state imposing rule on the people, policies are imposed for the welfare of the people.
Disadvantages of democracy / Arguments against democracy:-
1. Possibility of government being run by incompetent people:-
In a democracy, everyone has equal rights; therefore, incompetent people also get the opportunity to participate in and run the government in a democracy - which can never lead to excellent governance.
2. Greater importance to the majority:-
In a democracy, from the establishment of the government to the formulation of policies - the principle of majority is applied in everything. As a result, in many cases, due to the trust in the consent of the general public instead of excellence - the conduct of governance and the formulation of policies cannot fulfill its main goal.
3. Protection of the interests of the majority:-
A democratic system strives only to protect the interests of the majority; therefore, it is not possible to protect the interests of everyone in a democracy. In such a system, only the views of the majority influence state policy.
4. Bureaucracy: -
When incompetent and inefficient people are elected by the people and participate in the work of governance, they become more dependent on bureaucrats. As a result, the dominance of bureaucracy increases instead of elected representatives in all parts of governance and policy-making.
5. Not suitable for emergencies: -
In a democratic system, the consent of all and extensive discussion - etc. is required for determining any policy and taking action. As a result, the democratic system is not suitable for taking quick decisions during emergencies.
6. Costly: -
Compared to other political systems, the democratic system is very costly. Huge money is spent on various elections, by-elections, various governments - etc. due to the need for a federal structure. Again, if the hopes and aspirations of the people are not fulfilled even after all this expenditure, it is a waste.
7. Party interests:-
In a democratic system, a political party seizes political power with the consent of the people. But as a result of the conflict of interests that arises between the ruling party and the opposition party, the party interests become more important than the hopes and aspirations of the people.
8. Development of capitalism:-
Elections are a major process in a democratic system. For the cost of these elections, various political parties seek refuge in the capitalists and after winning the elections, the ruling party determines policies in the interests of the capitalists; as a result, the interests of the people are neglected.
9. Possibility of conservatism:-
If a democratic system of governance is run by stupid and incompetent people, then it is bound to be conservative. Because progressive innovations are never possible by incompetent people; as a result, the system of governance becomes conservative.
10. Fear of weakening the stability of the government:-
The democratic system is affected by the mutual interests of different individuals and groups, castes and religions, various institutions - etc. If the government fails to act in the interests of all of them, there is a risk that the stability of the government will be undermined.
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