What Is Democracy And What Is Democratic Government

What is Democracy has been defined as government of the people for the people and by the people. It is the ideal form of govern because it represents the general interests of the people and interest of particular class. The democratic form of government is based on willing consent of the people.

It is a mechanism through which the General Will is expressed. It is the best form, of government as stable, enduring and not liable to drastic changes such as coup revolution or putsch. It is the guardian of equality, liberty and the fundamental rights of the people. It is commonly stands for “General Will” and as pointed out by Green, “General Will is the permanent foundation of government.” The basis of democracy is consent not force, persuasion and not dictation, agreement an violence. Dictatorship stands for naked and unashamed force.

The Important Characteristics of Democratic Government  Explore You What Is Democracy

The important features of democratic institution are universal suffrage, frequent elections, well-organised parties, liberty of speech, freedom of association and freedom of opinion. These features course, serve the cause of liberty and freedom. The State reco the personality of the individual. The state is not superior citizens who compose it. The individuals in the democratic state are not like “dumb driven cattle” but active citizens who take a interest in the affairs of the State. The people constitu government and have the power of deciding all questi importance.

They have also the power of making and unmaking government. The force of the people is greater than the will State or the government. The Ministers are responsible to the  legislature and as soon as they lose trust they are made to resip a change in government is brought about by peaceful methods by the coup d’etat, the putsch or revolution. The Ministry  can dismissed from power for the people are the ultimate sovereign. The government has to take into consideration the desires and the of the people. The government cannot ride roughshod over the wishes if me people for the fear of defeat in the next election.

The Universal Four Pillars of Democratic System

The four pillars of democracy are the rule of law, freedom of nion freedom of association and freedom of Press. The rule of law means ’that all men are equal before the law of the State. Again every individual in the State can express any opinion he likes without the fear of being sent to the goal. The people can criticise the government expose the selfish leaders, condemn the policy of the government and say whatever they like. Public opinion acts as a check upon the government.

The Press in a Democratic State is known aS the fourth estate. It wields enormous power. It is through the Press that the people can express their opinions and ventilate their grievances. Democracy is the guardian of civil liberty which means freedom of the person, equality before law, security of private property, freedom of opinion and of its expression, freedom of conscience and moral Liberty. Liberty of thought, speech and writing is granted by the State. The State has, of course, the power to punish an individual in case of libel, slander, defamation, blasphemy and sedition.

Fundamental Elements Of Democratic Government.

Democracy is the ideal form of government because it is based on consent, agreement and persuasion, and not upon force, violence, dictation and coercion. Authority docs exist in the State but t is for general welfare. The government is not connected with ashamed and aggressive force. In democracy, force is not exalted. The government is based upon the willing consent of the people.Force is not an end but a means to an end. Force is necessary in order prevent rebellions and to maintain social order.

The State exists for the welfare of the people. The government is the agent of the people. The sense of consultation develops their personality and the people begin to take a healthy merest in the activities of the State. It is for this reason that the government is afraid of public opinion and will not pass any hasty legislation which might annoy the people. ‘Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty’ in a Democratic State. The people have to be instantly alert and watchful in order to watch their interests.

Party system is the soul of democracy. Without well-organised parties parliamentary institutions cannot be run. The parties organise the .voters, from the planks of the party-programme, elect leaders, create public opinion, carry on canvassing among the masses* Speeches are delivered and party leaders tour throughout the length and breadth of the country. Seats are contested. The party in power selects the Ministers who form the Cabinet. The Cabinet is said to be the keystone of Democratic State.

The Role of Cabinet System In Democratic State Actually Defines  What Is Democracy.

The Cabinet system ensures join: responsibility, efficiency and good government. The ministers work together and anyone who follows another policy is made to resign. The Parliament has the ultimate authority to control the Cabinet; the Cabinet system thus maintains the harmony of government. The two party system is better than single-party system.

It is simple and automatic; there is concentration of power and authority in the hand! of the majority party, the opposition is a party of the machinery of that government and the leaders of the opposition “are the prospecting leader of the alternative government.” Without the party system there may be appeals and petitions to government but the parties infp Democratic State try to influence the electorate through Press, radio, platform, speeches, etc. Without the party system the government m rigid and irresponsible, it has no stability.

Criticism on Democratic Government:

Many attacks have been made on the parliamentary type at” government. It is said that the masses are ignorant and apathetic in a democracy and they do not possess the shrewdness to select leaders. Representation is really misrepresentation. They are ultaB indifferent and they are incompetent in selecting the right candidates. People have no capacity for calm deliberation. The voters suffer frail indifference and apathy. Democracy places power in the hands “windbags and charlatans.” It is also pointed out that the party system has encouraged corruption on a large scale as in America. Dictatorship means efficiency; democracy implies incompetences Elections are expensive and Parliament are “national talking shops.. The leaders in a democracy feather their own nest; they have their own axe to grind.

Final Conclusion About What Is Democracy.

In spite of the drawbacks inherent in democracy, it remains the best and ideal form of government. In a democratic> liberty and authority are not opposed to each other. The Democratic State is not power system but a welfare system. It exists for the welfare of people. The government is a trust and there is no coercion, no coercion and no oppression. The common welfare is only justification of government. The party machine selects suitable candidates ignorance of inertia of the people do not matter at all. The State is not a glorified policeman or a mystical entity. Dictatorship may mean efficient government but its efficient system of government relapses into confusion and anarchy.

A democratic government operates based on the principles of democracy, which involve the participation of the people in the decision-making process, either directly or through elected representatives. Here’s a tabular guide to illustrate how a democratic government typically works:

Aspect Description in a Democratic Government
Election of Leaders People elect their leaders through a fair and free voting process. These leaders represent the interests of the electorate.
Rule of Law Laws apply equally to all citizens, including those in power. The legal system is independent and based on a constitution.
Citizen Participation Citizens participate in the political process by voting, joining political parties, expressing opinions, and holding protests.
Protection of Rights The government ensures the protection of individual and minority rights, including freedom of speech, religion, and press.
Accountability Elected representatives are accountable to the people. There are mechanisms in place for transparency and fighting corruption.
Separation of Powers Powers are divided among different branches of government (executive, legislative, judicial) to prevent abuse of power.
Majority Rule and Minority Rights The majority’s decision prevails in elections and policy making, but minority rights are protected and respected.
Regular Elections Elections are held regularly to ensure that government remains responsive to the will of the people.
Independent Judiciary Courts are independent from the other branches of government and can review laws to ensure they are constitutional.
Free and Open Society Society is characterized by the free flow of information, open debates, and the presence of civil society organizations.

This table provides a general overview of key aspects of a democratic government. The specifics can vary based on the country’s constitution and political culture.

by Abdullah Sam
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