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Essay on Democracy

Introduction.

Democracy is mainly a Greek word which means people and their rules, here peoples have the to select their own government as per their choice. Greece was the first democratic country in the world. India is a democratic country where people select their government of their own choice, also people have the rights to do the work of their choice. There are two types of democracy: direct and representative and hybrid or semi-direct democracy. There are many decisions which are made under democracies. People enjoy few rights which are very essential for human beings to live happily. 

Our country has the largest democracy. In a democracy, each person has equal rights to fight for development. After the independence, India has adopted democracy, where the people vote those who are above 18 years of age, but these votes do not vary by any caste; people from every caste have equal rights to select their government. Democracy, also called as a rule of the majority, means whatever the majority of people decide, it has to be followed or implemented, the representative winning with the most number of votes will have the power. We can say the place where literacy people are more there shows the success of the democracy even lack of consciousness is also dangerous in a democracy. Democracy is associated with higher human accumulation and higher economic freedom. Democracy is closely tied with the economic source of growth like education and quality of life as well as health care. The constituent assembly in India was adopted by Dr B.R. Ambedkar on 26 th November 1949 and became sovereign democratic after its constitution came into effect on 26 January 1950.

What are the Challenges:

There are many challenges for democracy like- corruption here, many political leaders and officers who don’t do work with integrity everywhere they demand bribes, resulting in the lack of trust on the citizens which affects the country very badly. Anti-social elements- which are seen during elections where people are given bribes and they are forced to vote for a particular candidate. Caste and community- where a large number of people give importance to their caste and community, therefore, the political party also selects the candidate on the majority caste. We see wherever the particular caste people win the elections whether they do good for the society or not, and in some cases, good leaders lose because of less count of the vote.

India is considered to be the largest democracy around the globe, with a population of 1.3 billion. Even though being the biggest democratic nation, India still has a long way to becoming the best democratic system. The caste system still prevails in some parts, which hurts the socialist principle of democracy. Communalism is on the rise throughout the globe and also in India, which interferes with the secular principle of democracy. All these differences need to be set aside to ensure a thriving democracy.

Principles of Democracy:

There are mainly five principles like- republic, socialist, sovereign, democratic and secular, with all these quality political parties will contest for elections. There will be many bribes given to the needy person who require food, money, shelter and ask them to vote whom they want. But we can say that democracy in India is still better than the other countries.

Basically, any country needs democracy for development and better functioning of the government. In some countries, freedom of political expression, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, are considered to ensure that voters are well informed, enabling them to vote according to their own interests.

Let us Discuss These Five Principles in Further Detail

Sovereign: In short, being sovereign or sovereignty means the independent authority of a state. The country has the authority to make all the decisions whether it be on internal issues or external issues, without the interference of any third party.

Socialist: Being socialist means the country (and the Govt.), always works for the welfare of the people, who live in that country. There should be many bribes offered to the needy person, basic requirements of them should be fulfilled by any means. No one should starve in such a country.

Secular: There will be no such thing as a state religion, the country does not make any bias on the basis of religion. Every religion must be the same in front of the law, no discrimination on the basis of someone’s religion is tolerated. Everyone is allowed to practice and propagate any religion, they can change their religion at any time.

Republic: In a republic form of Government, the head of the state is elected, directly or indirectly by the people and is not a hereditary monarch. This elected head is also there for a fixed tenure. In India, the head of the state is the president, who is indirectly elected and has a fixed term of office (5 years).

Democratic: By a democratic form of government, means the country’s government is elected by the people via the process of voting. All the adult citizens in the country have the right to vote to elect the government they want, only if they meet a certain age limit of voting.

Merits of Democracy:

better government forms because it is more accountable and in the interest of the people.

improves the quality of decision making and enhances the dignity of the citizens.

provide a method to deal with differences and conflicts.

A democratic system of government is a form of government in which supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodic free elections. It permits citizens to participate in making laws and public policies by choosing their leaders, therefore citizens should be educated so that they can select the right candidate for the ruling government. Also, there are some concerns regarding democracy- leaders always keep changing in democracy with the interest of citizens and on the count of votes which leads to instability. It is all about political competition and power, no scope for morality.

Factors Affect Democracy:

capital and civil society

economic development

modernization

Norway and Iceland are the best democratic countries in the world. India is standing at fifty-one position.

India is a parliamentary democratic republic where the President is head of the state and Prime minister is head of the government. The guiding principles of democracy such as protected rights and freedoms, free and fair elections, accountability and transparency of government officials, citizens have a responsibility to uphold and support their principles. Democracy was first practised in the 6 th century BCE, in the city-state of Athens. One basic principle of democracy is that people are the source of all the political power, in a democracy people rule themselves and also respect given to diverse groups of citizens, so democracy is required to select the government of their own interest and make the nation developed by electing good leaders.

FAQs on Democracy Essay for Students in English

1. What are the Features of Democracy?

Features of Democracy are as follows

Equality: Democracy provides equal rights to everyone, regardless of their gender, caste, colour, religion or creed.

Individual Freedom: Everybody has the right to do anything they want until it does not affect another person’s liberty.

Majority Rules: In a democracy, things are decided by the majority rule, if the majority agrees to something, it will be done.

Free Election: Everyone has the right to vote or to become a candidate to fight the elections.

2. Define Democracy?

Democracy means where people have the right to choose the rulers and also people have freedom to express views, freedom to organise and freedom to protest. Protesting and showing Dissent is a major part of a healthy democracy. Democracy is the most successful and popular form of government throughout the globe.

Democracy holds a special place in India, also India is still the largest democracy in existence around the world.

3. What are the Benefits of Democracy?

Let us discuss some of the benefits received by the use of democracy to form a government. Benefits of democracy are: 

It is more accountable

Improves the quality of decision as the decision is taken after a long time of discussion and consultation.

It provides a better method to deal with differences and conflicts.

It safeguards the fundamental rights of people and brings a sense of equality and freedom.

It works for the welfare of both the people and the state.

4. Which country is the largest democracy in the World?

India is considered the largest democracy, all around the world. India decided to have a democratic Govt. from the very first day of its independence after the rule of the British. In India, everyone above the age of 18 years can go to vote to select the Government, without any kind of discrimination on the basis of caste, colour, religion, gender or more. But India, even being the largest democracy, still has a long way to become perfect.

5. Write about the five principles of Democracy?

There are five key principles that are followed in a democracy. These Five Principles of Democracy of India are -  secular, sovereign, republic, socialist, and democratic. These five principles have to be respected by every political party, participating in the general elections in India. The party which got the most votes forms the government which represents the democratic principle. No discrimination is done on the basis of religion which represents the secular nature of democracy. The govt. formed after the election has to work for the welfare of common people which shows socialism in play.

Democracy Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on democracy.

Democracy is known as the finest form of government. Why so? Because in a democracy, the people of the country choose their government. They enjoy certain rights which are very essential for any human being to live freely and happily. There are various democratic countries in the world , but India is the largest one. Democracy has withstood the test of time, and while other forms have the government has failed, democracy stood strong. It has time and again proved its importance and impact.

Significance of a Democracy

Democracy is very important for human development . When people have free will to live freely, they will be happier. Moreover, we have seen how other forms of government have turned out to be. Citizens are not that happy and prosperous in a monarchy or anarchy.

Furthermore, democracy lets people have equal rights. This ensures that equality prevails all over the country. Subsequently, it also gives them duties. These duties make them better citizens and are also important for their overall development.

Most importantly, in a democracy, the people form the government. So, this selection of the government by the citizens gives everyone a chance to work for their country. It allows the law to prevail efficiently as the rules are made by people whom they have selected.

In addition, democracy allows people of various religions and cultures to exist peacefully. It makes them live in harmony with one another. People of democracy are more tolerant and accepting of each other’s differences. This is very important for any country to be happy and prosper.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

India: A Democratic Country

India is known to be the largest democracy all over the world. After the rule of the British ended in 1947 , India adopted democracy. In India, all the citizens who are above the age of 18 get the right to vote. It does not discriminate on the basis of caste, creed, gender, color, or more.

Although India is the largest democracy it still has a long way to go. The country faces a lot of problems which do not let it efficiently function as a democracy. The caste system is still prevalent which hampers with the socialist principle of democracy. Moreover, communalism is also on the rise. This interferes with the secular aspect of the country. All these differences need to be set aside to ensure the happiness and prosperity of the citizens.

In short, democracy in India is still better than that in most of the countries. Nonetheless, there is a lot of room for improvement which we must focus on. The government must implement stringent laws to ensure no discrimination takes place. In addition, awareness programs must be held to make citizens aware of their rights and duties.

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Essay on Democracy in 100, 300 and 500 Words

• Updated on  
• Jan 15, 2024

The oldest account of democracy can be traced back to 508–507 BCC Athens . Today there are over 50 different types of democracy across the world. But, what is the ideal form of democracy? Why is democracy considered the epitome of freedom and rights around the globe? Let’s explore what self-governance is and how you can write a creative and informative essay on democracy and its significance. 

Today, India is the largest democracy with a population of 1.41 billion and counting. Everyone in India above the age of 18 is given the right to vote and elect their representative. Isn’t it beautiful, when people are given the option to vote for their leader, one that understands their problems and promises to end their miseries? This is just one feature of democracy , for we have a lot of samples for you in the essay on democracy. Stay tuned!

This Blog Includes:

What is democracy , sample essay on democracy (100 words), sample essay on democracy (250 to 300 words), sample essay on democracy for upsc (500 words).

Democracy is a form of government in which the final authority to deliberate and decide the legislation for the country lies with the people, either directly or through representatives. Within a democracy, the method of decision-making, and the demarcation of citizens vary among countries. However, some fundamental principles of democracy include the rule of law, inclusivity, political deliberations, voting via elections , etc. 

Did you know: On 15th August 1947, India became the world’s largest democracy after adopting the Indian Constitution and granting fundamental rights to its citizens?

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Democracy where people make decisions for the country is the only known form of governance in the world that promises to inculcate principles of equality, liberty and justice. The deliberations and negotiations to form policies and make decisions for the country are the basis on which the government works, with supreme power to people to choose their representatives, delegate the country’s matters and express their dissent. The democratic system is usually of two types, the presidential system, and the parliamentary system. In India, the three pillars of democracy, namely legislature, executive and judiciary, working independently and still interconnected, along with a free press and media provide a structure for a truly functional democracy. Despite the longest-written constitution incorporating values of sovereignty, socialism, secularism etc. India, like other countries, still faces challenges like corruption, bigotry, and oppression of certain communities and thus, struggles to stay true to its democratic ideals.

