Representational Photo
WHY is there need of a government? This questions can be answered in a number of ways and one such ways is: Since in an organization, group, community, society or a country in general, the people residing there have different views, beliefs or are from different backgrounds etc. In order to have unity or collectivity among them, there is need of some regulator, regulating their affairs. For this we also need some kinds of written rules (Constitution) whose laws have equal value or are equally implemented on the whole community.
A number of people living there can not rule collectively, for that we need to elect a representative (that is the choice of people) who will govern the society or country according to the laws of the Constitution. And here comes the concept of democracy. Some argue that it has its origins from Athens (Greece) and some have other perceptions; but no matter where it originated from and how it evolved, the fact is that democracy is the form of government practised by most of the countries in the present times.
The basic and simple definition of democracy as put forth by Abraham Lincoln is “the rule by the people, of the people and for the people”. The essence of democracy is that it is the people’s government where the people are supreme who govern themselves by choosing their representatives. It gives an indirect representation to the people of respective state (nation state)where a representative is not elected permanently but for a fixed term.
It is that type of government where no one can dominate you; in fact people have the choice to change an elected one if they feel that he/she fails to meet their demands as well.
An important attribute or feature that makes democracy the best form of government is the periodicity/ periodical elections. Free and fair elections provide an opportunity to choose our representative, whom we think are best and most suitable for our society. So the whole authority is upon the people and that is why it is the people centered government.
In a democracy, the effective and active participation of citizens is necessary. The citizens have an obligation to become informed about public issues; to watch carefully how their political leaders (representatives) use their powers; how they conduct the business of government; and to express their own opinions and interests. It gives them immense opportunity to participate in the form of campaigns, rallies, etc., which have their respective meanings for which they are conducted.
Democracy gives rights to citizens; in democracy every citizen has basic/fundamental rights that cannot be denied, as they are guaranteed by the constitution. In democracy, people have (i) the right to vote according to their choices; (ii) right to freedom: freedom of expression, belief/faith, religion, etc; it gives the right to enjoy our freedom but at the same time protects us not to harm the other’s freedom; and (iii) Right to make/ associate with other people to form a union, forum or association, etc.– to freely assemble, protest, or express views, in any public issue, etc.
Democracy is a system of rule by laws, not by individuals; the representatives are elected by the people (on their choice); they are not above the law, but are governed by the law. No doubt, we elect a representative who enjoys certain powers on our behalf but they have certain restrictions as well. The rule of law protects the rights of citizens, maintains order and limits the power of governing body.
All (citizens) are equal before law; there is no discrimination on the basis of language, caste, creed, gender, etc. It is the democracy that prevents the majority not to dominate the minority and gives the same and equal representation to minority as well. A recent example of this is the new president of our country (a woman belonging to a tribal community).
Democracy provides sound decision making process, which includes a lot of consultation even from the general public. It is a best form of collectivization, integratedness and union where all have the same say regardless of their status or designation or background.
Democracy is always accountable to people; if there is bad decision, the people have the power to correct their own mistakes; it provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts. One of the best examples is our country, India, where despite having a great diversity, we have unity in diversity and this is because we follow democracy. Democracy enhances dignity; it gives voice to voiceless; it provides us that environment which cannot ve found in other forms of government (such as monarchy, dictatorship, etc.). Democracy promotes transparency, legitimacy, security and prosperity to its people and nation.
All these features, qualities and benefits are not found in any other form of government (such as dictatorship, monarchy, autocracy, etc.), but it is the democracy that has this nature of being people’s choice where the general public are the base and the law is the supreme.
Though we cannot claim that democracy is flawless; it has certain loopholes as well. However, the fact is that among the forms or systems of government practiced by the humanity so far, democracy has been found to be the best and most ideal form of government.
Danish Bashir
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