What is Democracy?
Why Democracy
yahskaelhdap@/margeleT
Democracy kya ha and hame uski kya
zaroorat ha?
Definition of democracy
Democracy is a system where leaders are elected by the people, a defining
trait in democracies. In contrast, non-democratic cases like Myanmar, with
rulers chosen without public election, exemplify alternative paths to power,
seen also in dictatorial regimes like Pinochet's Chile and certain monarchies.
Features of Democracy Demoracy ke kuch features
The straightforward definition of democracy sparks several inquiries,
moc.yahskaelhdap morF dedaolnwoD
outlined as follows:
Identification of Rulers:
Who are the individuals recognized as rulers in this definition?
Characteristics of Democratic Elections:
What specific features define an election as democratic?
Eligibility of Electors and Candidates:
Which individuals have the authority to elect rulers, and who is eligible
to be elected as rulers?
Nature of Democratic Government:
Ultimately, what type of government can be classified as a democracy?
Major Decisions by Elected Leaders
In countries like Pakistan, democratic principles were subverted by
General Pervez Musharraf's military coup in 1999.
Despite subsequent elections, real power resided with the military,
challenging democratic norms.
In a genuine democracy, ultimate decision-making authority must
yahskaelhdap@/TY
rest with representatives elected by the people.
This pattern is observed in various dictatorships and monarchies.
Free and Fair Electoral Competition
In China, elections for the National People's Congress occur every five
years.
Candidates require approval from the Chinese Communist Party before
contesting elections.
The Communist Party consistently forms the government in China.
Mexico, since its 1930 independence, holds presidential elections every
six years.
yahskaelhdap@/margeleT moc.yahskelhdap morF dedaolnwoD
Until 2000, the PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party) won every
election.
These examples challenge the notion of people electing rulers, as true
democracy necessitates free and fair elections where those in power
have a genuine chance of losing.
Mnemonic
P - PRI won every election until 2000
R - Require approval from the chinese communist party
I - In china, election occur every five years
primce
M - Mexico. holds presidential elections every six years
C - Communist party consistently forms the govt in china
E - examples challange the notion of people electing rulers
One Person, One Vote, One Value
Democracy rests on the fundamental principle of political equality.
Instances of denying the equal right to vote challenge democratic
ideals.
Until 2015, Saudi Arabian women lacked the right to vote.
Estonia's citizenship rules posed difficulties for Russian minorities in
obtaining voting rights.
In Fiji, the electoral system devalues the votes of Indian-Fijians
compared to indigenous Fijis, contradicting democratic principles.
True democracy demands that each adult citizen has one vote, and
each vote holds equal value.
Rule of Law and Respect for Rights
yahskaelhdap@/TY
Zimbabwe gained independence from White minority rule in 1980, led
by the liberation party ZANU-PF.
Since independence, ZANU-PF, led by Robert Mugabe, consistently won
elections.
Despite regular elections, there were concerns about unfair practices,
including limitations on criticizing the President.
Government-controlled television and radio presented only the ruling
party's perspective.
Independent newspapers existed but faced harassment for opposing the
government.
This scenario challenges the concept of a democratic government, as
yahskaelhdap@/margeleT moc.yahskelhdap morF dedaolnwoD
true democracy abides by constitutional limits and upholds citizens'
rights.
Therefore, we can infer that democracy is a governmental system where:
Decisions are predominantly made by rulers elected by the people.
Elections provide a fair and open opportunity for people to change
existing rulers.
This opportunity is equally accessible to all individuals.
The utilization of this opportunity results in a government constrained
by fundamental constitutional rules and the rights of citizens.
Someone:We need democracy
Why Democracy? le me:
Cons of Democracy Democracy ke kuch
disadvantage
Democracy experiences constant leadership changes, introducing
instability.
Political competition and power struggles characterize democracy, often
sidelining moral considerations.
Extensive consultations in democracy contribute to delays in decision-
making.
Elected leaders may lack insight into the best interests of the people,
leading to suboptimal decisions.
Electoral competition in democracy can foster corruption.
Arguments suggest that the prevailing form of democracy may not be
yahskaelhdap@/TY
an ideal government type.
Nevertheless, the assessment will explore whether democracy proves
superior to other available government forms.
