What Democracy? Why Democracy?

Meaning of Democracy

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

Features of Democracy:

 The final decision making power rests with those who are elected by people.
 A democracy must be based on a free and fair election. The ruling party must have a
fair chance of losing that election.
 In a democracy, each adult citizen must have one vote and each vote should have
equal value.
 A democratic government rules within the limits which are set by constitutional laws
and citizens’ rights.

Arguments against Democracy:

 Change in leadership may lead to instability.

 Democracy involves political competition and power play. This leaves no scope for
morality.
 The decision making is often delayed because a large number of people need to be
consulted.
 Elected leaders may not aware about the best decisions for people. More often, bad
decisions are made in a democracy.
 Involvement of electoral competition in a democracy gives rise to corruption.
 Ordinary people may not understand the meaning of collective good and hence they
should not be made a part of the decision making process.

Arguments for Democracy:

 Democratic government is more accountable to people and hence is a better form of

government; compared to other forms of government.
 Since a large number of people are consulted in the decision making process, so
democracy enhances the quality of decision making.
 Democracy provides a method to deal with conflicts and differences. In a diverse
country; like India; there can be very sharp social differences and conflicts. Such
differences can be resolved through democracy in a better and amicable way.
 Democracy provides the fundamental rights to its citizens and thus enhances the
dignity of the people.
 Democracy allows to correct its own mistakes and hence is a better form of
governance.