Table of contents | |
What is Democracy? | |
Features of Democracy | |
Why Democracy? | |
Broader Meaning of Democracy | |
Role of Citizens Played in a Democracy | |
Conclusion | |
Key Terms |
The word ‘Democracy’ has been derived from the Greek word ‘Democratic’. ‘Demos’ means people and ‘Kratia’ means the rule. So, democracy is the rule by the people. Democracy is a form of government where rulers are elected by the people. A key characteristic of all democracies is that the government is chosen through popular elections.
Understanding Differences: Defining democracy helps distinguish it from non-democratic systems. This distinction is crucial for understanding how different governments operate.
Here's a table comparing Democratic and Non-Democratic Governments:
A simple definition of democracy is : "Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people"
The simple definition of democracy gives rise to various questions, which are given below:
Key Questions:
Who are the Rulers?
In a democracy, rulers are those elected by the people.
What Constitutes a Democratic Election?
A democratic election is free, fair, and allows all eligible citizens to vote and stand for office.
Who Can Elect or Be Elected?
All eligible citizens have the right to vote in elections and can run for office.
What Form of Government is Democracy?
Democracy is a form of government where power rests with the people and is exercised through elected representatives.
A democratic government is one in which the people’s representatives participate in the decision-making process. They own collective responsibility for all the decisions taken by the government.
A Democracy must be based on a Free and Fair Election
Elections in China:
Elections in Mexico:
Here, we have the second feature of Democracy. Democracy must be based on a free and fair election where those currently in power have a fair chance of losing.
Question for Detailed Chapter Notes - What is Democracy? Why Democracy?Try yourself:What is the Chinese Parliament called?View Solution
Democracy is a form of government in which:
Citizens Exercising the Right to Vote
Universal Adult Franchise: The right of all adult citizens to vote, regardless of wealth, income, gender, social status, race, ethnicity, or any other restriction, subject to very few exceptions.
Free and Fair Elections: Elections that are conducted impartially, openly, and in accordance with established laws, where all voters are able to vote freely without coercion, and all votes are counted accurately.
Constitutional Law: A body of law that defines the role, powers, and structure of different entities within a state, namely, the executive, the parliament or legislature, and the judiciary, as well as the basic rights of citizens.
Rule of Law: The principle that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced.
Electoral Competition: The contest between political parties or candidates for electoral power.
Multi-party System: A system of government in which multiple political parties across the political spectrum run for national election, and all have the capacity to gain control of government offices, separately or in coalition.
Nominal Democracy: A form of democracy where although elections take place and representatives are chosen, many characteristics essential to a functional democracy might be missing, like free media, civil liberties, or meaningful choice between candidates.
Ideal Democracy: A theoretical concept of democracy in which all citizens have equal access to power and education, allowing them to participate fully and effectively in the political process.
Representative Democracy: A type of democracy founded on the principle of elected individuals representing the people, as opposed to direct democracy, where individuals vote on policy initiatives directly.
Popular Government: A government that is elected by and derives its power from the people, as opposed to being inherited or imposed through force.
Constitutional Limits: Legal limits on the powers of government officials or bodies established in a constitution to prevent abuse of power and to protect citizens' rights.
Opposition Party: A political party that does not form part of the government and is responsible for challenging and providing an alternative to the policies of the government.
Democratic Institutions: Structures, organizations, or mechanisms in a society that work according to democratic processes, like parliaments, local councils, or judicial systems.
Electoral Manipulation: Actions taken by a government or party in power to alter election results or influence the election process in their favour, which can undermine the fairness and free nature of elections.
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1. What is Democracy? |
2. What are the features of Democracy? |
3. Why is Democracy important? |
4. What is the broader meaning of Democracy? |
5. What role do citizens play in a Democracy? |
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