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Democracy - Introduction

This document provides an introduction to democracy, including its definition, history, key features, and merits and demerits. It defines democracy as a form of government where citizens participate directly or indirectly in making laws. The document traces the history of democracy from ancient Greek times to its modern forms today. It outlines features such as participation of the people, equality, rights and freedoms, and constitutional government. Both benefits like equality and peaceful transfers of power, and drawbacks like rule by incompetent majorities are mentioned.

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Akshay Jha
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368 views

Democracy - Introduction

This document provides an introduction to democracy, including its definition, history, key features, and merits and demerits. It defines democracy as a form of government where citizens participate directly or indirectly in making laws. The document traces the history of democracy from ancient Greek times to its modern forms today. It outlines features such as participation of the people, equality, rights and freedoms, and constitutional government. Both benefits like equality and peaceful transfers of power, and drawbacks like rule by incompetent majorities are mentioned.

Uploaded by

Akshay Jha
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Democracy – Introduction

By- Dr. Garima Singh


Unit -1
Political Science
Ba.llb, Semester-III
Subject Code – 209
VSLLS, VIPS
Introduction
 Democracy - a form of Govt – in which all citizens participate
directly or indirectly in the proposal, development and
creation of laws.
 Abraham Lincoln “that government of the people, by the
people, for the people”.
 Term originate from Greek word “demokratia”- rule of the
people. Coined from demos and kratos- “People” and “
Power” Respectively.
History dates From Ancient Greek Times till today.
 Participation of the people in democracy was different and
universal adult enfranchisement was achieved much later.
 Democracy contrasts with form of govt where power is
concentrated.
 Democracy has become a sacrosanct concept.
Conti...
 Often a confused concept and considered
positive in use – Every state- liberal, socialist,
dictatorship boast of being Democratic.
 It is diffused and pervasive – wars fought on the
idea of democracy.
 Democracy most popularly accepted as the best
form after 1st WW and decolonisation.
 It has its root in ancient times.
 Since the time of the ancient Greeks, both the
theory and the practice of democracy have
undergone profound changes
History
 Was popularly accepted in Greek city states- the
best example of direct participation.
 In ancient Greek times- citizenship had negative

connotation.
 Similarly at the same time, system seen in Rome –

Republic – Public Affair


 Decline of Rome, Rise of Feudalism
 Renaissance – politics redefined, Emergence of

secular vision, education, idea of Individualism.


 17th and 18th C- modern democracy - the American

and French Revolutions and their respective


aftermaths.
History
 Slavery declared Illegal and later abolished.
 the idea of universal suffrage took hold and

gained currency in the UK and spread to the


western countries.
 The process of decolonisation had attracted

the newly independent ones to the idea of


democracy.
 Widespread calls for Democratisation- Arab

spring (2010) .
Chief Features of Democracy
 Democracy is a government of the people, by the people
and for the people.
 Seelay – “Democracy is a govt in which everyone has a
share”.
 People participation is an essential feature.
 Democracy – a high level of Political Participation in the
selection of Public Policy and public official at regular
intervals.
 It is based on principle of equality.
 Enlightened and intelligent citizenship- essential feature
 Strong and responsible opposition- as important as
ruling party.
Conti....
 Guarantee of basic rights such as right to
vote, free and fair election, Freedom of
speech and expression
 Constitutional government an essential

attribute of democracy.
 Impartial and independent Judiciary is an

essential attribute.
 Democracy – strong sense of solidarity
 The removal of all disparities based on caste,

colour, religion.
Merits and Demerits
 Importance of Individual Realised.
 Democracy is built on the basis of equality.
 Peaceful change in the government Possible.
 People are vested with sovereign authority in

democracy.
 Aristotle called democracy as the worst form

of govt – “Perverted Form”


 The rule of ignorant and incompetent people
 More emphasis on quantity – Tyranny of

Majority.
Thank You

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