Democracy is one of the most widely recognised and practised systems of government in the world today. It is based on the idea that power should rest with the people and that citizens should be able to participate in the decision-making process through free and fair elections.
To prepare for Indian Polity for any competitive exam, aspirants have to know about the basics of Poilty and have an idea of all the topics important for the IAS Exam & Polity syllabus (GS-II.)
| Do you know if you are eligible for the IAS Exam? Check the detailed UPSC Eligibility Criteria now!
To complement your preparation for the upcoming exam, check the following links: |
What is Democracy?
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.
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.
Read in detail about the Constitution of India in the linked article.
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.
Read in detail about the Preamble of India, in the linked article.
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.
To see what kind of questions have been asked before, you can check the Polity questions of UPSC Mains GS 2.
Some other differences between the merits and demerits of Democracy are given in the table below:
| Demerits of Democracy | Merits of Democracy |
| Corruption increases in a multi-party government. | Strengthen the integrity of People. |
| Instability due to frequent change in leaders. | Government is more accountable. |
| No criteria for the election of representatives. | Enhance People’s Moral Character |
| Power play and rivalry diminish morality. | The right to vote is given to all citizens. |
| Power rest with uneducated and unethical citizens. | Enables citizens to correct their errors |
| Slow and sluggish process. | Raises Level of Decision Making |
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 citizens.
The above-mentioned details are helpful for both the Prelims and Mains examinations of UPSC 2023. Candidates willing to appear for the Government exams can go through the link for information on upcoming exams.
Aspirants can read the below-mentioned articles related to Indian Constitution:
