MIND

What is Democracy? Why Democracy?

Broader Meanings of Democracy
• The majority of people rule through their elected representatives.
• Democratic decision involves consultation with the consent of
those who are affected by that decision.
• Democracy is a principle that can be applied to any sphere of
life (government, family or organisation).

Features of Democracy

Rulers elected
by the people
• The final decision
makers are the rulers
elected by people.
Free and competitive
elections
• Democracy is based on a
free and fair election where
those currently in power
have a fair chance of losing.
One person, one vote,
one value
• Each adult irrespective of
religion, education, caste,
colour, wealth have one vote,
one value.
Rule of law and
respect for rights
• State should respect some
basic rights of the citizen.
• Everyone should be equal
in the eyes of law.
• Rights must be protected
by independent judiciary.

Evaluation of Democracy

Merits of Democracy Demerits of Democracy

1. Better than any other form of government.
2. More accountable form of government.
3. Improves the quality of decision-making.
4. Provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts.
5. Enhances the dignity of citizens.
6. Allows us to correct the mistakes.
1. Change of leaders leads to instability.
2. No scope for morality, all about political competition and power play.
3. Leads to delays.
4. Elected members often take bad decisions.
5. As based on electoral competition leads to corruption.
6. Changes in leadership affect the government’s efficiency.