Democracy is a word that is derived from the Greek words “demos” and “kratos”. Demos means people while kratos mean power or rule. This concept signifies a system of governance where power is vested to the people. The main principles of this concept are political equality, majority rule, as well as the protection of minority rights. In a democracy, citizens exercise their power directly or through elected representatives. This system ensure that the government will perform its functions according to the will of the people
It is such type of government in which the people have the power to participate in decision making process. In this type of government citizens vote in elections and choose their representatives. So these elected representatives make influence in legislature. Here everyone has equal rights and a say in governmental affairs. People have freedom of speech and can share their ideas. In short the basic aim of democracy is to create a society where everyone attains equal rights without any discrimination
Definition of Democracy
- The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy defines democracy as “a method of group decision making characterized by a kind of equality among the participants at an essential stage of the collective decision making” .
(Christiano, T. (2018). “Democracy.” In The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved from Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.)
2. The Encyclopaedia Britannica describes democracy as “literally, rule by the people. The term is derived from the Greek dēmokratiā, 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”
(“Democracy.” (n.d.). In Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved from Encyclopaedia Britannica)
Abrahm lincoln democracy
Abraham Lincoln concept of democracy is very much important in shaping democracy in the United States. Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President. He led the American nation through the Civil War. His leadership work for preserving the Union and ending slavery .Lincoln has firm believe in the principles of democracy, Specially the idea of government of the people, by the people, and for the people, as he famously stated in his Gettysburg Address. He illustrated the idea that all men are created equally and have equal opportunities according to the law.
During his presidency, Lincoln faced lot of challenges to democracy .Lincoln advocated for the passage of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States. Through his dedication to democratic ideals, Lincoln helped to strengthen and expand this concept in the United States. His legacy is still alive today as a symbol of courage, integrity, and the enduring power of democracy.
Features of Democracy:
- Popular Sovereignty: The authority of the government is maintained by the will of its people and through their elected representatives.
- Political Equality: All citizens have equal rights and opportunities to participate in the decision making process.
- Political Freedom: Citizens have freedom to express their opinions, make political association as well.
- Rule of Law: In democracy laws apply equally to all individuals.
- Participation: Citizens can participate equally in the political process.
- Accountability: Government officials are accountable to the people.
- Majority Rule and Minority Rights: In democracy decisions are made based on majority. But the rights of minority groups are also protected.
- Free and Fair Elections: Elections are conducted in an open and transparent Actually election allowing citizens to choose their representatives.
- Protection of Human Rights: Democracy insures fundamental human rights such as freedoms of speech, assembly etc.
- Tolerance: In democratic process a diversity of opinions, beliefs, and cultural practices is encouraged within a democratic setup.
Historic development
Ancient Greece (5th century BCE):
The concept of democracy began in Athens, where citizens could participate directly in decision-making processes. The Ekklesia and the Boule were key institutions in Athenian democracy.
Roman Republic (509-27 BCE):
In Rome representative democracy system was introduced where citizens elected their officials to represent their interests. But this system was suffered in class distinctions illness and was not a fully democracy in nature.
Medieval and Early Modern Periods
Magna Carta (1215): In England, the Magna Carta laid down the foundations that minimize the powers of the king and strengthen the roots of parliamentary democracy.
Contributions of various scholars (14th-18th centuries): Some renewed thinkers like John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Montesquieu introduced various ideas about individual rights, the social contract, and the theory of separation of powers. These theories paved a way towards democratic thought.
Modern Democracies
American Revolution (1775-1783): When United States got independence from Britain and, in 1787 then established a constitution. That constitution consist on principles of democracy, Individual rights, checks and balances etc.
French Revolution (1789-1799): During the French Revolution some democratic principles emerged rapidly such as liberty, equality, and fraternity. So these concepts got a world wide inspiration.
19th Century: The 19th century is a great phase in which democratic principles arise. As a result many countries gradually adopting democratic constitutions. At that time British also reformed its parliamentary system, and many Latin American countries got their independence.
20th Century to Present
Post-World War II: After World War II, there is an end of colonialism. Many colonies got independence and established democratic governments. In the meanwhile United Nation also encouraged democratic governance and protection of human rights as well.
Cold War Era (1947-1991): The ideological battle between the democratic West and the communist East changes the shape global politics. Many countries reject the authoritarian regimes.
Late 20th and Early 21st Centuries: After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 democratic norms and values spread in Eastern Europe. Infect technological advancements and globalization have influenced on countries.
International day of democracy
At the global level the International Day of Democracy is observed on September 15 each year. This day was announced by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007 to promote and strengthen the principles of democracy. It provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world and to highlight the importance of democratic processes and values.
The theme for the International day encouraged the role of young people in development of society. This day also promote democratic principles such as participation, Fairness, transparency, and accountability etc. Actually The International Day of Democracy is a reminder that the societies need ongoing effort required to strengthen democratic institutions worldwide.
Democracy examples
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United States
The United States is a Federal Republic in nature. United States have a representative democracy which works on the separation of powers. Citizens elect representatives at local, state, as well as federal levels. The President is the head of state and government. President is elected for four years. The system based on checks and balances among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
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United Kingdom
United Kingdom has a combination of Constitutional Monarchy as well as Parliamentary Democracy. Actually the king has a symbolic role while the actual political power is exercised by elected officials. The Prime Minister serve as the head of government, is appointed from the House of Commons. Elections are held at least every five years.
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Germany
Germany’s political system is a federal republic and a parliamentary democracy. The Chancellor, elected by the Bundestag (federal parliament), serves as the head of government. Germany also has a symbolic President and is elected by a special Federal Convention.
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India
India is the world’s largest democracy and claimed to be Federal Republic. It has a parliamentary system with a President as the ceremonial head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government. Citizens elect to the Lok Sabha every five years, while members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by state legislatures.
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Switzerland
Switzerland is unique for its system of direct democracy. Citizens have power to influence legislation through referendums. It also has a unique federal structure with a Federal Council of seven members serve as the collective head of state and government.
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Australia
Australia is a combination of a parliamentary system and a constitutional monarchy. The monarch of the United Kingdom serves as the symbolic head of state. The Prime Minister is the head of government and is elected from the parliament.
- Japan
Japan has governed with Constitutional Monarchy and a Parliamentary Government. The Prime Minister is elected by the National Diet. The Diet consists of two houses: The House of Representatives and the House of Councilors through regular elections.
Conclusion
After the whole discussion about this concept of include fair elections, the rule of law, separation of powers, and protection of fundamental rights. We may assume that. Democracy is not only a concept but it is a comprehensive political system which based on societal ideal participation, dialogue, and respect for diverse opinions. It aims to create a fair and just society where individuals have the opportunity to influence decisions that affect their lives. It also ensuring that governance is inclusive, transparent, and responsible so that it fulfill to the needs of all citizens.
