Define and classify Democracy with diagram
Answers
Explanation:
Generally, there are two types of democracy: direct and representative. In a direct democracy, the people directly deliberate and decide on legislature. In a representative democracy, the people elect representatives to deliberate and decide on legislature, such as in parliamentary or presidential democracy.
Answer:
DEMOCRACY - DEFINITION
The term 'Democracy' is drawn from two Greek words 'demos' meaning people and 'cratia' meaning power. Thus, literally democracy means the 'power of the people'. One of the most famous definition of democracy is of Abraham Lincoln who says, "Democracy is Government of the people, by the people and for the people."
FEATURES OF DEMOCRACY - DEFINITION
The features of democracy are:
(1) Elected representatives of the people rule and these representatives have power of making final decisions;
(2) Elections are conducted in free and fair atmosphere;
(3) Adult franchise is provided and every vote has equal value;
(4) Fundamental Rights and freedom of the people are protected.
MERITS OF DEMOCRACY - DEFINITION
Democracy is the most popular system of government in the modern world. It has various merits. It provides efficient government, guarantees the rights of the people, provides equality, educates the people, promotes national character, brings peaceful change of government, believes not in battle axe, but in ballot box. In democracy, there is no place for rebellion and revolutions.
DEMERITS OF DEMOCRACY - DEFINITION
Democracy sometimes leads to establish the majority view. Party leaders and political office holders in government control the citizens and the members of the party. It does not encourage individuals to give their opinions. It is a very expensive form of government. It is difficult to prevent corruptions and malpractices. It is also known as the government by amateurs and lead to domination of masses.
BROADER MEANING OF DEMOCRACY - SHORTCUT
The broader meaning of democracy:
(1) A democratic government is a better government because it is amore accountable form of government.
(2) Democracy improves the quality of decision-making.
(3) Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts.
(4) Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens.
(5) Democracy is better than other forms of government because it allows us to correct its own mistakes.
METHODS OF PEOPLE'S PARTICIPATION IN DEMOCRACY - SHORTCUT
Various ways of people's participation are as follows:
i) Recall- Calling back the representatives.
ii) Referendum- Decisions are taken after knowing public opinion.
iii) Initiative- Proposal of law by citizens.
iv) Plebiscite- Approval of citizens on laws passed by the legislature.
DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN PRESIDENTIAL AND PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY - SHORTCUT
Presidential democracy Parliamentary democracy
1. Power is divided between the legislature and the executive. Power is vested in the Parliament.
2. President is the real executive. Prime Minister is the real executive.
3. Practised in France, USA. Practised in India, England.
DIRECT DEMOCRACY - SHORTCUT
In direct democracy, the people directly participate in electing their government, making policies and laws for their own progress and development. The system of direct democracy can be practised only in countries of small size and population. This system was practised in in ancient Greece and presently practised in Switzerland. Direct democracy becomes more effective through referendum and initiative.
INDIRECT DEMOCRACY - SHORTCUT
Indirect democracy is more suitable in bigger nations like India, USA and such other nations. In indirect democracy, the people elect their representatives through periodical elections and send them to legislative bodies. These representatives are involved in the law-making process and also control the administration. It is also known as representative democracy