Did you know: Some of the richest countries in the world are democracies?

Must Read : Consumer Rights in India

Must Read: Democracy and Diversity Class 10

As Abraham Lincoln once said, “democracy is the government of the people, by the people and for the people.” There is undeniably no doubt that the core of democracies lies in making people the ultimate decision-makers. With time, the simple definition of democracy has evolved to include other principles like equality, political accountability, rights of the citizens and to an extent, values of liberty and justice. Across the globe, representative democracies are widely prevalent, however, there is a major variation in how democracies are practised. The major two types of representative democracy are presidential and parliamentary forms of democracy. Moreover, not all those who present themselves as a democratic republic follow its values.

Many countries have legally deprived some communities of living with dignity and protecting their liberty, or are practising authoritarian rule through majoritarianism or populist leaders. Despite this, one of the things that are central and basic to all is the practice of elections and voting. However, even in such a case, the principles of universal adult franchise and the practice of free and fair elections are theoretically essential but very limited in practice, for a democracy. Unlike several other nations, India is still, at least constitutionally and principally, a practitioner of an ideal democracy.

With our three organs of the government, namely legislative, executive and judiciary, the constitutional rights to citizens, a multiparty system, laws to curb discrimination and spread the virtues of equality, protection to minorities, and a space for people to discuss, debate and dissent, India has shown a commitment towards democratic values. In recent times, with challenges to freedom of speech, rights of minority groups and a conundrum between the protection of diversity and unification of the country, the debate about the preservation of democracy has become vital to public discussion.

Did you know: In countries like Brazil, Scotland, Switzerland, Argentina, and Austria the minimum voting age is 16 years?

Also Read: Difference Between Democracy and Dictatorship

Democracy originated from the Greek word dēmokratiā , with dēmos ‘people’ and Kratos ‘rule.’ For the first time, the term appeared in the 5th century BC to denote the political systems then existing in Greek city-states, notably Classical Athens, to mean “rule of the people.” It now refers to a form of governance where the people have the right to participate in the decision-making of the country. Majorly, it is either a direct democracy where citizens deliberate and make legislation while in a representative democracy, they choose government officials on their behalf, like in a parliamentary or presidential democracy.

The presidential system (like in the USA) has the President as the head of the country and the government, while the parliamentary system (like in the UK and India) has both a Prime Minister who derives its legitimacy from a parliament and even a nominal head like a monarch or a President.

The notions and principle frameworks of democracy have evolved with time. At the core, lies the idea of political discussions and negotiations. In contrast to its alternatives like monarchy, anarchy, oligarchy etc., it is the one with the most liberty to incorporate diversity. The ideas of equality, political representation to all, active public participation, the inclusion of dissent, and most importantly, the authority to the law by all make it an attractive option for citizens to prefer, and countries to follow.

The largest democracy in the world, India with the lengthiest constitution has tried and to an extent, successfully achieved incorporating the framework to be a functional democracy. It is a parliamentary democratic republic where the President is head of the state and the Prime minister is head of the government. It works on the functioning of three bodies, namely legislative, executive, and judiciary. By including the principles of a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic, and undertaking the guidelines to establish equality, liberty and justice, in the preamble itself, India shows true dedication to achieving the ideal.

It has formed a structure that allows people to enjoy their rights, fight against discrimination or any other form of suppression, and protect their rights as well. The ban on all and any form of discrimination, an independent judiciary, governmental accountability to its citizens, freedom of media and press, and secular values are some common values shared by all types of democracies.

Across the world, countries have tried rooting their constitution with the principles of democracy. However, the reality is different. Even though elections are conducted everywhere, mostly, they lack freedom of choice and fairness. Even in the world’s greatest democracies, there are challenges like political instability, suppression of dissent, corruption , and power dynamics polluting the political sphere and making it unjust for the citizens. Despite the consensus on democracy as the best form of government, the journey to achieve true democracy is both painstaking and tiresome. 

Did you know: Countries like Singapore, Peru, and Brazil have compulsory voting?

Must Read: Democracy and Diversity Class 10 Notes

Democracy is a process through which the government of a country is elected by and for the people.

Yes, India is a democratic country and also holds the title of the world’s largest democracy.

Direct and Representative Democracy are the two major types of Democracy.

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Essay on Democracy in English (150, 200, 250, 500 Words)

Here, we’ve presented essays on “Democracy” in 150, 200, 250 & 500 word samples. All the essays will be helpful for students of all classes i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 & class 12.

Table of Contents

Essay on Democracy in 150 Words

Introduction.

Democracy, a system of governance, empowers citizens to participate in decision-making through voting. It fosters equality, freedom, and accountability.

The Essence of Democracy

Democracy champions individual rights and liberties, ensuring a voice for all citizens. It promotes diversity, tolerance, and inclusivity, essential for societal progress.

Upholding Democratic Values

In a democracy, transparency and the rule of law are paramount. Citizen engagement through elections and civic participation cultivates a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Democracy, though imperfect, remains the most equitable form of governance. Its resilience lies in adapting to the evolving needs and aspirations of its people.

Democracy Essay in 200 Words

Democracy stands as a beacon of hope, granting citizens a stake in governance through participatory decision-making, primarily via voting. It symbolizes the collective will of a society, striving for equality, freedom, and accountability.

The Evolution of Democracy

Originating in ancient Greece, democracy has evolved over centuries, adapting to diverse cultural and social landscapes. It has transcended geographical boundaries, becoming a universal aspiration for societies seeking to empower their people.

Democratic Principles in Action

At its core, democracy champions individual rights and liberties, ensuring that every voice is heard and respected. Through mechanisms such as free and fair elections, it fosters diversity, tolerance, and inclusivity, vital for societal cohesion and progress.

Challenges and Resilience

Yet, democracy faces myriad challenges, from corruption to voter apathy. However, its resilience lies in its ability to address these issues through transparency, accountability, and civic engagement. Despite setbacks, democratic ideals endure, driven by the collective determination of citizens to uphold their rights.

In conclusion, democracy remains humanity’s most enduring experiment in governance. Its strength lies not only in its principles but also in its capacity to adapt and evolve, reflecting the ever-changing needs and aspirations of societies worldwide.

Essay Writing on Democracy in 250 Words

Democracy, a system where power rests in the hands of the people, has been a cornerstone of modern governance since its inception in ancient Athens around 508 B.C. Over the centuries, it has spread globally, with approximately 123 out of 192 countries adopting some form of democratic governance as of 2021, according to the Democracy Index.

The Democratic Landscape

Democracy embodies the principles of equality, freedom, and accountability, providing a platform for diverse voices to be heard. As of 2020, over 4 billion people worldwide participated in elections, underscoring the widespread desire for political representation and participation.

Democratic Institutions and Governance

Key to the success of democracy are robust institutions that uphold the rule of law, protect individual rights, and ensure transparency. According to a study by the World Bank, countries with stronger democratic institutions tend to have higher levels of economic development, social stability, and human rights protection.

Challenges to Democracy

Despite its merits, democracy faces challenges such as voter suppression, political polarization, and the rise of authoritarianism. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index reported a decline in global democracy scores for the fifth consecutive year in 2020, citing the erosion of civil liberties and democratic norms.

Democratic Resilience and Adaptation

However, democracies exhibit resilience through mechanisms like free media, civil society activism, and peaceful transitions of power. The Arab Spring, for instance, demonstrated the power of citizen mobilization in demanding democratic reforms across the Middle East and North Africa.

In conclusion, democracy remains an essential tool for fostering inclusive governance and safeguarding fundamental rights. While it faces challenges, its enduring appeal lies in its ability to adapt and evolve, ensuring the voices of the people continue to shape the course of history.

Writing an Essay on Democracy in 500 Words

Democracy, originating from the Greek words “demos” (people) and “kratos” (rule), represents a system of governance where power is vested in the hands of the people. Rooted in ancient Athens around 508 B.C., democracy has since evolved into various forms, shaping the political landscape of nations worldwide. India, the world’s largest democracy, exemplifies the vibrancy and complexity of democratic governance.

The Historical Context

India’s tryst with democracy dates back to its independence in 1947. The adoption of the Constitution in 1950 laid the foundation for a representative democracy, ensuring universal adult suffrage and fundamental rights for its citizens. Despite challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and religious diversity, India embarked on a remarkable journey towards building a pluralistic and inclusive democracy.

The Indian Democratic Experiment

India’s democratic credentials are underscored by its sheer scale and diversity. With over 1.3 billion people belonging to various ethnicities, religions, and cultures, India’s democracy faces unique challenges in ensuring equitable representation and addressing socio-economic disparities. However, the resilience of its democratic institutions and the active participation of its citizens have been instrumental in sustaining the democratic fabric.

India’s Parliament, consisting of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), serves as the apex legislative body, responsible for enacting laws and overseeing the government. Additionally, an independent judiciary, free press, and vibrant civil society play crucial roles in upholding the rule of law, protecting fundamental rights, and ensuring governmental accountability.

Electoral Process and Participation

India’s electoral process is a testament to its commitment to democracy. The Election Commission of India, established in 1950, oversees the conduct of free and fair elections at regular intervals. With an electorate exceeding 900 million voters, India conducts the largest democratic exercise globally. The successful conduct of elections amidst logistical challenges and diverse socio-cultural contexts underscores the resilience of India’s democratic machinery.

Challenges and Reforms

Despite its achievements, India’s democracy grapples with several challenges. Issues such as corruption, political polarization, and electoral malpractices pose significant threats to democratic principles. Furthermore, socio-economic inequalities, regional disparities, and caste-based politics hinder inclusive governance and equitable development. However, successive governments have undertaken reforms to strengthen democratic institutions, enhance transparency, and promote electoral integrity.

The Role of Civil Society and Media

India’s vibrant civil society and free press play pivotal roles in shaping public discourse, holding authorities accountable, and advocating for democratic values. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), grassroots movements, and investigative journalism serve as watchdogs, amplifying marginalized voices and fostering citizen empowerment.

In conclusion, democracy remains India’s most precious asset, embodying the aspirations of its diverse populace. Despite formidable challenges, India’s democratic journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and commitment to upholding democratic principles. As India continues to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world, its democracy stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring nations to embrace inclusive governance and uphold the rights and dignity of all citizens.

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Home — Essay Samples — Government & Politics — Democracy — The Importance of Democracy in Today’s World

The Importance of Democracy in Today's World

• Categories: Democracy

About this sample

Words: 629 |

Published: Jan 31, 2024

Words: 629 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Historical perspective on democracy, principles and features of democracy, the advantages of democracy, challenges and criticisms of democracy, case studies of democracy.

