Which of the following conditions must be fulfilled in a democracy to...
- It will be a fair expectation that democracy should produce a harmonious social life. Through democracy we can certainly learn to respect these differences and we can also evolve mechanisms to negotiate the differences.
- Democracy is best suited to produce this outcome. Non-democratic regimes often turn a blind eye to or suppress internal social differences. Ability to handle social differences, divisions and conflicts is thus a definite plus point of democratic regimes. Democracy must fulfil two conditions in order to achieve this outcome: 1. It is necessary to understand that democracy is not simply ruled by majority opinion. The majority always needs to work with the minority so that governments function to represent the general view. Majority and minority opinions are not permanent. 2. It is also necessary that rule by majority does not become rule by majority community in terms of religion or race or linguistic group, etc.
Which of the following conditions must be fulfilled in a democracy to...
Introduction:
In a democracy, the goal is to create a harmonious social life by giving equal opportunities to all citizens and ensuring that both majority and minority opinions are respected. The two conditions mentioned in the question are essential for achieving this objective.
Explanation:
1. Majority and minority opinions are not permanent: In a democracy, the opinions and preferences of the majority can change over time. This means that the majority opinion today may not be the same tomorrow. Similarly, the minority opinion today may become the majority opinion in the future. This fluidity in opinions is crucial for maintaining a harmonious social life in a democracy.
- Fluidity in opinions: Democracy encourages open dialogue and debates, allowing for a continuous exchange of ideas. This creates an environment where opinions can evolve and change based on new information and perspectives. It ensures that the majority does not become oppressive or ignore the interests of the minority. For example, if a majority opinion becomes permanent, it may lead to the neglect of minority rights, causing social unrest and disharmony.
2. Every citizen has a chance of being in the majority: A fundamental principle of democracy is the equal participation of all citizens in the decision-making process. This means that every citizen should have an opportunity to be part of the majority at some point in time.
- Equal representation: Democracy ensures that power is not concentrated in the hands of a few individuals or groups. It provides mechanisms for fair elections, where every citizen can exercise their right to vote and have a say in the formation of the government. This ensures that different opinions and perspectives are represented in the decision-making process, leading to a more inclusive and harmonious society.
Conclusion:
Both of the above conditions are essential in a democracy to produce a harmonious social life. The fluidity of opinions prevents the dominance of a permanent majority and ensures that minority opinions are not disregarded. Simultaneously, the equal opportunity for every citizen to be part of the majority promotes inclusivity and prevents the concentration of power. These principles of democracy create a conducive environment for dialogue, compromise, and cooperation, leading to a harmonious social life.