Principles of Democracy

(1) Principle of Liberty; (2) Equality; (3) Public Welfare; (4) Rule by the people;
(5) Government by majority; (6) Public criticism of Government; (7) Democracy as a
way of Life; (8) Recognizing Human Dignity and Universal Brotherlihood; (9)
Tolerance; (10) Common way of Life; (11) Social Justice; (12) Opportunity for
Individual Development; (13) Constitutional Rule; (14) Decentralization of Power;
(15) Separation of Powers; (16) Legislature representing the Public Opinion; (17)
Existence of Political parties; and (18) Election by Adult Franchise.
Values of Democracy
(1) Administration is in the hands of the people; (2) Adult Franchise system
enables good government; (3) There is no scope for domination of any race, religion
or language because all are equal; (4) Legislatures are constituted by the elected
representatives and people are obedient to the decisions taken by them; (5)
Liberty, Fearlessness and Regular elections gives power in the hands of the people;
(6) Independence of Judiciary protects the rights of the citizens; (7) The
Fundamental Rights provide opportunity for the progress of the individual; (8) All
decisions are taken through discussions in a peaceful way; (9) Decisions are taken
after ascertaining public opinion; and (10) Constitution, Legislature and Judiciary
check the abuse of power.
Defects of Democracy
(1) Many times people demand certain things which are beyond the ability of the
government to fulfill and thus weaken the government; (2) A majority party can at
times become dictatorial; (3) The competition among the political parties for power
is another weakness; (4) Defections from political parties is another weakness and
creates instability; (5) Muscle power, money, caste and other factors play their
role during elections and cause damage to democracy; and (6) It is possible that
anti-social elements manage to come to power.