• "Democracy: A Journal of Ideas." Democracy: A Journal of Ideas. https://democracyjournal.org/
• Colomer, Josep M. "Political Institutions: Democracy and Social Choice." Oxford University Press, 2001.
• Diamond, Larry, and Marc F. Plattner, eds. "The Global Divergence of Democracies." Johns Hopkins University Press, 2001.

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500+ word Essay on Democracy

Democracy is like a bright guiding light that has shaped our world for centuries. It’s not just a word; it’s a powerful idea that brings people together, giving them a voice and a choice in how they want to be governed. In this essay, we will explore why democracy is so important and why it matters to people all over the world.

Equality and Freedom

Democracy is all about equality and freedom. It means that every person, regardless of their background, has a say in how their country is run. In a democracy, the power doesn’t belong to just one person or a small group; it belongs to the people. For example, in the United States, the President is elected by the citizens, and this election happens every four years. This ensures that leaders are chosen by and for the people.

Protecting Rights

In a democratic country, certain rights and freedoms are protected. These include the right to express your thoughts and ideas freely, the right to choose your religion, and the right to a fair trial if you are accused of a crime. These rights are like a shield that keeps us safe from unfair treatment. They are written in documents like the Constitution and are upheld by the government.

Decision-Making

In a democracy, important decisions are made by considering the opinions of many people. This makes the decisions fairer and better for everyone. For instance, when a new law is proposed, it has to go through a process where lawmakers discuss it, and citizens can give their input. This way, laws are not made in secret, but in the open, with everyone having a chance to be heard.

Peaceful Change

Democracy allows for peaceful change. When people disagree with their leaders or government policies, they can vote for different leaders in the next election. This prevents violence and wars that can happen in places where people don’t have a say. An example is when Nelson Mandela became the leader of South Africa through democratic elections, ending years of racial discrimination and violence.

Economic Prosperity

Countries with strong democracies often have more economic prosperity. This is because democracy encourages entrepreneurship and innovation. People are more willing to invest and start businesses when they know their rights and property will be protected. A great example is how the democratic country of South Korea transformed from poverty to a global economic powerhouse in just a few decades.

Learning and Progress

Democracy encourages learning and progress. In democratic societies, education is highly valued. People have access to information and can make informed decisions. Leaders are held accountable for their actions, which motivates them to work for the betterment of the country. Finland is a prime example of a democratic nation that highly values education and consistently ranks among the top in global education assessments.

Protecting Minorities

Democracy protects the rights of minorities. It ensures that even if you belong to a small group or have different beliefs, you still have a voice, and your rights are respected. This helps create a diverse and inclusive society where everyone can thrive. Canada, for instance, has a strong democratic tradition and a commitment to protecting the rights of its Indigenous peoples and other minority groups.

Global Cooperation

Democracy also plays a role in global cooperation. Democratic countries often work together to solve common problems, like climate change or global health crises. They can negotiate and make agreements that benefit everyone. The Paris Agreement on climate change is an example of such global cooperation among democratic nations.

Conclusion of Essay on Democracy

In conclusion, democracy is not just a word; it’s a guiding principle that has the power to shape our world for the better. It ensures equality, freedom, and the protection of our rights. It encourages peaceful change and economic prosperity. Democracy values learning, progress, and the protection of minorities. It also fosters global cooperation. As we continue to cherish and uphold democracy, we strengthen the foundations of a just and prosperous world for generations to come. Democracy is not just for some; it’s for all of us, and it’s worth preserving and celebrating.

Also Check: 500+ Words long Essay on Technology

Essay on Importance of Voting in Democracy

Students are often asked to write an essay on Importance of Voting in Democracy in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Importance of Voting in Democracy

The essence of democracy.

Voting is the cornerstone of a democracy. It’s the tool that allows citizens to choose their leaders and voice their opinions on important issues.

Why Voting Matters

By voting, you get to influence the society you live in. It’s a way to ensure that your interests are represented in government.

The Power of Each Vote

Every vote counts. In many cases, elections have been decided by just a few votes. Therefore, your vote can make a real difference.

In summary, voting is a crucial component of democracy. So, always exercise your right to vote!

250 Words Essay on Importance of Voting in Democracy

The role of voting.

Voting is not just a right, but a duty and a moral responsibility. It is the most direct and effective way of participating in the democratic process. The vote of every citizen contributes to the formation of a government and the trajectory of the nation.

Empowering the Masses

Voting gives citizens the power to express their opinion and choose leaders who align with their views. It is a tool to effect change and ensure the government reflects the will of the people. Voting also empowers marginalized groups, providing an equal platform for their voices to be heard.

Accountability and Transparency

Voting ensures accountability and transparency in the democratic system. It acts as a check on the government, reminding them of their responsibility towards the electorate. If the government fails to deliver, voters have the power to change the administration in the next election.

The importance of voting in democracy cannot be overstated. It is the fundamental right and duty of every citizen to participate in this process. It is through voting that we shape our society, influence policies, and ensure the government serves the common good. By voting, we uphold the democratic values of freedom, equality, and justice.

500 Words Essay on Importance of Voting in Democracy

Introduction.

Democracy is a system of governance where citizens participate directly or indirectly in the decision-making process. At the heart of this system lies the act of voting, an essential tool through which citizens express their will, choose their leaders, and influence public policy. The importance of voting in a democratic society cannot be overstated as it forms the basis for the exercise of political and civil rights.

The Pillar of Democratic Governance

Instrument for social change.

Voting is not only a political act but also a tool for social change. It gives citizens the power to influence public policy and the direction of societal evolution. Through the ballot box, citizens can express their views on critical issues such as education, health, economy, and social justice. Voting, therefore, serves as a peaceful means of effecting change and shaping the society we want to live in.

Equality and Inclusivity

In a democracy, voting underscores the principle of equality. Regardless of social, economic, or cultural backgrounds, every citizen has an equal vote. This inclusivity strengthens social cohesion and fosters a sense of belonging among citizens. Moreover, it ensures that marginalized and underrepresented groups have a voice in the political process, thereby promoting social equity.

Responsibility of Citizenship

In conclusion, the act of voting is a cornerstone of democracy, serving as a tool for change, a symbol of equality, and a responsibility of citizenship. It gives power to the people, ensuring that the government remains accountable and responsive to their needs. Hence, for a democracy to be truly representative and effective, it is essential that citizens understand the importance of voting and actively participate in the electoral process. The future of our democratic society depends on the collective action of informed and engaged citizens.

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Fundamental questions

• Prehistoric forms of democracy
• Classical Greece
• The Roman Republic
• “Constitutional oligarchies”
• A democratic dilemma
• Continental Europe
• The United States
• Democracy or republic?
• Solving the dilemma
• Factions and parties
• Majority rule, minority rights, majority tyranny
• Failures of nondemocratic systems
• Market economies
• Economic well-being
• Political culture
• Presidential and parliamentary systems
• Unitary and federal systems
• Proportional and winner-take-all systems
• Two-party and multiparty systems
• Majoritarian and consensual systems
• The legitimacy of government
• Answers to fundamental questions
• Montesquieu
• Features of ideal democracy
• Ideal and representative democracy
• Actual democracies
• The value of democracy
• Economic insecurity and inequality
• The costs of identity politics
• Democracy and clientelism
• Authoritarian threats
• Technological developments

What is democracy?

Where was democracy first practiced, how is democracy better than other forms of government, why does democracy need education.

• Why is Pericles important?

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• PBS LearningMedia - The Birth of Democracy | The Greeks
• Princeton University - Populism and Democratic Theory
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• Table Of Contents

Democracy is a system of government in which laws, policies, leadership, and major undertakings of a state or other polity are directly or indirectly decided by the “people,” a group historically constituted by only a minority of the population (e.g., all free adult males in ancient Athens or all sufficiently propertied adult males in 19th-century Britain) but generally understood since the mid-20th century to include all (or nearly all) adult citizens.

Studies of contemporary nonliterate tribal societies and other evidence suggest that democracy, broadly speaking, was practiced within tribes of hunter-gatherers in prehistoric times. The transition to settled agricultural communities led to inequalities of wealth and power between and within communities and hierarchical nondemocratic forms of social organization. Thousands of years later, in the 6th century BCE, a relatively democratic form of government was introduced in the city-state of Athens by Cleisthenes .

States with democratic governments prevent rule by autocrats, guarantee fundamental individual rights, allow for a relatively high level of political equality, and rarely make war on each other. As compared with nondemocratic states, they also better foster human development as measured by indicators such as health and education , provide more prosperity for their citizens, and ensure a broader range of personal freedoms.

The hallmark of democracy is that it permits citizens to participate in making laws and public policies by regularly choosing their leaders and by voting in assemblies or referenda . If their participation is to be meaningful and effective—if the democracy is to be real and not a sham—citizens must understand their own interests, know the relevant facts, and have the ability to critically evaluate political arguments. Each of those things presupposes education .

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democracy , literally, rule by the people. The term is derived from the Greek dēmokratia , which was coined from dēmos (“people”) and kratos (“rule”) in the middle of the 5th century bce to denote the political systems then existing in some Greek city-states , notably Athens .

(Read Madeleine Albright’s Britannica essay on democracy.)

The etymological origins of the term democracy hint at a number of urgent problems that go far beyond semantic issues. If a government of or by the people—a “popular” government—is to be established, at least five fundamental questions must be confronted at the outset, and two more are almost certain to be posed if the democracy continues to exist for long.

(1) What is the appropriate unit or association within which a democratic government should be established? A town or city? A country? A business corporation ? A university? An international organization ? All of these?

(2) Given an appropriate association—a city, for example—who among its members should enjoy full citizenship? Which persons, in other words, should constitute the dēmos ? Is every member of the association entitled to participate in governing it? Assuming that children should not be allowed to participate (as most adults would agree), should the dēmos include all adults? If it includes only a subset of the adult population, how small can the subset be before the association ceases to be a democracy and becomes something else, such as an aristocracy (government by the best, aristos ) or an oligarchy (government by the few, oligos )?

(3) Assuming a proper association and a proper dēmos , how are citizens to govern? What political organizations or institutions will they need? Will these institutions differ between different kinds of associations—for example, a small town and a large country?

(4) When citizens are divided on an issue, as they often will be, whose views should prevail, and in what circumstances? Should a majority always prevail, or should minorities sometimes be empowered to block or overcome majority rule?

(5) If a majority is ordinarily to prevail, what is to constitute a proper majority? A majority of all citizens? A majority of voters? Should a proper majority comprise not individual citizens but certain groups or associations of citizens, such as hereditary groups or territorial associations?

