UNIT:I

Democratic Values
 Democratic Values : Understanding
⚫ Democratic values refer to principles and beliefs that are
foundations for the democratic governance and society.
⚫ These fundamental values are very essential and assuring
Rights, Freedom and Wellness of individuals in the society.
⚫ The key values are.,
i) Equality ii) Liberty
iii) Fraternity iv) Freedom
v) Justice vi) Pluralism
vii) Tolerance viii) Respect for all
ix) Freedom of expression
x) Citizen participation in governance
 Equality
⚫ It refers to the principle that the citizens of the country
should have equal rights, opportunities and treatment
before the law irrespective of the background,
characteristics or circumstances.
⚫ In democracy, equality includes different dimensions viz.,
Political equality, Social equality and Economic equality.
⚫ The promotion of equality includes Affirmative action,
Anti-discrimination laws, Progressive taxation and social
welfare programs.
⚫ According to Mill, Equality is an important democratic
value in terms of Political equality. Also he emphasized that
all individuals must have equal opportunities to participate
in the political process and influence the decisions.
 Liberty
⚫ It is the principle that every individual must have the rights to
pursue their own interests, right to express their thoughts and
make their own choices without the influence of Government
and other individuals.
⚫ In democracy, liberty includes freedom to speech, Religion
liberty, liberty to assemble and association. However, it is
limited by laws that protect the public, National security and
others rights.
⚫ Mill asserts that every citizen has liberty to think, speak and act
as they choose as long as their action do not harm others.
⚫ Freedom of speech is very crucial one in a democratic society.
At any point of time the activists, journalist and any citizen can
criticize the Government policy without facing any
persecution.
 Fraternity
⚫ It refers to the Solidarity, emphasizes the importance of mutual
respect, cooperation and concern of others well-being in the
society.
⚫ It creates a sense of social cohesion and collective
responsibility where every citizen and groups support each
other to achieve the common goal.
⚫ In order to encourage the fraternity, there are different
programs like Social welfare programs, community building
initiatives and efforts to minimize the inequalities and social
divisions.
⚫ Mill argued that the promotion of sense of Solidarity among
the individuals is important for Freedom of expression and
individual liberty.
 Freedom
⚫ It is closely related to liberty but emphasizes broader aspects of
autonomy and self-determination, including economic freedom,
political freedom and personal freedom.
⚫ Economic freedom refers to the ability of an individual to involve
in any economic activity without intervention of Government.
⚫ Political freedom refers to right to participate in political process.
⚫ Personal freedom includes right to privacy, autonomy over one’s
choices and freedom from arbitrary detention and persecution.
⚫ Mill’s liberty concept encompasses various aspect of freedom
which includes freedom of speech, conscience and action. He
argued that the individuals must have the freedom to pursue their
own interests and lifestyles without Government intervention or
any other society.
 Justice
⚫ It involves the fair and impartial distribution of rights,
treatment of individuals, resources and opportunities within the
society.
⚫ In democratic society, Justice includes both procedural justice
and distributive justice.
⚫ Democratic values of justice require the protection of human
rights, access to legal representation, equality before the law
and accountability for wrong-doing.
⚫ Mill contends that justice requires the fair and impartial
treatment of all individuals regardless of their status or beliefs.
 Pluralism
⚫ It recognizes and respects the diversified opinions, beliefs, cultures
and lifestyles within the society and promotes the coexistence of
multiple perspectives and identities.
⚫ In democratic societies, pluralism fosters openness, tolerance and
dialogue among individuals and groups with differing viewpoints,
contributing to intellectual diversity and social harmony.
⚫ Pluralism is essential for democratic governance, as it ensures that
diverse interests and values are represented in the political process
and facilitates compromise and consensus-building.
⚫ Mill's defense of freedom of expression and tolerance promotes
pluralism by encouraging the open exchange of diverse ideas and
perspectives within society. He believes that a pluralistic society is
more dynamic, innovative and resilient than one that stifles dissent
and enforces conformity.
⚫ Mill advocates for a marketplace of ideas, where competing
opinions are allowed to flourish and compete on their merits, rather
than being suppressed or censored by those in power.
 Tolerance
⚫ Tolerance involves the acceptance and respect of differences, even
when one may disagree with or disapprove of them.
⚫ In democratic societies, tolerance is essential for peaceful
coexistence and constructive dialogue among individuals and
groups with divergent beliefs, backgrounds and identities.
