What is Democracy?

The most modern definition of democracy was given by Lincoln, who said that 'democracy is the
government of the people, for the people, by the people'. In the modern world, democracy has
been accepted as the best form of government, although its successful working depends on
certain pre-requisites. Intelligence, self-control, dutifulness, empathy and good conscience are
pre-requisites for citizens to have a successful democratic society.
Democracy has been defined variously by different writers. It has been described as a form of
society, as a form of state and as a form of government. As a form of society, democracy has
been regarded to exist where all citizens are socially equal, irrespective of their material wealth
and social status. As a form of state, democracy means that in a democratic state every section of
the people is equally represented in the legislature through election. As a form of government,
democracy means that in a government people participate directly or indirectly through their
representatives.
There are different types of democracy. Our country follows the system of representative
democracy. People elect their representatives to run the government. General elections for both
Central and State Legislatures( Law makers) are normally held every five years. There maybe 2
by elections in some region if there are some vacancy in the Legislatures. In our country, all
citizens above the age of eighteen years have the Right to vote. As voters people should not be
misled in the name of caste, religion or regional loyalties. They should elect only those
candidates who are genuinely committed towards working for the country’s welfare.
1. How was democracy defined by Lincoln?
2. How is democracy regarded in the modern world?
3. What qualities do citizens need to have in a democracy country?
4. How has different writers variously described democracy?
5. What is the meaning of democracy as a form of government?
6. What system of democracy do we follow in our country?
7. How often is general election held?
8. In what way are voters sometimes probably mislead?
9. What kind of candidate should we elect?
10. Do you like democracy? Why or why not?