(6) The preceding questions presuppose an adequate answer to a sixth and even more important question: Why should “the people” rule? Is democracy really better than aristocracy or monarchy ? Perhaps, as Plato argues in the Republic , the best government would be led by a minority of the most highly qualified persons—an aristocracy of “ philosopher-kings .” What reasons could be given to show that Plato’s view is wrong?

(7) No association could maintain a democratic government for very long if a majority of the dēmos —or a majority of the government—believed that some other form of government were better. Thus, a minimum condition for the continued existence of a democracy is that a substantial proportion of both the dēmos and the leadership believes that popular government is better than any feasible alternative . What conditions, in addition to this one, favour the continued existence of democracy? What conditions are harmful to it? Why have some democracies managed to endure, even through periods of severe crisis, while so many others have collapsed?

The Top Ten Most-Read Essays of 2021

In 2021, democracy’s fortunes were tested, and a tumultuous world became even more turbulent. Democratic setbacks arose in places as far flung as Burma, El Salvador, Tunisia, and Sudan, and a 20-year experiment in Afghanistan collapsed in days. The world’s democracies were beset by rising polarization, and people watched in shock as an insurrection took place in the United States. In a year marked by high political drama, economic unrest, and rising assaults on democracy, we at the  Journal of Democracy  sought to provide insight and analysis of the forces that imperil freedom. Here are our 10 most-read essays of 2021:

Manuel Meléndez-Sánchez Nayib Bukele has developed a blend of political tactics that combines populist appeals and classic autocratic behavior with a polished social-media brand. It poses a dire threat to the country’s democratic institutions.

By the People: Essays on Democracy

Harvard Kennedy School faculty explore aspects of democracy in their own words—from increasing civic participation and decreasing extreme partisanship to strengthening democratic institutions and making them more fair.

Winter 2020

By Archon Fung , Nancy Gibbs , Tarek Masoud , Julia Minson , Cornell William Brooks , Jane Mansbridge , Arthur Brooks , Pippa Norris , Benjamin Schneer

The basic terms of democratic governance are shifting before our eyes, and we don’t know what the future holds. Some fear the rise of hateful populism and the collapse of democratic norms and practices. Others see opportunities for marginalized people and groups to exercise greater voice and influence. At the Kennedy School, we are striving to produce ideas and insights to meet these great uncertainties and to help make democratic governance successful in the future. In the pages that follow, you can read about the varied ways our faculty members think about facets of democracy and democratic institutions and making democracy better in practice.

Explore essays on democracy

Archon fung: we voted, nancy gibbs: truth and trust, tarek masoud: a fragile state, julia minson: just listen, cornell william brooks: democracy behind bars, jane mansbridge: a teachable skill, arthur brooks: healthy competition, pippa norris: kicking the sandcastle, benjamin schneer: drawing a line.

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Election and Democracy Essay in English for Children and Students

Table of Contents

Elections are the backbone of a democratic nation. The electoral system gives people the right to choose their own government by casting vote to the candidate they deem suitable. There are different forms of democracy but elections form an integral part of each of these. The procedure and purpose of elections may however vary based on the form of democracy.

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Long and Short Essay on Election and Democracy in English

Here are long and short essay on Election and Democracy to help you with the topic in your exam or during any school function/competition.

After going through these Election and Democracy essay you will be able to know what is election, what is democracy, what is the role of election in a democracy, what are the rights in a democratic country, what is the form and role of the election commission of India, what are different forms of democracy etc.

You can go through all the essay written below to get the best one for you as per your need:

Short Essay on Election and Democracy (200 words) – Essay 1

A democratic nation is one in which the citizens have the right to express their views and give their opinions publically regarding any situation/ condition in the country. This can be the country’s social, economic, political or any other condition.

Citizens in a democratic government are also given the right to elect their government. They can cast votes through secret ballot and state their opinion about whom they find suitable to run their country. The candidate/ party that gets majority of votes comes into power. So, the collective opinion of the citizens of a democratic country determines as to who would rule the country. Elections are held at regular intervals to ensure a fair play.

India is considered to be the largest democracy in the world. An autonomous body called the Election Commission of India has especially been formed to oversee the humongous task of conducting, managing and overseeing the election process. The Election Commission of India addresses several issues and puts in immense efforts to ensure free and fair elections in the country.

Any citizen of India who is 25 years of above (with few exceptions such as those involved in criminal activities, etc) can contest elections to come into power and give new direction to the country.

Also Read: How to Vote in India?

Essay on the Role of Elections in a Democracy (300 words) – Essay 2

Introduction

Democracy is the type of government in which the citizens of a country get the right to choose their representatives. These representatives come into power and form the government. These representatives are chosen by way of elections. The candidates and political parties that get the maximum number of votes during elections come into power. Elections are thus a significant part of democracy.

Elections Form the Basis of Democracy

Elections form the basis of democracy. Here is a look at how the election process works to give shape to a democratic government:

• Elections are held at regular intervals. In India, the elections are held every five years.
• People cast vote for bringing the candidate to power, they feel can best handle the position.
• People cast their vote through secret ballot. This ensures a fair game as they are not answerable to anyone for the choice made by them.
• The Election Commission of India administers the election process.
• The process of election is bigger and much more complicated than you can imagine. There is a lot of work that needs to be taken care of. This is the reason why a separate body has been formed to manage the whole election process.
• Many political parties participate in elections. They share their agendas with the common man. They also highlight all the tasks undertaken by them for the benefit of their citizens and the development of the nation to convince the general public to vote for them.
• At times, some notorious people try to disrupt the process of elections by indulging in malpractices such booth capturing, vote rigging, etc. The Election Commission takes necessary action against them to ensure smooth completion of the election process.

Fair and regular elections are an essential part of a democratic country. They empower the common man of the country to elect government and change it every few years.

Essay on Elections – An Integral Part of Democracy (400 words) – Essay 3

Democracy is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. A democratic nation allows its citizens to elect their government. The government remains in power mostly for a period of five years. Once the tenure is completed elections are held again to allow the citizens to cast vote and choose their government yet again. Elections are thus an integral part of a democracy.

Rights in a Democratic Country

Unlike monarchy and dictatorship government, the citizens in a democratic set up are empowered with many rights that are crucial for their development as well as the overall growth and development of the country. Here is a brief look at the rights given to the citizens in a democratic set up:

• Freedom of Speech and Expression

This is the fundamental right given to every citizen in a democratic nation. The citizens of a democratic country have complete right to express their opinion on any matter including the economic, social, cultural and political issues.

• Right to Vote

The right to vote is given to the citizens of every democratic nation. They elect the government of their country by exercising this right.

• Right to Fair Trial

The citizens of a democratic country have the right to free and just legal processes. They can sue anyone who has done wrong to them as per the Indian Penal Code. The decision is taken by the judiciary after listening to both the parties. It is the responsibility of the democratic nation to build a judicial system that people can trust.

• Right to Free Media

Democracy can function effectively if there is transparency. People in a democratic set up have complete right to information. This information about the working of the government and political parties is provided to them by media. This information helps them assess and understand if they have elected the right candidates or should they reconsider their decision in the next elections.

• Right to Worship

The citizens of a democratic country can choose the religion they wish to follow without any interference from the state or any political party. They can worship in a free setting without any fear. Any kind of communal riots are condemned and the government takes strict action against people involved in the same.

The right to elect government is one of the fundamentals rights of the citizens of a democratic nation. This right must be exercised with great responsibility to bring the most deserving candidate to power.

Essay on India as the Largest Democracy in the World (500 words) – Essay 4

India is considered to be the largest democracy in the world. It is one of the best examples of representative democracy where people exercise their right to vote to elect representatives. These representatives take major decisions pertaining to the country including those related to policy-making. Citizens of India cast their votes via secret ballot and this forms the basis of fair elections in the country. Indian democracy is appreciated for its free and fair electoral system.

The Election Commission of India

The union government in India is elected for a period of five years. Elections in the country are therefore held every five years. The Election Commission of India conducts and manages the entire election process in the country. The Election Commission came into form in the year 1950. Initially, it consisted of just one member. Two more commissioners were appointed for the Election Commission of India in 1989. A subsidiary of the Election Commission is formed in every state to ensure smooth and successful completion of the election process.

The main responsibility of the Election Commission is to administer the election process. The task is humongous and a lot of things need to be taken care of in order to accomplish it. This includes planning election schedules, assessing new political parties and validating them, watching the behaviour of the political parties contesting elections, providing election related updates to the media, overseeing the election process, taking action against any malpractice and conducting by-elections (if needed). EC has been working hard ever since its inception and has brought about many changes in the electoral system of India to improve the election process.

EC administers Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha elections, State Legislative Councils and State Legislative Assemblies elections and the elections of the President and Vice President of India. It is thus said to be the backbone of Indian democracy.

Countries with Democratic Government

Many countries around the world have democratic form of government. Just like India, the citizens of these countries have the right to vote and elect government. Some of the countries with democratic set up include Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, Canada, Sweden, Bhutan, Germany, United States of America and Finland.

While these are all democratic nations, they do not follow the same set of rules when it comes to conducting elections and setting public policies. Democracy has been categorised into various forms including direct democracy, representative democracy, Islamic democracy, social democracy, parliamentary democracy, presidential democracy, participatory democracy and authoritarian democracy. Different democratic countries practice different forms of democracy.

Elections are an inseparable part of a democratic government. The citizens of a democratic country elect the government by voting for the candidate they deem suitable to run the government. The government bears the interest of the common man in mind while making or amending any law or policy.

In a democratic country, people have the right to question the government for its decisions. They have the power to overthrow the current government and bring another political party into power in the next elections. This drives the ruling government to work with dedication and take fair decisions considering public interest.

Essay on Different Forms of Democracy and their Election Process (600 words) – Essay 5

Democracy is a set up in which the citizens of a country exercise their right to vote in order to elect the government of their choice. This type of government works for the benefit of the citizens and ensures a fair play. The citizens of a democratic nation have the right to question the decisions of their government and express their views on the same. Several political parties contest elections in a democratic nation and the one that majority of people deem suitable comes into power. People cast their votes through secret ballot.

Different Forms of Democracy

Democracy is divided into various forms. Different forms of democratic governments work differently. They have their own unique style of working and handling matters. The rights given to the citizens may also vary based on the type of democracy. Here is a look at the different forms of democracy:

• Direct Democracy

The citizens of a nation with direct democracy have the right to vote directly for the making of various policies and for taking important decisions. They vote each time there is a need to take an important decision. They do not vote for representatives who take decisions on their behalf. So, every decision in a direct democracy is taken collectively by the citizens. This type of democracy works well for nations with less population. Switzerland is an example of successful direct democracy.

