Question

The population of a democratic country follows three major religions, namely X,Y, and Z. The number of people who follow religions X and Z is significantly less than the number of people who follow Y. The elected government is composed mostly of people belonging to religion Y, and it makes laws specially favourable to Y, dismissing the concerns of other religious groups.

Which of the following terms applies to the actions of the government in this case? Select the most appropriate option.

• A. Authoritarianism
• B. Socialism
• C. Fascism
• D. Majoritarianism

Answer 1

The correct option is D Majoritarianism

Majoritarianism, which is the idea that the numerical majority of a population should have the final say in determining the outcome of a decision, is one method of decision-making in a democracy. However, a healthy democracy must ensure that the needs of all communities are met. India's democracy, for instance, is said to rest on the ideal of 'unity in diversity'.

Thus, a government which makes laws favourable only to the majority community would be violating the basic principles of a liberal democracy.