⚫ Tolerance does not imply indifference or apathy but rather an
acknowledgment of the inherent dignity and worth of every
individual, regardless of their differences.
⚫ Tolerance is a recurring theme in "On Liberty." where Mill argues
that individuals should be tolerant of diverse opinions and lifestyles,
even when they disagree with or disapprove of them.
⚫ Mill contends that tolerance is essential for maintaining social
harmony and preventing the imposition of one group's values on
others. He warns against the dangers of moral and cultural
authoritarianism, advocating instead for a society where individuals
are free to live according to their own beliefs and preferences.
 Respect for all
⚫ Respect for all individuals, regardless of their background,
characteristics or circumstances, is a fundamental democratic
value that underpins equality, liberty and dignity.
⚫ In democratic societies, respect for all entails recognizing and
valuing the inherent worth and rights of every person and
treating others with fairness, empathy and consideration.
⚫ Policies and practices that promote respect for all may include
anti-discrimination laws, diversity and inclusion initiatives and
efforts to combat prejudice and bigotry.
⚫ Respect for all individuals is implicit in Mill's arguments for
individual liberty and equality. He asserts that every person
should be treated with dignity and respect regardless of their
background, characteristics or beliefs.
⚫ Mill criticizes forms of discrimination and prejudice that
undermine the principle of respect for all, advocating instead
for a society where every individual is valued for their inherent
worth and humanity.
 Freedom of expression
⚫ Freedom of expression is the right of individuals to express
their opinions, beliefs and ideas freely without censorship or
restraint from the government or other authorities.
⚫ In democratic societies, freedom of expression is essential for
fostering open debate, intellectual inquiry and political
participation and for holding those in power accountable.
⚫ While freedom of expression is fundamental, it may be subject
to limitations such as prohibitions on hate speech, incitement to
violence, defamation and obscenity.
⚫ Freedom of expression is a central theme in "On Liberty,"
where Mill argues that individuals should have the freedom to
express their opinions and ideas without fear of censorship or
reprisal.
⚫ Mill contends that freedom of expression is essential for
intellectual and moral progress, as it allows unpopular or
unconventional ideas to be debated and tested against
prevailing orthodoxy.
 Citizen participation in governance
⚫ Citizen participation in governance refers to the active
involvement of individuals in the decision-making processes of
their communities, regions or countries.
⚫ In democratic societies, citizen participation is essential for
ensuring government accountability, responsiveness to public
needs and preferences and the legitimacy of political institutions.
⚫ Forms of citizen participation may include voting in elections,
participating in public hearings and consultations, engaging in
advocacy and activism, serving on advisory boards or
committees and using digital platforms for civic engagement.
⚫ While Mill does not explicitly discuss citizen participation in
governance in "On Liberty," his arguments for individual liberty
and political equality imply a vision of democratic governance
where citizens play an active role in shaping public policy and
holding government accountable.
Black lives matter movement in USA
⚫ The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement exemplifies various
democratic values, including equality, liberty, justice and
pluralism, tolerance and citizen participation in governance.
⚫ Equality: The BLM movement advocates for equality and
justice for Black Americans, highlighting systemic racism and
inequality in areas such as law enforcement, criminal justice,
healthcare and education. It calls for an end to racial
discrimination and the promotion of equal rights and
opportunities for all individuals, regardless of race or ethnicity.
⚫ Liberty: BLM emphasizes the liberty and freedom of black
individuals to live without fear of violence, discrimination or
oppression. It demands an end to police brutality and systemic
racism, asserting the right of black Americans to exercise their
civil liberties and pursue their aspirations without undue
interference or discrimination.
 BLM in USA continued..
⚫ Justice: Central to the BLM movement is the pursuit of justice for
victims of racial injustice and police violence. It calls for
accountability for law enforcement officers who engage in
misconduct or use excessive force and it advocates for reforms to the
criminal justice system to address racial disparities and ensure fair
treatment under the law.
⚫ Pluralism: The BLM movement embraces pluralism by amplifying
diverse voices and experiences within the black community. It
recognizes the intersectionality of race with other identities, such as
gender, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status and advocates
for inclusivity and solidarity among marginalized groups in the fight
against oppression.
⚫ Tolerance: BLM promotes tolerance by fostering empathy,
understanding and respect for the experiences and perspectives of
black individuals and communities. It challenges stereotypes and
biases, encourages dialogue across racial divides and seeks to build
bridges of understanding and solidarity among people of all
backgrounds.
BLM in USA continued..