• Representative Democracy

In representative democracy people elect representatives by using their right to vote. These representatives come into power and take all the decisions. People vote for the candidates they feel are responsible and can be trusted. Citizens can voice their grievances and seek action on them. They also have the right to express their opinion and question the government’s decision. This is the most common type of democracy followed in countries like India and USA.

• Parliamentary Democracy

In this type of democracy the legislature has greater power over the president. The president is merely an official head or a weak monarch in the parliamentary democracy. The head of state in such a set up is different from the head of government and both of them have their own set of responsibilities.

• Presidential Democracy

In this type of democracy, the president of the country has considerable power over the government. Elected either directly or indirectly by the citizens, the president in such a set up is not liable to the legislature or does he has the power to remove the legislature. Similarly, the legislature is not empowered to remove the president unless it is an extreme case.

• Participatory Democracy

Participatory democracy gives opportunity to every citizen of the country to come up with unanimous decisions on important matters related to the country. This type of democracy encourages greater participation from the citizens.

• Authoritarian Democracy

Authoritarian democracy is one in which only the elite class of the country has the right to be a part of the parliamentary process. The common people of the country are not allowed to cast vote. So, it is the elites in power who take various decisions related to the country. Modern day Russia is an example of authoritarian democracy.

• Islamic Democracy

This type of democracy applies Islamic law to policies. The leaders here are elected by the citizens of the country and everyone here is subject to the Sharia law. The leaders in this type of democracy need to strictly practice Shura which is a special type of consultation practiced by Prophet Muhammad. Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran are examples of Islamic democracy.

This clearly shows that even democratic form of government varies from region to region. Different forms of democratic governments are formed in different countries. The rules to elect the government and run the country differ as per the democratic government formed.

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Democracy - List of Essay Samples And Topic Ideas

Democracy is a governance system where the citizens exercise power by voting. An essay on this topic could examine the different forms of democracies, including direct and representative democracy, and how they operate in various countries. Additionally, discussions might extend to the principles underlying democratic governance, its advantages and disadvantages, and the challenges democracies face in the modern world such as populism, polarization, and the erosion of democratic norms. A substantial compilation of free essay instances related to Democracy you can find in Papersowl database. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Madisonian Democracy

Madisonian Democracy was based on the idea that human are self interested. Factions would be form due to common interest. There would be fragmented power to avoid the tyranny of majority and minority power. The point of the Civil Rights Movement was to have minority fight against tyranny of the majority, and they wanting their basic rights. With their hard effort they were able to pass the Civil Rights Act. They did use Madisonian Democracy but it fail. This was […]

Social Media and Politics. Democracy

The social media age has completely dominated current day society. This time twenty years ago, information simply could not be accessed and spread in the instantaneous manner it is now. Social media has done great things for democracy: access to social media aids in obtaining educational information, increases voter activity, and it also promotes collectivity. As websites like Twitter and Facebook have risen to popularity, they are also used to educate the world and allow for precluded voices to be […]

What is Freedom of Speech

Freedom of speech is the right of ones' right to express and communicate their ideas, opinion, and beliefs. As a result, nobody should fear being reprimanded, punished, or expurgated by society and perhaps the government at large. In most cases, it is done to attract mass attention from the community. It is entirely synonymous to seeking freedom of denied privileges such as an inappropriate distribution of public resources and side-lining of the minority among others. It is a universal right […]

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American Democracy

The textbook outlines what it believes to be the three main principles on which American democracy is based. These three principles are Political Equality, Plurality Rule and Minority Rights, and Equality before the law. It is important to actually understand what each of these principles actually means in this context, and so we will briefly go over each one. The first principle listed is Political Equality, which basically says that all law-abiding citizens that are adults are allowed to vote […]

Jeffersonian Democracy

There have been pains taken when it comes to showing the wide range and diversity of how Jefferson thought, and even more so how he went with the changes through time, advocating the basis of commerce, industry and National Power. All these assets of Jefferson can be united under one actual label, that label being “Thomas Jefferson: Commercial Agrarian Democrat” . The likelihood is there of the label being stretched out to “Commercial Industrial Agrarian Democratic Federalist” if the leaning […]

The Tyranny of the Majority

The Tyranny of the Majority is explained as a cruel and unfair treatment by leaders with absolute power over civilians. De Tocqueville, Author of Democracy of America states that the main point of democracy was the public having a sort of dedication to having the equality among the citizens in the U.S. The United States offers several examples of equality within the people, and how they express their action in society. By explaining the main power structures between the people […]

Democracy and Development

We can define democracy as a government in which the people participate directly in governance or through their elected representatives. It is also a system of government whereby the citizens of a country are actively involved in decision making, and are ruled by a set of generally accepted norms and laws. Every democratic system has some principles on which they stand, from the old democracy to the modern day democracy. The first of these principles is the citizen rule. This […]

Democracy Definition and Meaning

By definition, democracy is a complex form of government with a constitution that guarantees universal personal and political rights, with fair elections and independent courts. According to Winston Churchill, democracy is the worst of all forms of government, except all others. The quote says that democracy has many shortcomings and weaknesses, but is still the best of all forms of government. Winston Churchill (1874-1965) was twice British Prime Minister and led Britain through World War II. He is considered one […]

Democratic Peace Theory

After World War II, a known characteristic of affluent, liberal, democratic states is that they tend to not not engage in war with one another. The democratic peace theory attributes to this tendency to democracy itself, claiming that it is a key peacekeeper due to the obligatory culture of democracy to cooperate with the regime, both leaders and citizens for their own benefit. The capitalist peace theory justifies the maintenance of peace on the incentive of trade to maintain peace […]

Nietzsche and Democracy

On the Genealogy of Morals by Friedrich Nietzsche, it is clear that Nietzsche has a negative view of democracy. A close analysis of his text reveals Nietzsche was against egalitarianism and also a supporter of the struggle for liberty. On that account, the following essay will claim that Nietzsche was against democracy since he was more interested in the political forces that drive the march to liberty and that he believed that democracy was a source of weakness, since it […]

The Direction of Democracy

With the recent election won by President Trump, a person who had little to no political background really questioned the direction in which democracy is going. I believe that President trump did not win the popular vote in this election because of his lack of participation in politics. This shocking outcome of the presidential race showed that if someone who is unqualified to be president can win the presidency then where does this leave democracy in our society today. In […]

Red Cross Organization

Many non-governmental agencies across the globe have clear, distinctive purpose, competencies, missions, abilities and use of varying operation procedures. Most of these organizations have a religious background, technical specializations, regional outlook, or just community based to focus on the welfare of the said people (Egan and Thanousone 06). The NGOs range from minor local entities to giant multinational firms with secretariats in many parts of the world. Examples of such major nonprofit institutions include the Red Cross, Doctors without borders, […]

Human Rights and Democracy

Governments across the globe provide basic rights, laws and freedoms for the citizens of their countries to live by. These rights and freedoms vary from country to country with some countries being granted more freedoms than others. Democratic countries are known for granting their citizens a vast amount of freedoms and rights. Research has shown that the more democratic a country is the less likely they are to suffer from human rights violations. However, human rights violations still occur in […]

United States: Democracy

The United States has operated on an electoral based democratic platform for over 200 years, back as far as 1776 with the dawn of American democracy. This system of election to power has changed and evolved over the history of our country, but no change perhaps more influential than that made in 1804 with the ratification of the 12th amendment and formation of the electoral college. It has become modern controversy two centuries later whether our system of election is […]

A Study on the Relationship between Democracy and Involvement in Multilateral Institutions

As countries have mobilized, expanded and specialized in trade, and advanced in technology, the involvement in multilateral organizations has been a great way for states to cooperate with one another for a mutual benefit toward the greater good. A multilateral organization (MLO) is a group of at least three states in which they unite to work together on international issues and events that involve those states who are members of the group. (McArthur, John, and Krista Rasmussen.) There is much […]

Ancient Greek Democracy

It is no secret that the America we know today has evolved and incorporated many of the successes and failures from the civilizations that came before us. The major foundation of the American society, our democratic system of government, was influenced by a preceding civilization. Throughout this paper, I will convey the monumental influence that the Ancient Greek invention of democracy had on our modern-day American democracy; I will discuss the main aspects of the Greek democracy, the main aspects […]

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

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Democracy Arguments For and Against Essay

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Introduction

Arguments for democracy, arguments against democracy, works cited.

Contrary to other ideas in political science such as justice and liberty, democracy is a term that can be easily explained. It mainly relates to the government by the majority. Although characterizing democracy is not difficult, the latest political theory is often left this out. No strong argument is provided by political theorists regarding the reason for representative democracy.

On the other hand, if any is given, it lacks strength. One would anticipate that great literature can be created from the reasons for the promotion and institution of democracy. On the contrary, popular literature does not delve so much into why democracy is desirable, but instead, get to explain the reasons for the improvement of the current democracy. This essay examines what different philosophers have had to argue both for and against democracy.

One of the arguments is that democracy is important because it can be embraced and made deliberative. This implies that deliberation of a dialogical nature is vital to the democratic society. When democracy is made deliberate in a given society, instead of people’s mere adaptation to circumstance, their preferences are not only informed but also made clear.

Democracy also helps to remove points of difference among people without necessarily making them agree. At times, democracy requires that people be compelled to embrace a general perspective. As such, both their imagination and empathy are stretched. In the same vein of the deliberateness of democracy, selfish concerns can be separated from public-oriented considerations thus encouraging public reasoning for participants who are free and equal (Sosa & Villanueva 287-288).

Research also indicates that making democratic to be more deliberative is likely to result to other benefits such as legitimizing all decisions that are arrived at, encouraging the powerless to voice their concerns in decision making, promoting transparency among group members and enhancing outcomes that are just.

Another argument that favors the importance of democracy in deliberation is one that aims at making deliberation democratic and not vice versa. This implies that whenever there is democratic deliberation, then the probability of reaching the truth based on reliability increases with the presence of a democratic decision-making regime.

Moreover, democracy enhances the proper allocation of resources to appropriate uses. This argument is supported by the fact dictatorial leaders are not fully accountable to citizens and do not have motivations to put the total output into maximum use. Instead, they focus on their selfish ends.

Consequently, democracy ensures that property rights are protected hence allowing investors to have a long term perspective. Besides, allowing free flow of information ensures that the quality of economic decisions made is high (Dahl 448).

In attempting to argue against democracy, Gordon takes on several philosophers who have argued in favor of democracy. He does this by revealing how such arguments fail to hold water when based on democracy because, in his perspective, the proponents of democracy do not express the desirability of democracy as it were. A good example of writers who have omitted this fact is Bernard Barber.