Mnemonic
A - Arguments suggest that prevailing form of democracy may
not be an ideal govt typen
a pen P - Political competitions and power struggles
E - Elected leaders may lack insight into the best interests
drive N - Neverthless, the assessment will explore whether
democracy proves superior to other govt forms
D - Democrcy experience constant leadership changes
yahskaelhdap@/margeleT moc.yahskelhdap morF dedaolnwoD
Democracy ke
Arguments in Favour of Democracy kuch fayde
Enhanced Accountability
Democracy's superiority is evident in its accountability, demonstrated
by the comparison of the 1958-1961 famines in India and China.
Despite India's economic challenges, its democratic governance
outperformed China in addressing the crisis.
Quality Decision-Making
Democracy improves decision-making quality through extensive
consultation and discussion.
Involving numerous individuals helps identify potential errors, despite
the time-consuming nature of the process.
Conflict Resolution
Democracy serves as a method to peacefully address differences and
conflicts in diverse societies.
In societies with linguistic, religious, and caste diversity, democratic
principles foster coexistence among various groups.
Dignity of Citizens
Democracy upholds the dignity of citizens by adhering to the principle
of political equality.
It recognizes equal status regardless of economic or educational
backgrounds.
Capacity to Rectify Mistakes
yahskaelhdap@/TY
An essential attribute of democracy is its capacity to rectify mistakes.
Transparency and public discussion provide the opportunity for
correction, where rulers may need to revise decisions or face
replacement.
Superior Option
In conclusion, while democracy may not address all issues, it undeniably
stands out as a superior option compared to alternatives.
Mnemonic
E - Enhance accountability
Every question
Q - Quality decision making
challenges
yahskaelhdap@/margeleT moc.yahskelhdap morF dedaolnwoD
C - Conflict Resolution
diligent D - Dignity of citizens
S - Superior option
scholars C - Capacity of rectify mistakes
Broader Meanings of Democracy
Descriptive Understanding of Democracy
This chapter explores the meaning of democracy in a descriptive sense.
Students learn about democracy as a form of government, enabling
them to identify essential features.
Common Form: Representative Democracy
The prevalent form adopted by democracy is representative democracy.
In democratic countries, the majority makes decisions through elected
representatives, as it is impractical for all citizens to convene.
Practical Necessity for Representative Democracy
Modern democracies involve a large population, making collective
decision-making physically impossible.
Citizens lack the time, desire, or skills to participate in every decision,
necessitating elected representatives.
Democracy as a Principle
Democracy, as a principle, extends beyond government and applies to
various aspects of life.
Challenges in Achieving Democratic Ideals
yahskaelhdap@/TY
Despite ideals, no country fully embodies a correct democracy.
Understanding democracy as an ideal helps evaluate and identify
weaknesses in existing democracies.
Distinguishing Minimal Democracy from Good Democracy
An understanding of democracy as an ideal aids in distinguishing
between minimal and good democracies.
It allows people to assess and value democracy, acknowledging its
imperfections.
Common Form in Today’s World: Elected Representatives
yahskaelhdap@/margeleT moc.yahskelhdap morF dedaolnwoD
The prevailing form of democracy involves being governed by people's
elected representatives.
However, smaller communities may adopt other methods for democratic
decision-making, such as direct participation in a Gram Sabha in a
village.
Mnemonic
Dan Paul cooks D - Descriptive Understanding of Democracy
P - Practical Necessity for Representative
delicious C - Common Form in Today’s World
chocolate D - Democracy as a Principle
desserts C - Challenges in Achieving Democratic Ideals
D - Distinguishing from Good Democracy
consistently
C - Common Form: Representative Democracy
FAQ’s
yahskaelhdap@/TY
1. What is democracy?
2. What are the essential features of democracy?
3. What are the advantages of democracy?
4. What are the disadvantages of democracy?
5. How does democracy enhance the dignity of the
citizens?
yahskaelhdap@/margeleT moc.yahskelhdap morF dedaolnwoD
6. What are the different types of democracy?
7. What are the challenges facing democracy in the 21st
century?
8. Discuss the role of the judiciary in protecting
democracy.
9. Analyze the relationship between democracy and
economic development.
10. Examine the challenges of building democracy in
developing countries.
11. Compare and contrast the democracies of India and
the United States.
12. Discuss the future of democracy in the 21st century.
13. What is the difference between direct and indirect
democracy?
14. What is the role of elections in a democracy?
15. What are the different types of electoral systems?
*NOTE : Worksheet [Important Questions Of All typology with
Answers) is provided as Seperate PDF on website padhleakshay.com*