⚫ Citizen participation in governance: The BLM movement
mobilizes citizens to participate in protests, advocacy
campaigns and grassroots organizing efforts to demand change
and hold government officials accountable. It demonstrates the
power of collective action and civic engagement in shaping
public discourse, influencing policy decisions and driving social
change.
⚫ The BLM movement serves as a powerful example of how
grassroots activism can advance democratic values and
principles by challenging systemic injustice, promoting equality
and justice and empowering citizens to participate actively in
the democratic process.
 World Democracies
⚫ It refers to a political system in which the citizens hold the power
to rule directly or through the elected representatives.
⚫ It also refers to a concept encompassing nations around the globe
that adhere to democratic principles in their governance
structures.
⚫ Key features of World democracies are.,
i)Representative government ii)Rule of Law
iii) Separation of powers iv) Civil liberties and human rights
v) Free and fair elections vi) Pluralism and tolerance
vii) Citizen participation
 Few Democracies
⚫ The United States: Founded on the principles of liberty and
democracy. The United States is a federal republic with a system
of representative democracy. It has a constitution that guarantees
fundamental rights and freedoms and its political system features
a separation of powers between the executive, legislative and
judicial branches
⚫ India: The world's largest democracy, India has a parliamentary
system of government where citizens elect representatives to the
Lok sabha (lower house) and Rajya sabha (upper house). India's
democracy is characterized by diversity, with a multi-party
political system and strong protections for individual rights.
⚫ France: France is a democratic republic with a semi-presidential
system of government. It has a constitution that establishes the
principles of democracy, including the separation of powers and
the protection of civil liberties. France's democracy has evolved
significantly since the French Revolution, which marked a
turning point in the country's political history.
 John Stuart Mill’s concept of World
Democracy
⚫ Individual liberty: Mill emphasizes the paramount importance
of individual liberty within democratic societies. He argues that
individuals should have the freedom to think, speak and act as
they choose, provided their actions do not harm others. This
notion of individual liberty is foundational to the concept of
"World Democracies," where governments are expected to
respect and protect the rights and freedoms of their citizens
⚫ Representative government: Mill advocates for representative
government as a means of safeguarding individual liberty and
ensuring the accountability of those in power. In "On Liberty,"
he discusses the necessity of democratic institutions that reflect
the will of the people and allow for the peaceful resolution of
conflicts through open debate and participation in
decision-making processes. "World Democracies" embody this
principle through their commitment to free and fair elections,
where citizens have the opportunity to elect their leaders and
hold them accountable for their actions.
 John Stuart Mill’s concept of World
Democracy
⚫ Rule of law: Mill argues that democratic societies must be governed by laws
that apply equally to all individuals, including government officials. The rule
of law ensures that governments operate within legal constraints and respect
the rights of citizens, thereby preventing arbitrary exercise of power and
safeguarding individual liberty.
⚫ Protection of minority rights: Mill's advocacy for the protection of minority
rights aligns with the principles of "World Democracies," where the rights of
minorities are safeguarded against the tyranny of the majority. In "On
Liberty," he warns against the dangers of majority oppression and argues that
minority viewpoints should be tolerated and protected within democratic
societies.
⚫ Citizen participation: Mill emphasizes the importance of citizen participation
in democratic governance, arguing that active engagement in the political
process is essential for the preservation of individual liberty and the
advancement of societal progress. "World Democracies" encourage citizen
participation through mechanisms such as voting, activism and advocacy,
empowering individuals to shape the policies and decisions that affect their
lives.
 John Stuart Mill’s concept of World
Democracy : Summary

"World Democracies" as defined with reference to John

Stuart Mill's "On Liberty" are societies that prioritize individual
liberty, representative government, the rule of law, protection of
minority rights and citizen participation in governance These
principles form the foundation of democratic societies where the
rights and freedoms of all individuals are respected and
protected.
French Revolution
⚫ The French Revolution which occurred between 1789 and 1799,
marked a pivotal moment in world history and played a
significant role in the development of democratic ideals and
principles.
Background:
o The French Revolution emerged out of a combination of
political, social, economic and intellectual factors. France in the
late 18th century was characterized by an absolute monarchy,
feudal privileges, social inequality, economic hardship and
widespread discontent among the populace.
o Enlightenment ideas promoting liberty, equality and fraternity,
as espoused by philosophers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau and
Voltaire, contributed to the intellectual climate that fueled
revolutionary sentiment.