He dismisses other philosophers on this matter arguing that a just political order can only be reached at through a discussion and not by avoiding it. Questions of distributive justice can properly be dealt with by individuals rather than by philosophers alone since it would be undemocratic to do the reverse. However, Barber does not clearly explain why people should value democracy.

His concern is that individuals thinking on their own can reach wiser decisions than a group of individuals discussing the same issue. He’s satisfied with the fact that Rousseau concurs with the issue. If he were to be correct about this empirical matter, then it would be sound to conclude that if democratic governance would guide a society, then it would be prudent to arrive at decisions in such a society through discussions.

Although this point is still devoid of the desirability of democracy, it centers on the importance of democracy in discussing policy publicly. Deliberating on issues publicly is not a compulsory ingredient for democracy. For instance, during the nineteenth century, there was no democracy in the British government although public issues could be discussed broadly (Gordon para.5).

Plato presents a couple of arguments against democracy. First, Plato describes democracies as societies that are anarchic. He believes that societies that are democratic are marked with anarchy. For example, his attack describes governments that are democratic for being libertarian in such a manner every citizen can carry out their life issues in a way that appeals to them.

In this way, he asserts that people mistake anarchy for freedom. Plato criticizes democratic societies again by asserting that since they are characterized with anarchy, they are devoid of unity. They are not united on two fronts. First, due to the lack of political structure and are not politically organized. Second, democratic societies do not have a leadership structure since everyone can speak on political issues.

Second, Plato argues that democratic societies are likely to adhere to what their citizens want hence lacking any concern for the good of all. If anarchy is what features in democracies, then every individual has the freedom to choose what will ultimately benefit him or her. These choices may clash and encourage people to value their own needs rather those of others as well.

This is a clear pursuit of personal desires which may encourage loss of the common good. Since citizens have no idea of what ruling is, it happens that they pursue their passions and not the reason because reason cannot be applied in such pursuits. Any leaders that are elected through democracy are therefore servants who are out to satisfy the individual desires and appetites of the citizens.

Plato further argues that citizens who are guided by democracy are likened to individuals who grope in darkness since they do not have what it takes to execute governance (Kofmel 20). Moreover, Plato lists two more difficulties. First, numerous individuals falsely believe that they have adequate political proficiency that can qualify them to take part in political issues.

Citizens are not bothered by the fact that on account of their political standing, they are entitled to an equal political voice with each other. Second, when people get involved in a philosophical investigation with each other, they are more concerned with winning arguments instead of the following truth.

Therefore, even though citizens may be endowed with enough political expertise, it may be concluded that they will not be able to manage it effectively (Kofmel 21). The best remedy to this problem is to limit popular involvement in politics and allowing those who have sufficient political know-how in matters of governance to take the lead in the political decision-making process. Such are the people who can guide the citizens into achieving their common good.

Democracy is a term that is perceived differently by different people. Arguments put forth in favor of it are that it encourages fair allocation of resources, sound decision making especially by the powerless and allows for transparency and justice through deliberation.

Arguments against democracy are that it is not the best option for decision making, it encourages anarchy and hence lack of unity and that democracy encourages people who do not have sufficient political expertise to be involved in decision making. This results in a lack of common good.

Dahl, Robert. The Democracy Sourcebook. NY: MIT Press, 2003. June 19, 2011.

Gordon, David. What’s the Argument for Democracy? LeRockwell.com, 1992. June 19, 2011.

Kofmel, Erich. Anti-Democratic Thought. Exeter, UK: Imprint Academic, 2008. June 19, 2011.

Sosa, Ernest & Villanueva, Enrique. Social, Political and Legal Philosophy, Volume 1. Malden, USA: Blackwell Publishers, 2001. June 19, 2011.

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Essay on Democracy

Democracy, a word that echoes with the essence of freedom and collective empowerment, is a form of government that places the reins of power in the hands of the people. For young minds eager to understand the world around them, exploring the concept of democracy unveils a fascinating journey into the heart of governance and civic responsibility.

At its core, democracy is not just a political system; it's a philosophy that believes in the equal participation of every individual in decision-making. Imagine a society where everyone has a say in the rules that govern them—a place where the voice of a child is as important as that of an adult. This is the spirit of democracy, a system that values equality, liberty, and the idea that each person's opinion holds significance.

One of the key principles of democracy is the notion of 'one person, one vote.' This means that, regardless of social status, wealth, or background, each citizen has an equal right to cast their vote during elections. This equalizing force ensures that no single group or individual dominates the decision-making process. It is the very foundation upon which the democratic structure stands tall.

Democracy isn't just a modern concept; its roots can be traced back to ancient Greece. The word itself finds its origin in Greek, where "demos" means "people," and "kratos" means "rule" or "power." The Greeks, recognizing the importance of collective governance, laid the groundwork for a system that would evolve over centuries.

In a democratic society, citizens are not mere spectators but active participants. They engage in discussions, express their opinions, and play a pivotal role in shaping the laws and policies that govern the community. This engagement fosters a sense of responsibility and belonging among citizens, as they become co-creators of the society they inhabit.

Democracy is not without its challenges. It requires a commitment from every member of society to understand the issues at hand, make informed decisions, and respect diverse perspectives. It demands tolerance and a willingness to listen, recognizing that a healthy democracy thrives on the diversity of ideas.

As we explore the various forms of democracy around the world, it becomes evident that while the core principles remain constant, the implementation may vary. Some countries embrace direct democracy, where citizens directly vote on laws, while others opt for representative democracy, entrusting elected representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

In the global tapestry of nations, democracies come in different shapes and sizes, each adapting to the unique needs and circumstances of its people. This adaptability is a strength, allowing democracy to flourish in diverse cultures and contexts.

For the young minds eager to comprehend the world they inhabit, democracy serves as a beacon of hope. It teaches valuable lessons about equality, justice, and the power of collective action. As we embark on this exploration of democracy, let us unravel its layers, appreciate its significance, and envision a future where the voices of the next generation contribute to the ever-evolving narrative of governance and freedom.

Why is the Essay on Democracy important for your exams? 

An essay on democracy holds paramount importance in academic examinations for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it assesses the students' understanding of fundamental political concepts and systems, fostering a comprehensive grasp of the subject matter. Democracy, being a cornerstone of political science, demands a nuanced understanding of its principles, historical context, and contemporary relevance.

Examinations aim to evaluate students not just on their ability to memorize information but also on their capacity to analyze, synthesize, and articulate thoughts effectively. Crafting an essay on democracy requires students to delve into the intricacies of governance, political philosophy, and societal dynamics. It prompts them to think critically, connect ideas, and present a coherent argument—a skill set crucial for academic success and beyond.

Furthermore, an essay on democracy serves as a platform for students to develop their communication skills. Articulating complex ideas in a clear and structured manner is an invaluable skill that transcends the boundaries of academia. The ability to express thoughts eloquently is a transferable skill applicable in various aspects of life, including future academic pursuits, professional endeavors, and civic engagement.

Examinations often aim to gauge a student's capacity to engage with diverse perspectives. Writing on democracy necessitates an exploration of contrasting ideologies, historical contexts, and global variations in democratic practices. This exposure equips students with a broader worldview and cultivates open-mindedness—an essential quality for informed citizenship and intellectual growth.

Moreover, an essay on democracy encourages research and the assimilation of information from diverse sources. This process of inquiry not only enhances the depth of knowledge but also nurtures research skills, teaching students to discern reliable information from various mediums—a skill vital in the age of abundant information and misinformation.

In essence, an essay on democracy is a multifaceted assessment tool. It gauges a student's knowledge, critical thinking abilities, communication skills, and capacity to navigate a complex and interconnected world. As education evolves to prepare students for a dynamic future, the importance of such essays extends beyond examinations, molding individuals into analytical thinkers, effective communicators, and responsible citizens poised to contribute meaningfully to society.

Long and Short Essay on Democracy in India in English

Here in this web page we have provided long and short essays on Democracy in India in English to help you with the topic in your exams/school assignments. Students can select any Democracy in India essay as per your need:

Essay on Democracy (100 words)

Democracy is a form of government where people have the power. In a democracy, citizens vote to choose their leaders and make decisions. It ensures everyone's voice is heard. Citizens have rights and freedoms. In a democratic country, leaders are elected, not appointed. It promotes equality and protects individual rights. People can express their opinions freely. Democracy encourages participation and cooperation. It's essential for a fair and just society. Every person's vote matters, making democracy a system that values the collective will of the people.

Essay on Democracy (200 words)

Democracy is a form of government where people have the power to make decisions. In a democracy, citizens choose their leaders through elections. It ensures that everyone's voice is heard, and decisions are made for the benefit of the majority.

One key feature of democracy is equality. All citizens, regardless of their background, have the right to participate and vote. This creates a sense of fairness and unity among people. Democracy promotes freedom of speech, allowing individuals to express their opinions without fear.

In a democratic system, leaders are accountable to the people. If citizens are unhappy with their leaders, they can vote for change in the next election. This keeps leaders focused on the needs of the people.

Democracy fosters a culture of cooperation and compromise. Different opinions are considered, and decisions are reached through discussion and negotiation. This helps in finding solutions that work for everyone.

In conclusion, democracy is a system that values equality, freedom, and accountability. It empowers citizens to actively participate in shaping their society, making it a crucial and beneficial form of government.

Essay on Democracy (250 words) 

Democracy is a system of government where the power to make decisions lies with the people. It is a fundamental concept that emphasizes equality, freedom, and participation. In a democratic country, citizens have the right to choose their leaders through periodic elections.

One essential aspect of democracy is the principle of equality. Every citizen, regardless of their background, has an equal say in the decision-making process. This inclusivity promotes a sense of unity and fairness among the people.

Freedom of expression is another cornerstone of democracy. Citizens have the right to voice their opinions, criticize the government, and engage in open discussions without fear of reprisal. This encourages a diverse range of ideas and perspectives, contributing to a vibrant and dynamic society.

Democracy ensures accountability by holding leaders responsible for their actions. Through regular elections, citizens have the power to change their government if they are dissatisfied with its performance. This accountability keeps leaders focused on serving the interests of the people.

Moreover, democracy fosters a culture of cooperation and compromise. In a diverse society, different opinions and beliefs exist, and democracy provides a framework for resolving conflicts through dialogue and negotiation. This collaborative approach helps in achieving decisions that consider various viewpoints.

In conclusion, democracy is a system that values the principles of equality, freedom, accountability, and cooperation. It empowers citizens to actively participate in the governance of their country, making it a crucial and enriching form of government for the well-being of society.

