WHAT IS DEMOCRACY? WHY DEMOCRACY?

Definition of Democracy

Simple Definition: Govt. elected by people.

Key Feature: Rulers chosen by citizens through elections.

Non-Democratic Examples

• Myanmar: Military rule, no public choice.
• Chile (Pinochet): Dictatorship.
• Saudi Arabia: Monarchy, rulers by birth.
• Limitation of Definition:
• Just holding elections ≠ true democracy.
• Many non-democratic govts. falsely claim to be democracies.

Features of Democracy

Key Definition: Govt. where rulers are elected by people.

Key Questions

• Who are the rulers?
• What makes an election democratic?
• Who can vote/contest?
• Do elected leaders have unlimited power?
• Are citizens’ rights respected?

Feature 1: Major Decisions by Elected Leaders

• Pakistan (1999): Gen. Musharraf seized power via military coup.
• Became President; held fraudulent referendum (2002).
• Issued Legal Framework Order – gave himself power to dismiss assemblies.
• Civilian govt. under military-dominated National Security Council.
• Elections held, but real power with unelected military.
• Not true democracy – elected reps had no final authority.

Conclusion

In democracy, final decision-making must rest with elected leaders.

Feature 2: Free and Fair Electoral Competition

China

• Elections every 5 years (NPC – National People’s Congress).
• NPC elects President.
• Candidates need Communist Party approval.
• Only CCP & allies can contest.
• No real choice for voters.

Mexico (before 2000)

• Elections every 6 years, never under dictatorship.
• PRI always won, despite opposition contesting.

Used dirty tricks

• Govt employees forced to attend meetings.
• Teachers pressured parents to vote PRI.
• Media ignored opposition.
• Booth shifting, heavy spending.

Conclusion

• Elections alone ≠ democracy.
• Must have real choice & possibility to remove rulers.
• Democracy = free & fair elections + fair chance of losing for those in power.

Feature 3: One Person, One Vote, One Value

Universal adult franchise = core of democracy.

Still denied in cases

• Saudi Arabia (till 2015): Women couldn’t vote.
• Estonia: Russian minority struggles to vote.
• Fiji: Indigenous votes > Indian-Fijian votes.
• Conclusion:
• Democracy = Political equality
• Each adult = 1 vote = 1 value

Feature 4: Rule of Law & Respect for Rights

Zimbabwe case

• Independence in 1980, ruled by ZANU-PF (Mugabe).
• Regular elections, but unfair practices.
• Constitution changed to favour President.
• Opposition harassed; protests banned.
• Media controlled; critics suppressed.
• Courts ignored, judges pressured.
• Mugabe ousted in 2017.

Key idea

• Popular govt ≠ Democratic govt

Democracy needs

• Free expression, opposition, protest.
• Equality before law.
• Independent judiciary.
• Govt accountable & within constitutional limits.
• Rights & rules respected before & after elections.

Conclusion:

Democracy = Rule by law + Rights protection

Definition Summary – Democracy

Basic idea: Govt where rulers are elected by people.

Not enough, needs more explanation.

4 Key Features

1. Elected rulers take major decisions.

2. Free & fair elections with real choice.

3. Equal voting rights for all adults.

4. Govt limited by constitution & citizens’ rights.

Arguments Against Democracy

• Instability due to frequent leadership changes.
• Power play, no morality.
• Delays from too much consultation.
• Bad decisions by elected leaders.
• Corruption due to electoral competition.
• Ordinary people may lack knowledge to decide.

Limitations

• Not a magic solution to all problems.
• Doesn’t guarantee good decisions.
• Delays & inefficiency possible.
• May slow big decisions.

Key Question

• Is democracy better than other govt forms?

Arguments for Democracy

 

1. Famine Example

• China (1958–61): 3 crore deaths.
• India avoided famine due to democracy.
• Free press, opposition, elections help prevent disasters.

2. Accountability

• Democratic govt more accountable.
• Rulers must respond to people’s needs.

3. Better Decisions

• Based on discussion, consultation.
• Less chance of rash decisions.

4. Conflict Resolution

• Peaceful method to handle differences.
• No permanent winner/loser.
• Helps unity in diverse societies like India.

5. Citizen Dignity

• Based on political equality.
• People are rulers, not subjects.

6. Correcting Mistakes

• Mistakes can't be hidden.
• Allows public debate, corrections.
• Rulers can be changed.

7. Conclusion

• Not perfect, but best known system.
• Respects wishes, dignity, diversity.
• Offers correction and accountability.

Broader Meanings of Democracy

1. Representative Democracy

• Majority rules via elected representatives.
• Necessary due to large populations, time, and skills.

2. Democracy Beyond Government

• Applied in families, schools, organizations.
• Involves consultation and consent of all affected.

3. Democracy as an Ideal

• Aims for equality, access to information, education, and resources.
• No country is a perfect democracy, but it's a standard to evaluate existing systems.

4. Decision-Making in Democracy

• Focus on equality and consultation.
• Small communities may have direct decision-making (e.g., Gram Sabha).

5. Challenges of Democracy

• No perfect democracy; requires constant effort.
• Success depends on active participation from citizens.

6. Distinction from Non-Democracies

• Non-democracies discourage citizen involvement.
• Democracy requires active political participation.