 Key phases and events of FR
Estates-general and national assembly (1789):
o In May 1789, King Louis XVI convened the estates-general, a representative
assembly representing the clergy, nobility and commoners, in response to
fiscal and social crises. The third estate, representing the commoners, broke
away and declared itself the national assembly, signalling the beginning of
revolutionary change.
o On July 14, 1789, Parisians stormed the bastille, a symbol of royal tyranny,
sparking widespread revolt and the escalation of the revolution.
Declaration of the rights of man and of the citizen (1789):
o Inspired by enlightenment ideals, the national assembly adopted the
declaration of the rights of man and of the citizen in August 1789. This
document proclaimed fundamental rights such as liberty, equality and
fraternity and laid the groundwork for democratic governance in France.
 Key phases and events of FR
Reign of terror and Robespierre's rule (1793-1794):
The revolution entered a radical phase marked by violence and political
upheaval. The committee of public safety, led by Maximilien Robespierre,
instituted the reign of terror to suppress counter-revolutionary forces and
consolidate power.
Thousands of perceived enemies of the revolution, including King Louis
XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette, were executed during the reign of terror,
leading to internal strife and external conflict.
Napoleonic era and the rise of authoritarianism (1799-1815):
The revolution culminated in the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, who seized
power in a coup d'état in 1799 and established himself as first consul and later
Emperor of France.
Napoleon's rule marked a departure from democratic principles, as he
centralized power, imposed authoritarian rule and curtailed civil liberties.
However, his legal reforms, such as the Napoleonic Code, codified principles of
equality before the law and individual rights
 Key aspects of the FR in relation to
democracy
⚫ Overthrow of the monarchy: The French Revolution led to the overthrow of the
absolute monarchy in France, symbolizing a shift away from monarchical rule and
towards new forms of governance rooted in democratic principles.
⚫ Declaration of the rights of man and of the citizen: This seminal document, adopted
during the revolution, articulated the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity. It
emphasized the rights and freedoms of individuals, laying the groundwork for
democratic ideals in France and beyond.
⚫ Popular sovereignty: The French Revolution popularized the concept of popular
sovereignty, asserting that the legitimacy of government is derived from the consent of
the governed. This principle became fundamental to democratic governance.
⚫ Influence on modern democracy: The French Revolution's emphasis on individual
rights, representative government and the rule of law contributed to the development of
modern democratic systems. Its impact resonated globally, inspiring movements for
democracy and influencing subsequent constitutional developments.
⚫ Legacy: Despite its complex and tumultuous legacy, the French Revolution
remains a touchstone for the pursuit of democratic values, symbolizing the
aspirations for freedom, equality and justice that continue to shape democratic
movements around the world.
 Impact and Legacy
⚫ Spread of revolutionary ideals: The French Revolution inspired democratic
movements and political upheavals across Europe and the world, leading to
the overthrow of monarchies and the establishment of republics.
⚫ Establishment of democratic principles: The revolution contributed to the
articulation and codification of democratic principles, including the
sovereignty of the people, constitutionalism and the protection of individual
rights.
⚫ Social and economic transformations: The revolution brought about
significant social and economic changes, including the abolition of feudal
privileges, the redistribution of land and the secularization of institutions.
⚫ Legacy of revolution: Despite its challenges and contradictions, the French
Revolution left a lasting legacy as a symbol of popular sovereignty,
democratic struggle and the pursuit of liberty, equality and fraternity.
Connections to “On Liberty”
⚫ Individual liberty: Mill's advocacy for individual liberty resonates with the
revolutionary cry for liberty during the French Revolution. Both emphasize the
importance of protecting individual freedoms from the encroachment of oppressive
governments and societal norms.
⚫ Freedom of expression: The French Revolution witnessed a flourishing of political
pamphlets, newspapers and public debates, highlighting the importance of freedom
of expression in shaping public discourse and challenging existing power structures.
Mill's defense of freedom of expression in "On Liberty" aligns with the
revolutionary ethos of fostering open dialogue and debate.
⚫ Limits of state intervention: The French Revolution raised questions about the role
of the state in regulating individual behaviour and enforcing social norms. Mill's
argument for limiting state intervention in "On Liberty" echoes the revolutionary
critique of arbitrary state authority and the need to protect individual autonomy from
government intrusion.
⚫ In summary, the French Revolution serves as a complex example of world
democracy, illustrating both the aspirations and challenges inherent in the
pursuit of democratic governance. It remains a pivotal moment in history that
continues to influence political thought, social movements and the
development of democratic institutions worldwide.
Thank you