Essay on Democracy (300 words)

Democracy is a form of government that empowers citizens to participate in decision-making processes. Rooted in the principles of equality, freedom, and representation, it stands as a crucial pillar in the governance of a nation. In a democratic system, people have the right to elect their leaders through periodic elections.

The foundation of democracy lies in the principle of equality. Every citizen, regardless of their social, economic, or cultural background, holds an equal voice in shaping the destiny of the nation. This inclusivity ensures that diverse perspectives contribute to the decision-making process, fostering a sense of unity and fairness.

Freedom of expression is a fundamental right within a democratic society. Citizens are free to voice their opinions, criticize the government, and engage in open debates without fear of persecution. This freedom not only safeguards individual liberties but also nurtures a society where a variety of ideas and viewpoints coexist.

Accountability is a key feature of democracy. Elected leaders are accountable to the people who have entrusted them with power. Regular elections provide an opportunity for citizens to evaluate the performance of their leaders and make informed choices. This accountability mechanism ensures that leaders remain focused on serving the interests of the public.

Democracy also encourages a culture of cooperation and compromise. In a diverse society with varying beliefs and opinions, democratic processes provide a platform for dialogue and negotiation. Through constructive discussions, conflicting ideas can be reconciled, leading to decisions that reflect the collective will of the people.

In conclusion, democracy stands as a system that upholds principles of equality, freedom, accountability, and cooperation. By actively engaging citizens in governance, it creates a foundation for a just and inclusive society, where the diverse voices of the people contribute to the progress and well-being of the nation.

Essay on Democracy (400 words)

Democracy, derived from the Greek words "demos" (people) and "kratos" (rule), is a form of government where the power to make decisions is vested in the hands of the people. This system, embodying principles of equality, freedom, and representation, serves as a cornerstone in shaping the governance of nations.

One of the fundamental tenets of democracy is equality. In a democratic society, all citizens, regardless of their background, wealth, or social status, possess an equal right to participate in the decision-making process. This inclusivity ensures that the diverse voices of the population contribute to the formation of policies, fostering a sense of unity and fairness.

Freedom of expression is another crucial aspect of democracy. Citizens have the right to voice their opinions, express dissent, and engage in open discourse without fear of reprisal. This freedom not only safeguards individual liberties but also enriches the public discourse by encouraging a multitude of perspectives and ideas.

Accountability is integral to the democratic system. Elected representatives are accountable to the people who entrust them with power. Regular elections provide a mechanism for citizens to evaluate the performance of their leaders and make informed choices. This ensures that leaders remain focused on serving the interests of the public rather than pursuing self-interest.

Democracy also promotes the rule of law, ensuring that everyone, including those in power, is subject to the same legal principles. This safeguards individual rights and prevents the arbitrary exercise of authority. The concept of rule of law reinforces the idea that no one is above the law and that justice is impartial.

A distinctive feature of democracy is the protection of minority rights. While majority rule is a fundamental aspect, democracy recognizes the importance of safeguarding the rights of minority groups. This prevents the tyranny of the majority, ensuring that the rights and interests of minority communities are not overlooked or suppressed.

Furthermore, democracy fosters a culture of cooperation and compromise. In a diverse society, conflicting opinions and interests are inevitable. Democratic processes provide a structured framework for resolving differences through dialogue and negotiation. This collaborative approach leads to decisions that accommodate various viewpoints, contributing to social cohesion.

In conclusion, democracy serves as a system that upholds principles of equality, freedom, accountability, rule of law, protection of minority rights, and cooperation. By actively involving citizens in the decision-making process, democracy establishes a foundation for a just and inclusive society, where the collective wisdom of the people shapes the path of the nation's progress and well-being.

Essay on Democracy (500 words)

Democracy, originating from the Greek words "demos" (people) and "kratos" (rule), is a profound and influential system of governance that places the power to make decisions in the hands of the people. It embodies key principles such as equality, freedom, representation, and accountability, playing a pivotal role in shaping the governance of nations across the globe.

Central to the concept of democracy is the principle of equality. In a democratic society, every citizen, irrespective of their socioeconomic background, ethnicity, or gender, possesses an equal right to participate in the decision-making process. This inclusivity is foundational, ensuring that diverse perspectives contribute to policy formation and fostering a sense of unity and fairness among the populace.

Freedom of expression is another cornerstone of democracy. Citizens are granted the right to voice their opinions, criticize the government, and engage in open discourse without fear of persecution. This freedom not only protects individual liberties but also enriches public discourse by encouraging the exchange of diverse perspectives and ideas. The free flow of ideas is essential for the intellectual and social progress of a democratic society.

Accountability is a defining characteristic of democracy. Elected representatives are accountable to the people who entrust them with power. Regular elections provide a mechanism for citizens to evaluate the performance of their leaders and make informed choices about the direction of their governance. This accountability mechanism ensures that leaders remain focused on serving the interests of the public rather than pursuing self-interest.

Democracy promotes the rule of law, emphasizing that everyone, including those in positions of power, is subject to the same legal principles. This safeguards individual rights, prevents the arbitrary exercise of authority, and reinforces the idea that no one is above the law. The rule of law is a fundamental pillar that ensures justice, fairness, and the protection of individual liberties.

A distinctive aspect of democracy is the protection of minority rights. While majority rule is essential, democracy recognizes the importance of safeguarding the rights of minority groups. This prevents the tyranny of the majority, ensuring that the rights and interests of minority communities are not overlooked or suppressed. It reflects a commitment to inclusivity and the protection of the rights of all citizens.

Furthermore, democracy fosters a culture of cooperation and compromise. In a society marked by diverse opinions and interests, democratic processes provide a structured framework for resolving differences through dialogue and negotiation. This collaborative approach leads to decisions that accommodate various viewpoints, contributing to social cohesion and the overall stability of the nation.

In conclusion, democracy stands as a robust and inclusive system of governance, upholding principles of equality, freedom, accountability, rule of law, protection of minority rights, and cooperation. By actively involving citizens in the decision-making process, democracy establishes a foundation for a just and inclusive society, where the collective wisdom of the people shapes the path of the nation's progress and well-being.

FAQs on Democracy Essay for Students in English

Question1: What are the Features of Democracy?

Answer: Features of Democracy are as follows Equality: Democracy provides equal rights to everyone, regardless of their gender, caste, color, religion or creed. Another is Individual Freedom: Everybody has the right to do anything they want until it does not affect another person’s liberty. In a democracy, things are decided by the majority rule, if the majority agrees to anything, it will be done.Free Election: Everyone has the right to vote or to become a candidate to fight any elections.

Question 2. What are the Benefits of Democracy?

Answer : Let's discuss some of the benefits received by the use of democracy to form a government. Benefits of democracy are following: It is more accountableImproves the quality of decision as the decision is taken after a long time of discussion and consultation. It provides a better method to deal with differences and conflicts issues. Democracy safeguards the fundamental rights of people and brings a sense of equality and freedom. 

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What Is Democracy? Definition and Examples

• B.S., Texas A&M University

A democracy is a form of government that empowers the people to exercise political control, limits the power of the head of state, provides for the separation of powers between governmental entities, and ensures the protection of natural rights and civil liberties . In practice, democracy takes many different forms. Along with the two most common types of democracies—direct and representative—variants such as participatory, liberal, parliamentary, pluralist, constitutional, and socialist democracies are in use today.

Key Takeaways: Democracy

• Democracy, literally meaning “rule by the people,” empowers individuals to exercise political control over the form and functions of their government.
• While democracies come in several forms, they all feature competitive elections, freedom of expression , and protection of individual civil liberties and human rights.
• In most democracies, elected lawmakers charged with writing and voting on laws and setting policy represent the needs and wishes of the people.
• When creating laws and policies, the elected representatives in a democracy strive to balance conflicting demands and obligations to maximize freedom and protect individual rights.

Despite the prominence in the headlines of non-democratic, authoritarian states like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, democracy remains the world’s most commonly practiced form of government. In 2018, for example, a total of 96 out of 167 countries (57%) with populations of at least 500,000 were democracies of some type. Statistics show that the percentage of democracies among the world’s governments has been increasing since the mid-1970s, currently standing just short of its post- World War II high of 58% in 2016.

Democracy Definition

Meaning “rule by the people,” democracy is a system of government that not only allows but requires the participation of the people in the political process to function properly. U.S. President Abraham Lincoln , in his famed 1863 Gettysburg Address may have best defined democracy as a “…government of the people, by the people, for the people…”

Semantically, the term democracy comes from the Greek words for “people” (dēmos) and “rule” (karatos). However, achieving and preserving a government by the people—a “popular” government—is far more complicated than the concept’s semantic simplicity might imply. In creating the legal framework under which the democracy will function, typically a constitution, several crucial political and practical questions must be answered.

Is “rule by the people” even appropriate for the given state? Do the inherent freedoms of a democracy justify dealing with its complex bureaucracy and electoral processes, or would the streamlined predictability of a monarchy , for example, be preferable?

Assuming a preference for democracy, which residents of the country, state, or town should enjoy the political status of full citizenship? Simply stated, who are the “people” in the “government by the people” equation? In the United States, for example, the constitutionally established doctrine of birthright citizenship provides that any person born on U.S. soil automatically becomes a U.S. citizen. Other democracies are more restrictive in bestowing full citizenship.

Which people within the democracy should be empowered to participate in it? Assuming that only adults are allowed to fully participate in the political process, should all adults be included? For example, until the enactment of the 19th Amendment in 1920, women in the United States were not allowed to vote in national elections. A democracy that excludes too many of the governed from taking part in what is supposed to be their government runs the risk of becoming an aristocracy—government by a small, privileged ruling class—or an oligarchy —government by an elite, typically wealthy, few.

If, as one of the foundational principles of democracy holds, the majority rules, what will a “proper” majority be? A majority of all citizens or a majority of citizens who vote only? When issues, as they inevitably will, divide the people, should the wishes of the majority always prevail, or should, as in the case of the American Civil Rights Movement , minorities be empowered to overcome majority rule? Most importantly, what legal or legislative mechanisms should be created to prevent the democracy from becoming a victim of what one of America’s Founding Fathers , James Madison , called “the tyranny of the majority?”

Finally, how likely is it that a majority of the people will continue to believe that democracy is the best form of government for them? For a democracy to survive it must retain the substantial support of both the people and the leaders they choose. History has shown that democracy is a particularly fragile institution. In fact, of the 120 new democracies that have emerged around the world since 1960, nearly half have resulted in failed states or have been replaced by other, typically more authoritarian forms of government. It is therefore essential that democracies be designed to respond quickly and appropriately to the internal and external factors that will inevitably threaten them.

