DEMOCRACY Democracy is one of the most widely

recognised and practised systems of government in the world today. It is based on the idea that power should rest with the
people and that citizens should be able to participate in the decision-making process through free and fair elections.

To prepare for Indian Polity for any competitive exam, aspirants have to know about the basics of Poilty and have an idea of
all the topics important for the IAS Exam & Polity syllabus (GS-II.)

What is Democracy?
Democracy is a system of government in which power is held by the people. In a democratic system, power is held by the
people, either directly or through their elected representatives. This means that citizens have the right to vote, express their
opinions and engage in political activities without fear of reprisal.

 Democracy is built on the principles of individual freedom, equality and the protection of human rights. In a democratic system, the
government is accountable to the people and citizens have the right to hold their leaders responsible for their actions.
 The rule of law is a fundamental principle of democracy, and the government is required to uphold the laws and regulations that
govern the society. Additionally, democratic systems are designed to protect the basic human rights of citizens, including freedom
of speech, freedom of assembly, and the right to a fair trial.
 Although democracy can take many different forms and may vary from country to country, it remains an essential component of
modern governance and is regarded by many as a cornerstone of a free and just society.

It is a popular form of government in the world today, with many countries adopting it as their preferred system of
governance.

 Some countries have a presidential system of government, while others have a parliamentary system. Some countries have a
federal system, while others have a unitary system. However, all democratic systems share certain common elements, including
the protection of individual rights and freedoms, the rule of law and the participation of citizens in the decision-making process.

While democracy has many advantages, it also has its fair share of drawbacks. In this article, we will discuss the merits and
demerits of democracy.

Read in detail about the Constitution of India in the linked article.

Merits of Democracy

 Individual Freedom: Democracy is based on individual freedom and equality principles. It ensures that every citizen has the right
to express their opinion, vote and participate in the governance process. This freedom empowers citizens to hold their leaders
accountable and to demand change when necessary.
 Protection of Human Rights: Democracy is built on the foundation of human rights. It guarantees the protection of basic human
rights such as freedom of speech, religion and association. The democratic system also ensures that every citizen is treated
equally and that the law is applied fairly and impartially.
 Social Equality: Democracy is designed to promote social equality. It ensures that every citizen has an equal opportunity to
succeed and that the government provides basic services such as healthcare, education and housing to all citizens, regardless of
their social or economic status.
 Economic Growth: Democracy promotes economic growth by creating an environment encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship
and investment. It allows the free market to operate, which leads to increased competition, better products and services, and
ultimately, economic growth.
 Peaceful Transfer of Power: Democracy allows for the peaceful transfer of power from one leader to another. This reduces the
likelihood of political instability, violence and conflict, which are prevalent in authoritarian regimes.

Read in detail about the Preamble of India, in the linked article.

Demerits of Democracy
  Slow Decision-Making: The democratic system can be slow in making decisions. This is because the decision-making process
involves consultations, negotiations and compromises, which can be time-consuming.
 Political Polarisation: Democracy can lead to political polarisation, where political parties become more extreme and less willing
to compromise. This can result in gridlock and prevent important decisions from being made.
 Voter Apathy: Democracy relies on the participation of citizens to function effectively. However, many citizens may become
apathetic and disinterested in the political process, leading to low voter turnout and a lack of engagement.
 Corruption: Democracy can be vulnerable to corruption, as politicians may be tempted to use their power for personal gain. This
can result in a lack of accountability, and public funds being diverted away from their intended purposes.
 Minority Disadvantage: In a democracy, the Majority rules. This can lead to the oppression of minority groups and the violation
of their rights. It is therefore essential for a democratic system to protect minority rights and ensure that their voices are heard.

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Some other differences between the merits and demerits of Democracy are given in the table below:

Demerits of Democracy Merits of Democracy

Corruption increases in a multi- Strengthen the integrity

Instability due to frequent Government is more

No criteria for the election of Enhance People’s Moral

Power play and rivalry diminish The right to vote is given

Power rest with uneducated Enables citizens to

Slow and sluggish process. Raises Level of Decision

In conclusion, democracy is a complex system of government that has both its merits and demerits. Although democracy
faces certain challenges, despite these challenges, democracy remains an essential component of modern governance and
is widely recognised as a cornerstone of a free and just society. By promoting citizen participation, protecting individual
rights, and upholding the rule of law, democratic systems can help to promote stability, prosperity and peace in society. As
such, it is important to continue to work to strengthen democratic systems and to address the challenges that they face in
order to ensure that they remain effective and responsive to the needs and aspirations of citizens.

The above-mentioned details are helpful for both the Prelims and Mains examinations of UPSC 2023. Candidates willing to
appear for the Government exams can go through the link for information on upcoming exams.

Aspirants can read the below-mentioned articles related to Indian Constitution: