|
Democracy is a form of government that vests ruling power in the
members of a community, rather than a particular class or group. The will of the
majority rules without overriding the rights of the minority, and democracy aims
to achieve equality, freedom, and welfare for all. While ancient democracy was
based on direct participation of the masses, modern democracy is representative
and demands active participation of the people in government. The acts of the
government in a democratic state are in accordance with the will of the people,
who have the right to elect and remove their leaders and determine the main
lines of policy. However, democracy is a matter of degree, and no complete
expression of the ideal of democracy has yet been achieved.
Pericles' definition of democracy still holds good - "government of the people,
by the people and for the people." Every citizen has a share in the government
of a democratic state, and democracy rests on the will of the people and not on
force. Democracy implies political liberty, which consists of the right to vote,
the right to stand as a candidate for election, the right to hold public
offices, freedom of speech, association, worship, and opinion. By giving
everyone a share in the government, democracy promotes patriotism.
Democracy is based on the doctrine of equality, which has been the cause of all
the revolutions that have changed the world. Popular government based on the
will of the people and the principle of equality is immune from revolutionary
disturbances. Moreover, this form of government also implies the possibility of
an alternative government in place of an inefficient one, ensuring the stability
of democracy.
The greatest merit of democracy is that it elevates the character of citizens.
It demands a high standard of morality and honesty, provides for the fullest
possible development of all citizens, and gives each citizen a sense of
responsibility. In a democratic society, reason governs the conduct of
individuals, and each person feels responsible for their actions. Democracy is
not only a form of government but also a way of life, where every citizen is an
integral and irreplaceable part of the whole.
In a democratic state, every citizen should have the opportunity to develop
their personality, access knowledge, earn an adequate wage, work and have
leisure, and be protected from exploitation by the privileged class. Education
is an important aspect of democracy, as it teaches citizens to assert their
rights and discharge their duties, think and act freely, and express their views
boldly, while guarding against making citizens selfish or overcritical. The
system of education must be adapted to suit the needs of democracy.
Leadership and proper organization are other requisites of democracy. Without
proper organization, people cannot express themselves effectively, and the
leader of the party must be responsible, honest, and courageous, able to judge
public opinion correctly and adhere to high principles. An unscrupulous leader
might easily become a dictator and endanger democracy.
Given favorable conditions, democracy is the best form of government known so
far, reconciling liberty and authority, imbuing citizens with a sense of
patriotism, treating all individuals as equals, tolerating opposition, aiming at
giving the greatest happiness to the greatest number of citizens in a state, and
allowing human character to develop and individuals to realize their best
selves. |
