Question

Explain three different types of challenges being faced by democratic government in modern times

Answer 1

There are three major categories of challenges that a democracy faces –

1. Foundational challenge

2. Challenge of expansion

3. Challenge of deepening of democracy.


The foundational challenges faced by democracies include:

1. Bringing down the existing non- democratic regimes.

2. Keeping military away from controlling government.

3. Establishing a sovereign and functional state.


The challenges of deepening of democracy involve :

(a)  Strengthening of the institutions and practices of democracy.

This should happen in such a way that the people can relaise their expectations of democracy.

(b) Strengthening those institutions that help people’s participation and control.

This requires an attempt to bring down the control and influence of the rich and powerful people on decision making.

(ii) Ordinary people have different expectations from democracy in different societies. Therefore , this challenge takes different meanings and path in  different parts of the world


The challenges of expansion involve –

1. Applying the basic principles of democratic government across all the regions, different social groups and various institutions.

2. Ensuring greater power to local governments, extension of federal principles to all the units of federation and inclusion of women and minority groups.