The term ‘Democracy’ is derived from the Greek word as demo means people and cracy is

referred as rule. The concept of democracy in its Greek term comes from “demos and “kratos”
meaning “people” and “rule”. Thus the term democracy is Rule by People.

Democracy is one of the most important and well- debated topics in the world since the
beginning of the Twentieth Century and it has increased importance in the Twenty-first century.
Democracy has been defined in different terms and usage by many philosophers, rulers and
scholars from time to time according to the changes taking place in socio-political and economic
institutions that were there. Democracy encompasses the powerful concepts of Rights, Freedom
defined in Liberty, Equality and Fraternity all religions.

CHARACTERISTICS OF DEMOCRACY

a. Democracy is a set of principles and practices that protect human freedom.

b. Democracy rests upon the principles of majority rule, along with individual and minority
rights.

c. Democracies as a system guard against all-powerful central governments and it

decentralizes government to regional and local levels. The right of the people to demand the
Government they elected and the duty of the Government to be accessible and responsive to
their needs and demands is the main function.

d. One of the primary functions of Democracies is to protect such basic Human Rights i)
Equality before Law, ii) Equal Protection before Law iii) Freedom of Speech, iv) Freedom of
Religion; vii) Right to organize and participate fully in the political, economic, and cultural life of
society.

e. Democracies conduct regular free and fair elections open to all citizens.
f. Democracy subjects governments to the Rule of Law and it ensures that all citizens
receive equal protection under the law and that their rights are protected by the
Legal-constitutional system.

g. Democracies are diverse political systems, reflecting each nation’s unique political,
social, and cultural life.

h. Democracy ensures the citizens to participate in the political system and it protects their
rights and freedoms.

i. Democratic societies are committed to the values of tolerance, cooperation, and consensus.

j. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to
the growth of a true democratic spirit.”

k. Democracy is a system of government in which power and civic responsibility are exercised
by all citizens, directly or through their freely elected representatives.

Democracy underlines the Principle of Rule by the people. It ensures a form of government in
which all the citizens of a nation determine public policy, the laws, and the actions of their state
together either in a Direct Democracy or by Representative Democracy. Democracy ensures
that all citizens have an equal opportunity to express their opinion. Democracy is generally
defined as “government by the people; that form of government in which the sovereign power
resides in the people as a whole, and is exercised either directly by them or by officers elected
by them.”
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.

EVOLUTION OF DEMOCRACY

Democracy began 2,500 years ago in some of the city-states of ancient Greece. It is
important to know that democratic institutions existed in India as early as the Vedic period.
Chanakya’s Arthashastra tells us that in ancient India, an autonomous village community was
the basic unit of the local government. In ancient Tamil Nadu, Kudavolai system was a very
notable and unique feature of the village administration of the Cholas. The evolution towards a
democracy is represented by the following values: freedom, equality, liberty, accountability,
transparency and trust.

TYPES OF DEMOCRACY

There are two types of democracies:

1. Direct democracy

2. Indirect (representative) democracy

The types of democracy refers to the kind of government or social structures which allow people
to participate equally.

Direct Democracy

When the people themselves directly express their will on public affairs, the type of government
is called pure or direct democracy.

Example: Ancient Greek city-states, Switzerland

Indirect Democracy / Representative Democracy

When the people express their will on public affairs, through their elected representatives, the
type of government is called indirect or representative democracy.

Example: The prevailing system of democracy in India, USA and UK

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.

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.

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.

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 .