What Is Democracy?

concept of popular power

According to Anthony Arblaster (1994), it refers to a situation
where power and authority ultimately rest with the people.
A democratic government is contrasted with an authoritarian
one where decisions are imposed on the people and exercised
without their Consent.
no one person’s opinion or interest is of more value than the
other
‘one person one vote’
against hierarchy or inherited

open society(space for all voices)

According to Robert dahi ‘power’ mean A has power over B to

the extent that he can get B to do. something that B would not
otherwise do'.
Suffrage is the revolt made for voting Rights irrespective of
gender, race, religion, social status, education level, wealth,
citizenship, ability and age.
New Zealand was the first country to grant women the right to
vote in the year 1893.
Aristotle and Rousseau also accepted the denial of women and
slaves participation in political affairs. Though plato talked abt
woman participation but only at one extent.
practice of democracy is unthinkable without rights because
without help of freedom expression and speech many may
become unheard and it doesn’t says to be a perfect democracy.
democracy was a means of individual development.

Problem: majority rule raises the problem of oppression of

minorities so Consensus is difficult to achieve.
Many argue that Democracy is costly and poor countries cant
afford it(Lee Thesis)(opposed by Amartya sen)
Direct Democracy
Meetings, on almost all major issues. In effect, people rule
themselves. This form of democracy is associated with the
classical Athenian model. In India, the gram Sabha is such an
institution of direct democracy as are a number of devices like
referendum, initiative and recall practised in contemporary
societies Participation as citizens collectively.
Practised first in Athens(Greece)(508 BC)(Cleisthenes)(No vote
Rights to women and children(below 20))
It is based on the idea of the equal moral worth of all individuals
and against the exclusion of anyone from the political process.
Indirect Democracy
Born(Contemporary to direct) in ancient Rome and they used to
call it as Republic mean Thing is within the control of people in
latin.
Rousseau, one of the famous European(Geneva) philosopher
who wrote social contract was a critic of rep(Liberal) democracy
and he said individuals are free only when they participate
directly, actively and continuously in shaping the life of the
community, especially in the making of laws. For him, law-
making was an exercise of sovereignty—which cannot be
transferred or represented by anyone else—and an expression of
the will of the people.
Liberal Democracy is A part Of Indirect Demo.
Liberalism
liberalism, political doctrine that takes protecting and enhancing
the freedom of the individual to be the central problem of
politics.
Hobbes and Locke are famous propounders.
liberal democracy is concerned with the protection of individual
rights and prevention of abuse of power
According to John Stuart mill ‘democracy is a system which
allows the development of an individual’s personality’. It
develops the intellectual talents of people and is the best
condition for liberty to flourish’. He believed that peoples active
participation in politics makes informed and intelligent debate
possible.
Preventing the abuse of power in representative democracy is
said to be protective democracy
Motto: Individuals are the units of society and society must
protect the rights of individuals.
Negative Liberty
Negative liberty is about freedom from external interference or
constraints. It emphasizes individual autonomy and limits on
state power. It defines freedom as the absence of external
coercion, and it primarily concerns non-interference in an
individual's choices.
It does have limitations, as critics argue that it doesn't address
issues related to socio-economic inequality or structural barriers
that can limit an individual's opportunities. It also does not
consider the quality of choices or actions made by individuals.
Positive Liberty
Positive liberty focuses on an individual's self-mastery and the
freedom to act. It goes beyond mere absence of interference,
emphasizing an individual's capacity to achieve self-realization
and make choices in accordance with their rational will. It may
involve a more active role for the state and considerations of
collective control for the common good. Critics argue it can be
prone to authoritarianism.
Limitations
May lead to authoritarianism(Positive democracy can
potentially lead to authoritarianism because it involves the idea
that a central authority, such as the state or an elite group,
should direct individuals toward what they consider to be
rational or common good goals)
Coercion and Force
Conceptual Development of democracy
The conceptual development of democracy has evolved over
centuries, shaped by various philosophical, historical, and
political influences. This development has led to different models
and interpretations of democracy, each reflecting the changing
understanding of the principles underlying democratic
governance. Here's an overview of the conceptual development
of democracy:
1. Ancient Roots: The concept of democracy has ancient roots,
with its earliest form traced back to ancient Athens in the 5th
century BCE. In Athens, democracy was a direct form of
government where eligible citizens participated in decision-
making and lawmaking. However, this form of democracy was
highly exclusive, as it excluded women, slaves, and non-citizens.
2. Representative Democracy: Over time, the conceptual
development of democracy shifted from direct to representative
democracy. This transition was influenced by practical challenges
in implementing direct democracy in larger societies.
Representative democracy, as seen in the Roman Republic,
featured elected officials who represented the interests of the
people.
3. Enlightenment Ideas: The Enlightenment period in the 17th
and 18th centuries played a pivotal role in shaping the modern
concept of democracy. Thinkers like John Locke, Jean-Jacques
Rousseau, and Montesquieu laid the philosophical groundwork
for democratic ideals. Locke's ideas on natural rights and the
social contract, Rousseau's concept of the general will, and
Montesquieu's theory of separation of powers all contributed to
democratic theory.
4. Democratic Revolutions: The late 18th and early 19th
centuries witnessed several democratic revolutions, notably the
American Revolution and the French Revolution. These events
advanced the idea of popular sovereignty, where the authority of
the government is derived from the consent of the governed.
The American Constitution, with its democratic principles,
became a model for many subsequent democracies.
5. Universal Suffrage: The 19th and 20th centuries saw the
gradual expansion of suffrage rights. Initially limited to property-
owning white males, suffrage expanded to include women, racial
minorities, and marginalized groups. Universal suffrage, where
all adult citizens have the right to vote, became a hallmark of
modern democracies.
6. Social and Economic Rights: The conceptual development of
democracy also expanded to include social and economic rights.
While democracy originally focused on political rights and
representation, the mid-20th century saw the recognition of the
importance of economic and social rights, such as access to
education, healthcare, and a minimum standard of living.
7. Contemporary Challenges: In contemporary times, the
concept of democracy faces new challenges. Issues such as the
role of money in politics, the impact of technology on elections
and information dissemination, and the rise of populism have
raised questions about the integrity and effectiveness of
democratic systems.
David held a British political scientist suggest for cosmopolitan
type of democracy for a structure and accountability for
international organisations(not a replacement for national
democracy but a addition to it)

