What Is Democracy? Why Democracy?
This chapter explores two fundamental questions: what democracy is and why it is considered a better form of government than others. To understand this, we start with a simple definition and then build upon it by examining its key features.
Often, we use words without a precise definition. We understand words like 'pen' or 'rain' from using them. However, a definition becomes necessary when we need to distinguish between similar but different things, like telling the difference between 'drizzle' and a 'cloudburst'.
The same is true for democracy. We need a clear definition because many different kinds of governments call themselves democratic, even when they are not. Just relying on a famous quote, like Abraham Lincoln's "government of the people, by the people, and for the people," isn't enough. We must think for ourselves to understand the true meaning.
Similarly, relying on the origin of a word isn't always helpful. The word democracy comes from the Greek words ‘demos’ (people) and ‘kratia’ (rule), meaning ‘rule by the people’. While this is a good starting point, the meaning of words can change over time.
Therefore, to truly understand democracy, we need to go beyond simple quotes or word origins and develop a clear definition based on its essential features.
A common factor in all democracies is that the government is chosen by the people. This gives us a simple starting point for a definition:
Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people.
This definition helps us separate democracies from non-democratic governments.
However, this simple definition is not adequate. Many governments hold elections but are not truly democratic. To distinguish a real democracy from one that just pretends to be, we must examine each part of this definition carefully.
The simple definition raises several questions: Who are the rulers? What kind of election is democratic? Who are the people who can elect them? And what kind of power does this form of government have? Let's explore these questions through examples to identify the key features of democracy.
In a democracy, the people we elect should be the ones making the most important decisions. If the final decision-making power lies with someone who is not elected, then the government cannot be called a democracy.
Holding elections is not enough. A democracy must provide a real choice between different political parties and candidates. The people should have a fair chance to remove the existing rulers if they want to.
The principle of political equality is the foundation of democracy. This means that every adult citizen should have one vote, and every vote should have the same value. No citizen should be denied the right to vote without a good reason, and everyone's vote must count equally.
A democratic government cannot do whatever it wants just because it has won an election. It must operate within the limits set by the constitution and must respect the basic rights of its citizens. Even popular leaders and governments can be undemocratic if they do not follow these rules.
Based on these features, we can create a more complete definition of democracy:
Democracy is a form of government in which:
Now that we understand what democracy is, we can ask why it is considered the best form of government. Let's look at the arguments for and against it.
Critics often point out several weaknesses in democratic systems:
Democracy is not a magical solution to all problems. It does not guarantee good decisions or an end to poverty. However, the real question is whether democracy is better than the other forms of government available, like monarchy or dictatorship.
Despite its flaws, democracy is considered better than other forms of government for several key reasons.
A more accountable government: A democratic government is a better government because it is more accountable to the people. Rulers in a democracy have to respond to the needs of the people because they risk being voted out of power. In a non-democratic system, rulers do not have to act according to the wishes of the people. [!example] During China's famine of 1958-1961, nearly three crore people died. At the same time, India's economic condition was not much better, but India did not experience a famine on that scale. Economists believe this was because India's democratic government, with its opposition parties and free press, was forced to respond to food scarcity in a way that the non-democratic Chinese government did not.
Improves the quality of decision-making: Democracy is based on consultation and discussion. When many people are involved in a decision, it reduces the chances of rash or irresponsible choices. While this process can take time, it ultimately leads to better-quality decisions.
Provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts: In a diverse country like India, with different languages, religions, and castes, conflicts are bound to arise. Democracy provides a peaceful solution to this problem. In a democracy, no single group is a permanent winner or loser. Different groups can learn to live with one another peacefully.
Enhances the dignity of citizens: The strongest argument for democracy is what it does for the citizens. It is based on the principle of political equality, recognizing that the poorest and the least educated have the same status as the rich and the educated. People are not subjects of a ruler; they are the rulers themselves. This enhances their dignity.
Allows us to correct our own mistakes: No form of government can guarantee that mistakes won't be made. The advantage of democracy is that mistakes cannot be hidden for long. There is space for public discussion and a room for correction. Either the rulers have to change their decisions, or the rulers themselves can be changed in the next election.
So far, we have looked at democracy as a form of government with a minimal set of features. The most common form today is representative democracy, where a majority of people rule through their elected representatives. This is necessary because in large, modern societies, it is physically impossible for all citizens to sit together and make every decision.
However, this minimal understanding doesn't help us distinguish between a "democracy" and a "good democracy." For that, we need to consider the broader meanings of the term.
Democracy as a principle in life: The word democracy is also used to describe a method of decision-making in organizations other than government, such as a family, a classroom, or a political party. A democratic decision involves consultation with and the consent of all those who are affected by it.
Democracy as an ideal: We also use democracy to describe an ideal that all societies should aim for. For example, we might say that "true democracy" will only come when no one goes hungry, or when every citizen has equal information, education, and resources to participate in decision-making. If we use this ideal standard, then no country in the world is a perfect democracy.
This ideal helps us judge existing democracies, identify their weaknesses, and strive to make them better. Every democracy must constantly make an effort to realize the ideals of democratic decision-making. The fate of the country depends not just on what the rulers do, but on what we, as citizens, do. This active political participation by all citizens is what distinguishes democracy from other forms of government like monarchy or dictatorship.
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