Question

Write five merits and demerits of democracy.

Answer 1

Answer:

Democracy is a political structure in which people directly exercise power, or elect members from among themselves to represent the people, such as a parliament. It is also called the majority rule and here can’t inherit the power. People are choosing their representatives. Representatives participate in an election and the voters elect their member. Democracy is a form of government in which:

• Rulers elected by the people take all the major decisions
• Elections offer a choice and fair opportunity to the people to change the current rulers
• This choice and opportunity is available to all the people on an equal basis
• The exercise of this choice leads to a government limited by basic rules of the constitution and citizens’ rights

Merits of democracy

1. A democratic government is a more responsible form of government, is a stronger form of government.
2. The standard of making decisions is improved by democracy.
3. The integrity of people is strengthened by democracy.
4. The wealthy and educated have the same standing as the poor and less educated.
5. Democracy helps us to fix our own mistakes.

Demerits of democracy

1. Leaders keep changing in a democracy leading to instability
2. Democracy is all about political competition and power play, leaving no scope for morality
3. Many people have to be consulted in a democracy that leads to delays
4. Elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people, resulting in bad decisions
5. Democracy leads to corruption since it is based on electoral competition
6. Ordinary people don’t know what is good for them; they should not decide anything

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