The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 15th August 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Democracy in India, a gift and a warning

Why in News?

In the 76th year of our Independence, the Prime Minister’s statement welcoming G-20 delegates to “the mother of democracy” is plastered on billboards across the nation’s capital. With all due respect to the Greeks, both countries may have a point. Contrary to the linear narrative that democracy was invented in ancient Athens before being rediscovered and spreading around the globe in modern times, we must accept that democratic government was more common in the ancient world than many believe, even if the proportion of the population participating in Athenian democracy may have been more extensive than other places.

Understanding Democracy: An Overview

• The term 'democracy' originates from the Greek words 'demos' (people) and 'kratos' (rule), essentially meaning 'rule of the people.' It is a system of government where citizens exercise power directly or elect representatives to form a governing body. Democracy stands out as a system where the government is accountable to the citizens, and not the other way around.

Principles of Democracy

Democracy is underpinned by a set of fundamental principles that determine its authenticity and effectiveness. These principles of democracy include:

• Participation: Every citizen, regardless of gender, race, or social status, has a right to participate in the democratic process, primarily through voting.
• Equality: All citizens are equal before the law and are entitled to equal protection and benefit of the law.
• Transparency: The processes, decisions, and actions of a democratic government must be transparent, ensuring accountability.
• Accountability: Elected representatives are accountable to the people who elected them.
• Control over the agenda: Citizens have the collective right to decide on the political, economic, and social agendas of their societies.

The Unfolding of Democracy in India

• India, the world's largest democracy, presents a fascinating case study. In India it is a vibrant, multi-layered political system that embraces diversity and upholds the principles of democracy in unique ways.

Features of Indian Democracy

• Federal Structure: India follows a federal structure where power is divided between the central government and state governments.
• Parliamentary Form of Government: The President is the head of the state, while the Prime Minister is the head of the government.
• Universal Adult Franchise: Every Indian citizen above the age of 18 has the right to vote, ensuring participation from all sections of the society.
• Fundamental Rights: The Indian Constitution guarantees six fundamental rights to all citizens, including the right to equality, freedom, and constitutional remedies.

Types of Democracy: Unpacking the Variations

Democracy is not a one-size-fits-all system. It takes on different forms and structures, adapting to the cultural, historical, and socio-economic contexts of a nation. Let's explore some of the key types of democracy, each with unique characteristics and mechanisms.

• Representative Democracy
  • In a representative democracy, citizens elect representatives to make laws and policies on their behalf. This form of democracy is prevalent in large and populous countries where direct participation of all citizens is logistically challenging. The representatives, usually elected for a specific term, are expected to represent the interests and aspirations of their constituents while making decisions.
• Constitutional Democracy
  • A constitutional democracy is a democratic government regulated by a constitution. This constitution establishes the fundamental political principles, and often guarantees basic rights to its citizens. In a constitutional democracy, the power of the government and its officials is limited by law, and they are held accountable to these laws. The core idea is to prevent the abuse of power and protect citizens' rights, thereby ensuring the principles of democracy are upheld.

Monitory Democracy

• Monitory democracy is a modern form of democracy where various kinds of watchdog bodies and agencies monitor and influence the exercise of power. These monitors can be non-governmental organizations, independent media, public integrity commissions, and various other bodies that keep an eye on the actions of elected representatives. They provide an additional layer of accountability, transparency, and control over the misuse of public power.
• By understanding these types of democracies, we can appreciate the fluidity and adaptability of democratic systems. Whether it’s the representative democracy that balances practicality with people’s power, the constitutional democracy that safeguards the democratic structure, or the monitory democracy that amplifies transparency and accountability, each type contributes uniquely to the democratic ethos.

Elements of Democracy: Building Blocks of a Democratic Society

While the principles of democracy provide a philosophical framework, there are tangible elements or components that actualize these principles, making democracy a functional reality. Let's explore these critical elements that help breathe life into a democratic society.

• Free and Fair Elections
  • A key element of democracy is the conduct of regular, free, and fair elections. These elections allow citizens to elect their representatives and government leaders. Free means that all eligible citizens have the right to vote, without coercion or manipulation. Fair signifies that the elections are competitive, impartial, and transparent, ensuring that the results accurately reflect the voters' will.
• Rule of Law
  • Democracy is underpinned by the rule of law. This principle means that every individual, including government officials, is subject to the law and equal in the eyes of the law. It ensures that laws are publicly known, universally applicable, and enforced fairly, thus safeguarding citizens' rights and freedoms.
• Protection of Basic Human Rights
  • Democracy is also characterized by the protection of fundamental human rights. These rights, often enshrined in a nation's constitution, may include freedom of speech and expression, right to life and personal liberty, right to equality, and freedom of religion. A democratic society respects and protects these rights, promoting human dignity and social justice.
• Active Citizen Participation
  • Active citizen participation is another vital element of democracy. Besides voting, citizens participate in democratic processes by expressing their views, demanding accountability from public officials, and engaging in community and civic activities. This participation fosters a vibrant and responsive democratic society.
• Democratic Institutions
  • Democratic institutions form the backbone of a democratic society. These institutions, which include the judiciary, parliament or congress, and executive bodies, operate within the framework of constitutional laws and principles. They balance power, ensure accountability, and facilitate democratic governance.
  • These elements form the lifeblood of a democratic society, giving shape and substance to the democratic ethos. They illustrate that democracy is not just about periodic elections, but a holistic process involving legal systems, institutions, and, most importantly, the active participation of informed and conscious citizens.