Democracy: Merits and Demerits [Essay]

Democracy: Its merits and demerits

The English word 'Democracy' is derived from two God words 'Demos' and 'Kratia' or 'Kratos'. Demos means crowd and 'Kratia' or  'Kratos' means power. This is why the critics of democracy have described it as Mobocracy. But in reality, democracy is not mobocracy but rule by the majority of the people according to certain rules and regulations which are accepted by the people of a country.

In the beginning, there was direct Democracy. For example, in our country, the villagers used to elect their representatives for village Panchayat by raising their hands in favor of their candidate. But now people cast their votes in favor of their candidates who stand for Parliament legislative Assemblies of states. The most famous definition which is generally quoted is of Abraham Lincoln. the great president of America. According to Lincoln Democracy is a government of the people. by the people and for the people.

The system of Democracy has following merits

1. It gives equal opportunities to make progress to the people
2. It is above any kind of undue favor to any religion case. creed or colour
3. The people are supreme and cannot be exploited by any dictator or group of persons.
4. It gives freedom of expression to the masses. It develops the intellectual level of the country.
5. In a democratic country, a citizen is free to follow any religion, trade etc. This helps the citizens to develop inherent capabilities which contribute to the progress of the country

Demerits of the Democracy

1. Government by popular majorities means rule by the average man, who is generally unintelligent, controlled in misconduct more by emotions than by reason, of limited knowledge. What standard of judgment can make us believe the opinion of 51 percent of the people to be wiser than 49percenttheirandsVOlesntition
2. It is necessary to make long-range plans and policies to achieve any great success. But in a democratic system, the representatives of the people are bound to face the electorate after every 5 years. The general public does not want to make sacrifices for the good results which will be available only in the future. So a country can not make real progress by following democratic system.the
3. The capitalists, industrialists, bosses of mafia type groups and religious leaders play a dominant part in influencing voters in general elections. So the honest and capable leaders do not get the opportunity to form the government.
4. Democracy needs to be educated, enlightened and patriotic people to make it a success So in a country where the percentage of literacy is less than 50%, democratic systems useless and harmful for the welfare of the people.

Conclusion

In a democratic system of government, the principle of balance of power is used and consequently legislature judiciary and executive, the three branches of government are separated. So the power of the government is limited by the laws of the constitution. It helps in smooth running of the system. But only a state of literate, well disciplined and patriotic people can enjoy the real fruits of Democracy.

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