Democratic Principles

While their opinions vary, most political scientists agree that the majority of democracies are based on six foundational elements:

• Popular sovereignty: The principle that the government is created and maintained by the consent of the people through their elected representatives.
• An Electoral System: Since according to the principle of popular sovereignty, the people are the source of all political power, a clearly defined system of conducting free and fair elections is essential.
• Public Participation: Democracies rarely survive without the active participation of the people. Healthy democracies enable and encourage people to take part in their political and civic processes. 
• Separation of Powers: Based on a suspicion of power concentrated in a single individual—like a king—or group, the constitutions of most democracies provide that political powers be separated and shared among the various governmental entities.
• Human Rights: Along with their constitutionally enumerated rights and freedoms, democracies protect the human rights of all citizens. In this context, human rights are those rights considered inherent to all human beings, regardless of nationality, sex, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, language, or any other considerations.
• A Rule of Law: Also called due process of law , the rule of law is the principle that all citizens are accountable to laws that are publicly created and equitably enforced in a manner consistent with human rights by an independent judicial system.

Types of Democracy

Throughout history, more types of democracy have been identified than there are countries in the world. According to social and political philosopher Jean-Paul Gagnon, more than 2,234 adjectives have been used to describe democracy. While many scholars refer to direct and representative as the most common of these, several other types of democracies can be found around the world today. While direct democracy is unique, most other recognized types of democracy are variants of representative democracy. These various types of democracy are generally descriptive of the particular values emphasized by the representative democracies that employ them.

Originating in Ancient Greece during the 5th century BC, direct democracy , sometimes called “pure democracy,” is considered the oldest non-authoritarian form of government. In a direct democracy, all laws and public policy decisions are made directly by a majority vote of the people, rather than by the votes of their elected representatives.

Functionally possible only in small states, Switzerland is the only example of a direct democracy applied on a national level today. While Switzerland is no longer a true direct democracy, any law passed by the popularly elected national parliament can be vetoed by a direct vote of the public. Citizens can also change the constitution through direct votes on amendments. In the United States, examples of direct democracy can be found in state-level recall elections and lawmaking ballot initiatives .

Representative

Also called indirect democracy, representative democracy is a system of government in which all eligible citizens elect officials to pass laws and formulate public policy on their behalf. These elected officials are expected to represent the needs and viewpoints of the people in deciding the best course of action for the nation, state, or other jurisdiction as a whole.

As the most commonly found type of democracy in use today, almost 60% of all countries employ some form of representative democracy including the United States, the United Kingdom, and France.

Participatory

In a participatory democracy, the people vote directly on policy while their elected representatives are responsible for implementing those policies. Participatory democracies rely on the citizens to set the direction of the state and the operation of its political systems. While representative and participatory democracies share similar ideals, participatory democracies tend to encourage a higher, more direct form of citizen participation than traditional representative democracies.

While there are no countries specifically classified as participatory democracies, most representative democracies employ citizen participation as a tool for social and political reform. In the United States, for example, so-called “grassroots” citizen participation causes such as the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s have led elected officials to enact laws implementing sweeping social, legal, and political policy changes.

Liberal democracy is loosely defined as a form of representative democracy that emphasizes the principles of classical liberalism —an ideology advocating the protection of individual civil liberties and economic freedom by limiting the power of the government. Liberal democracies employ a constitution, either statutorily codified, as in the United States, or uncodified, as in the United Kingdom, to define the powers of the government, provide for a separation of those powers, and enshrine the social contract .

Liberal democracies may take the form of a constitutional republic , like the United States, or a constitutional monarchy , such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

Parliamentary

In a parliamentary democracy, the people directly elect representatives to a legislative parliament . Similar to the U.S. Congress , the parliament directly represents the people in making necessary laws and policy decisions for the country.

In parliamentary democracies, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan, the head of government is a prime minister, who is first elected to parliament by the people, and then elected prime minister by a vote of the parliament. However, the prime minister remains a member of the parliament and thus plays an active role in the legislative process of creating and passing laws. Parliamentary democracies are typically a feature of a constitutional monarch, a system of government in which the head of state is a queen or king whose power is limited by a constitution.

In a pluralist democracy, no single group dominates politics. Instead, organized groups within the people compete to influence public policy. In political science, the term pluralism expresses the ideology that influence should be spread among different interest groups, rather than held by a single elite group as in an aristocracy. Compared to participatory democracies, in which individuals take part in influencing political decisions, in a pluralist democracy, individuals work through groups formed around common causes hoping to win the support of elected leaders.

In this context, the pluralist democracy assumes that the government and the society as a whole benefit from a diversity of viewpoints. Examples of pluralist democracy can be seen in the impact special interest groups, such as the National Organization for Women , have had on American politics.

Constitutional

While the exact definition continues to be debated by political scientists, constitutional democracy is generally defined as a system of government based on popular sovereignty and a rule of law in which the structures, powers, and limits of government are established by a constitution. Constitutions are intended to restrict the power of the government, typically by separating those powers between the various branches of government, as in the United States constitution’s system of federalism . In a constitutional democracy, the constitution is considered to be the “ supreme law of the land .”

Democratic socialism is broadly defined as a system of government based on a socialist economy , in which most property and means of production are collectively, rather than individually, controlled by a constitutionally established political hierarchy—the government. Social democracy embraces government regulation of business and industry as a means of furthering economic growth while preventing income inequality .

While there are no purely socialist governments in the world today, elements of democratic socialism can be seen in Sweden’s provision of free universal health care, education, and sweeping social welfare programs. 

Is America a Democracy

While the word “democracy” does not appear in the United States Constitution, the document provides the basic elements of representative democracy: an electoral system based on majority rule, separation of powers, and dependence on a rule of law. Also, America’s Founding Fathers used the word often when debating the form and function of the Constitution.  

However, a long-running debate over whether the United States is a democracy or a republic continues today. According to a growing number of political scientists and constitutional scholars, it is both—a “democratic republic.”

Similar to democracy, a republic is a form of government in which the country is governed by the elected representatives of the people. However, since the people do not govern the state themselves, but do so through their representatives, a republic is distinguished from direct democracy.

Professor Eugene Volokh of the UCLA School of Law argues that the governments of democratic republics embrace the principles shared by both republics and democracies. To illustrate his point, Volokh notes that in the United States, many decisions on local and state levels are made by the people through the process of direct democracy, while as in a republic, most decisions at the national level are made by democratically elected representatives.

Brief History

Archeological evidence suggests that disorganized practices at least resembling democracy existed in some parts of the world during prehistoric times, However, the concept of democracy as a form of populist civic engagement emerged during the 5th century BCE in the form of the political system used in some of the city-states of Ancient Greece, most notably Athens . At that time, and for the next several centuries, tribes or city-states remained small enough that if democracy was practiced at all, it took the form of direct democracy. As city-states grew into larger, more heavily populated sovereign nation-states or countries, direct democracy became unwieldy and slowly gave way to representative democracy. This massive change necessitated an entirely new set of political institutions such as legislatures, parliaments, and political parties all designed according to the size and cultural character of the city or country to be governed.

Until the 17th century, most legislatures consisted only of the entire body of citizens, as in Greece, or representatives selected from among a tiny oligarchy or an elite hereditary aristocracy. This began to change during the English Civil Wars from 1642 to 1651 when members of the radical Puritan reformation movement demanded expanded representation in Parliament and the universal right to vote for all male citizens. By the middle 1700s, as the power of the British Parliament grew, the first political parties—the Whigs and Tories—emerged. It soon became obvious that laws could not be passed or taxes levied without the support of the Whig or Tory party representatives in Parliament.

While the developments in the British Parliament showed the feasibility of a representative form of government, the first truly representative democracies emerged during the 1780s in the British colonies of North America and took its modern form with the formal adoption of the Constitution of the United States of America on March 4, 1789.

Sources and Further Reference

• Desilver, Drew. “Despite global concerns about democracy, more than half of countries are democratic.” Pew Research Center , May 14, 2019, https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/05/14/more-than-half-of-countries-are-democratic/.
• Kapstein, Ethan B., and Converse, Nathan. “The Fate of Young Democracies.” Cambridge University Press, 2008, ISBN 9780511817809.
• Diamond, Larry. “Democracy in Decline?” Johns Hopkins University Press, October 1, 2015, ISBN-10 1421418185.
• Gagnon, Jean-Paul. “2,234 Descriptions of Democracy: An Update to Democracy's Ontological Pluralism.” Democratic Theory, vol. 5, no. 1, 2018.
• Volokh, Eugene. “Is the United States of America a republic or a democracy?” The Washington Post , May 13, 2015, https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/05/13/is-the-united-states-of-america-a-republic-or-a-democracy/. 
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Can Democracy Prevail? Upcoming Elections Could Provide a Clue.

Experts at the Democracy Forum in Athens this week will explore the global challenges to democracy and attempt to weigh how endangered it really is.

By Steven Erlanger

Steven Erlanger is chief diplomatic correspondent, Europe, based in Berlin, and has written about the travails of democracy for many years.

This article is from a special report on the Athens Democracy Forum in association with The New York Times.

Elections are being held this year in as many as 60 countries , including seven of the world’s 10 most populous. They will test the ability of democracies to defend their values, especially with the increasing influence of extremist and populist parties and the politicians who lead them.

But as democracy tries to defend itself, it faces the challenge of doing so while adhering to its own values. Prime among them must be its central tenet: the right of every citizen to vote and to have a voice. The rise of the far right would suggest that liberal democrats should be careful not to patronize those who disagree with them, analysts say, let alone consider them, in Hillary Clinton’s exasperated words eight years ago, a “basket of deplorables.”

There are numerous reasons for more widespread disaffection with liberal democracy and its performance, analysts say, many of them stemming from slow economic growth, unemployment from automation and globalization, and anxieties over migration and ethnicity — all of which challenge traditional ideas of identity and national character.

It is often stoked by politicians making false claims and playing off popular prejudices.

Prime among the major threats to democracy now, the analysts suggest, is “democratic backsliding” — the tendency for existing democracies to slip backward toward more authoritarianism. Leaders often elected in the name of reform can use existing powers to weaken democratic institutions and checks and balances, including the independence of the judiciary and of the media, to try to preserve power for themselves and their parties in future elections, which may be less free and fair.

Examples, the analysts say, can be found in Hungary, Slovakia, Turkey, Mexico, the United States and India, too — established democracies that have already slid backward or are veering in that direction, in what is sometimes called “democratic deconsolidation.”

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