Essay on Democracy: a way of Life for Class 10, 12, Mains Exam (UPSC, PSC, SSC)
The term democracy is derived from the Greek word Demokratia where ‘demos’ means people and kratos means ‘rule’. So, democracy is a form of government where people have the authority to elect representatives by voting. The first democratic country in the world is Greece. India has the largest democracy in the world where people elect the government and enjoy rights and privileges of their choice. So Indian democracy implies a government of the people, by the people and for the people. In a democratic country, people can live freely and happily which otherwise would not have been possible in a country where the monarchs rule. Democratic government provides certain rights to the citizens which they enjoy joyously. Besides, the citizens are also assigned with certain duties which make them responsible citizens and bring in their overall development.
Types of democracy:
According to Mazzini, democracy is the government of the best and the wisest, for the progress of all and through all. Democracy is of two types:
A.) Direct democracy: A direct democracy is a form of democracy where people make laws and decide their execution by holding a mass meeting. They do so without electing any representative or any agents. The early Athens practiced democratic form of government. New England and Vermont of United States, Swiss cantons of Glarus and Appenzell Innerrhoden of Switzerland, Rojava and Montana’s Crow nation decide policies without electing representatives.
B.) Indirect democracy: Representative or indirect democracy is the form of democracy where people elect representatives by voting and assigns them powers on decision making. England first established the indirect form of democracy in the 17th Countries like India, France, Italy, Australia, Denmark, Belgium, Japan, Canada, Holland, Sweden and Austria have indirect democracy.
Principles of democracy:
The principles of democracy are stated below:
A.) Liberty: People enjoy their freedom freely without the fear of being criticized. The freedom of rights, speech and expression are enjoyed by the people.
B.) Socialist: This means that the government works for the well-being of the people. It implements various schemes for the benefit of the citizens.
C.) Secular: There shall be no state religion in a democratic country. All religion will be same in the eyes of law No religious biasedness will prevail. Every citizen will be allowed to practice their own religion.
D.) Republic: The head of the state is directly elected by the citizens by means of casting vote. The elected representative has a fixed tenure to serve.
E.) Democratic: This means that the government is elected by the people by voting. Every citizen on attaining the age of 18 has the right to caste vote in favor of their chosen candidate.
Merits of democracy:
The merits of democracy are:
- It promotes equality of all irrespective of caste, class, race, gender and religion.
- It promotes the welfare of every citizen.
- It prioritizes the public opinion as the government it elected by the citizen of the country.
- Chances of revolution is less in a democratic country.
- It helps in promoting patriotism in the country and keeps the people united.
Demerits of democracy:
The demerits of democracy are as follows:
- There is no scope for morality as there is constant political competition.
- Due to political instability, the leaders do not remain constant.
- It gives ways to corruption due to electoral competition.
- Sometimes the elected candidates do not take care of the needs and interests of the citizens in the process of fulfilling their personal desires.
- The citizens cannot decide on anything and their demands remain unheard.
Indian democracy:
India has a parliamentary democratic republic. Here the president is the head of the state and Prime minister is the head of the government. The constitution guarantees freedom to its citizens which is thoroughly enjoyed by them. The citizens too are entrusted with duties that they are bound to execute. Violation of any laws is a punishable offense. The citizens elect the representatives to form the government. India stands in the 51st position in the world in terms of having a democratic republic.
Conclusion:
One of the significant ways of living a life is possible in a country where there is democratic form of government. In such a country people can exercise their rights freely and voice their opinion regarding their likes and dislikes. But political corruption has blotched the actual concept of democratic government in the present days. Considering the good aspects, democracy is the best form of government that defines the ways of human life in the most effective ways.
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