Democracy in relation to Equality, Fraternity, Freedom

1. Equal Participation: Democracy, at its core, is about

ensuring equal participation of all citizens in the political
process. Regardless of their background, everyone has
the right to vote, run for office, and engage in political
activities. This principle of political equality ensures that
each citizen's voice is heard and that decisions are made
collectively
Addressing Inequalities: Democracy also recognizes
socioeconomic inequalities and aims to address them
through policies and programs. Elected representatives have
a responsibility to work toward reducing disparities in
income, education, and access to basic services, thus
promoting a more equitable society.

2. Collective Decision-Making: Democracy fosters a

sense of community and collective decision-making.
Citizens come together to discuss issues, deliberate on
policies, and make choices that benefit the entire society.
This collective action is an expression of fraternity, as it
demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of the
community as a whole.
Bridge Divides: Fraternity plays a crucial role in bridging
divides within society. In diverse democracies, citizens
with different backgrounds, beliefs, and interests need to
find common ground. The spirit of fraternity encourages
dialogue, cooperation, and compromise, enabling people
to work together despite their differences.
Social Responsibility: Beyond individual rights, democracy
emphasizes social responsibility. Citizens are encouraged to
contribute to the common good by participating in civic
activities, volunteering, and advocating for policies that
enhance the quality of life for all members of society.

3. Freedom from Tyranny: One of the foundational

aspects of democracy is the idea that it protects citizens
from the tyranny of authoritarian rule. In a democratic
society, leaders are accountable to the people through
regular elections, checks and balances, and the rule of
 law. This framework ensures that individuals are free
from the arbitrary exercise of power, fostering a sense of
security and protection.
Freedom of Choice: Democracy offers citizens the freedom
to make choices that have a direct impact on their lives.
Through elections, individuals have the freedom to choose
their representatives and leaders. Moreover, they have the
freedom to express their preferences on various policy
matters through referendums or public debates. This
empowerment through choice is a fundamental aspect of
democratic freedom.
Democracy, as a system of governance, not only safeguards
individual freedoms but also provides a framework for their
continuous evolution and expansion. It is a system that
balances freedom with responsibility, empowers
individuals to make choices, and protects them from the
abuse of power.
Democracy and its relation with human rights
What happens if a democratic decision violates a human
right maybe against a religious belief). Which one prevails?
Is the question gaining importance everyday as we live in a
heterogenic society with a variety of values and goals.
rights. Human rights are integrated in a national legal
system by becoming part of the fundamental rights.
 Ethics
System of moral principles. They affect how people make
decisions and lead their lives. The term is derived from the Greek
word ethos which can mean custom, habit, character or
disposition.
 how to live a good life
 our rights and responsibilities
 the language of right and wrong
 moral decisions - what is good and bad?
 Approaches to ethics

Classification of ethical theories

 Philosophers nowadays tend to divide ethical theories into
three areas: metaethics, normative ethics and applied ethics.
 Meta-ethics deals with the nature of moral judgement. It
looks at the origins and meaning of ethical principles.
 Normative ethics is concerned with the content of moral
judgements and the criteria for what is right or wrong.
 Applied ethics looks at controversial topics like war, animal
rights and capital punishment
Use of ethics and how it effect lives: They argue that if a
person realises that it would be morally good to do
something then it would be irrational for that person not to
do it(when a person knows what is ethical and what if not in
that situations )
How democracy related to ethics
Democracy has a deep-rooted historical relationship with
ethics. Its foundational principles have aimed to eliminate
differences among individuals and promote equal political
rights and recognition of citizenship. At the core of this
connection lies the belief in the equal moral worth of all
individuals.
Contemporary societies are characterized by cultural and
social diversity, where various communities, such as
immigrants, indigenous people, and racial minorities, coexist.
These communities often have different cultural
backgrounds and can be in relations of domination and
subordination with each other. Here, ethics comes into play
in determining how democracy should treat these groups,
ensuring their equal treatment, and respecting their cultural
diversity.
Democracy is also seen as a tool for recognizing and
challenging power structures and inequities in society. These
structures can significantly impact how individuals exercise
their political freedoms and influence collective decisions. As
such, their removal becomes an ethical concern within the
democratic framework.
Democracy, in a word, is a social, that is to say, an ethical
conception, and upon its ethical significance is based its
significance as governmental. Democracy is a form of
government only because it is a form of moral and spiritual
association.
According to john Davey ‘Democracy, in a word, is a social,
that is to say, an ethical conception, and upon its ethical
significance is based its significance as governmental.
Democracy is a form of government only because it is a
form of moral and spiritual association.’