Scribd
Upload
11 views

Democracy

Uploaded by

mh171017
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
11 views

Democracy

Uploaded by

mh171017
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Democracy

“Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from
the earth.” Abraham Lincoln

Origin

 The term “Democracy” goes as back as to the ancient times. It was first used for the purpose
of governing a state in Greece.

Definition

 In Greek language it is divided into two words demos and krates.


 Demos mean people and krates means power making the word democracy as power of
people which implies that people to rule themselves, directly or indirectly through their
representatives.
 With the beginning of modern period, it was first Locke who gave, Theory of Consent, to
govern the state. This meant that state to be governed by the parliament which was to be
created through representation of people.
 Sealy held that democracy is a government in which everyone has a share.
 Dicey defined democracy is a government in which the governing body is large organization
of entire nation.
 To McIver democracy is not a way of governing whether by majority or otherwise but
primarily a way of determining who should govern and broadly to what ends.

Democracy is a culture rather than a process

Democracy as a culture

 Democracy as a culture refers to the deeply ingrained values, practices, and behaviors that
support and sustain democratic governance beyond formal institutions.
 It includes active citizen participation, respect for diversity and pluralism, adherence to the
rule of law, protection of individual rights and freedoms, commitment to equality and
inclusiveness, promotion of civic education and informed public discourse, and a willingness
to cooperate and seek compromise. This cultural foundation ensures that democracy is not
just a system of government but a way of life reflected in everyday interactions and societal
norms.
 Democracy as a culture therefore also gives weightage to its value system which is defined
through its different essential elements.
 Democratic culture stands for progressive values that make political process fair and just.

Features of Democratic Culture

 Inclusive Participation
o Active engagement of citizens
o Informed decision-making
 Protection of Rights and Liberties
 Rule of law
 Minority rights
 Accountability and Transparency
 Open government
 Checks and balances
 Emphasis on human rights
 Stable political institutions
 Free and fair elections
 Equality of all citizens
 Educated citizen / High literacy rate
 Independent judiciary
 Strong civic institutions
 Tolerance and pluralism

Democracy as a process

 Democracy as a process refers to the systematic and structured methods through which
democratic principles are implemented and maintained. It encompasses the mechanisms,
procedures, and activities that enable citizens to participate in decision-making and hold
their leaders accountable.
 Democracy as a process may be taken up as a system for the purpose of running the state
government.

Key elements include:

 Periodic cycle of elections


 Legislation
 Deliberation
 Presence of multiparty system
 Majoritarian form of government

Forms of Democracy

Direct Democracy:

 Citizens directly participate in decision-making processes without intermediary


representatives. Examples include referendums, initiatives, and town hall meetings.

Representative Democracy:

 Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. This is the most common
form of democracy. Examples include:
1. Parliamentary Democracy: The executive branch derives its legitimacy from and is
accountable to the legislature (parliament). Examples: United Kingdom, Canada, India.
2. Presidential Democracy: The executive branch is separate from the legislature; the president
is both head of state and government. Examples: United States, Brazil, Indonesia.
F
eatures/Charasterictics/Culture of Democracy

 Educated Masses
 National Political Parties
 Party Election
 Independent and Powerful Election Commission
 Frequent Election
 Real Opposition
 Active Civil Society
 Responsible Media
 Free and Wise Judiciary

Threats to the Future of Democracy in Pakistan

 Personalization of politics
 Absence of meaningful electoral reforms
 Mass illiteracy
 Intervention by Military
 Unabated corruption
 Deadlocks on ethnic and regional issues

Positive Prospects for Future of Democracy in Pakistan

 58-2B deleted
 High treason redefined
 Military becoming mature
 Vibrant media and civil society
 Dynamic role of social media
 Improvement in education
 A return towards local Government system

You might also like