Question

Freedom is the basic characteristic of a true democracy.Support these statement by giving two examples. Answer in 40 to 60 words.

Answer 1

Democracy starts with the basic idea/ideology/characteristic of freedom and equality. Freedom of speech, lifestyle, employment, economic freedom, to form a political party, to acquire property, of practicing one's religion etc. In a true democracy there may not be a single official religion or multiple religions are recognized.

   Freedom of press is very important in a true democracy. Freedom to elect their representatives in a fair, periodic and free elections is another basic characteristic in a true democracy.   If there is no freedom, then it becomes closer to monarchy or military rule.

   In India, USA these characteristics are met. In China freedom to form parties is limited. In Russia, UAE, Saudi Arabia and China freedom of press and freedom of speech are limited.  They are censored.

  In Saudi Arabia there is no freedom of religion. There are restrictions for non-muslims to be regular citizen.  Islam is the official religion. In UAE too it is so. But UAE permits citizens of other religions. However, there are restrictions. Russia and China give freedom of religion.

   Freedom of people is guarded well in a limited democracy. In a limited democracy the government cannot have absolute power to do whatever it wants. There are bounds.  Examples are India, USA, UK, France etc.

   Economic freedom and freedom for holding property in Russia and China are low.  In Switzerland, New Zealand, Australia economic freedom is very high.

   Actually in a democracy freedom is limited to the choice of the majority. There is no absolute freedom in the true sense. This applies to common issues related to a community.

   If there is no freedom then the minorities in the country are not protected properly. That means it is not a true democracy.

Answer 2

freedom is the basic characteristic of a true democracy as if a person is not free in its country and not have all the rights all the rights of equality and the rights of living then there is no meaning of having democracy and everyone should be equal in his own country despite of its colour or actors