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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Essay on Freedom of Press in Democracy

Essay on Freedom of Press in Democracy

Press is called the fourth estate of any democratic country, meaning it is the fourth power of a country. Even a dictator can not neglect the power the press has since every political ideology demands propaganda and publicity which only press can provide.

Democracy demands much more than the mere propaganda from the press. In a democracy, press not only disseminates news and information but also analyzes them critically, hence giving a whole panorama of any problem and its possible solutions. It does not remain a mouthpiece of the prevailing government but a staunch supporter of people's cause.

As the newspaper keep people informed about government policies and incidents taking place all over the world, so does it inform the government of peoples problem desires and grievance. Thus, the press plays a dual role in society.

Having such a great responsibility to fulfill the press should have a strong ideology. It must aim at truth and nothing else. False and superficial journalism only tarnishes the image of the press. Rumors should always be avoided. But unfortunately, some newspapers take to yellow journalism for petty benefits. They publish rumors, vulgar and cooked up reports just to enhance their sale. Some indulge in spreading sectarian and communal feelings. The the press should always keep in mind its capability to fight against any social evil. Otherwise, the press will become just another vulgar medium to be exploited by the political authorities.

The freedom of the press is most important if it has to take an active part in the struggle against the evils. If press becomes just a tool in the hands of the government then what else can it do except propagating and harping on the government policies. Unless the press itself enjoys freedom, how can it become the defender and supporter of the rights and liberties of the citizens.

But freedom of Press can be useful only when Press is fully aware of its responsibilities and duties. Every freedom has its discipline and without this discipline which may be called ideology, no freedom can survive for long. Therefore, Press should always use its freedom for the interest of people and not just for monetary benefits.

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