Question

How is democracy a better form of government when compared with dictatorship or any other alternative government?

Answer 1

be it it give right to equality

Answer 2

First, let's understand what a (true) democracy actually means —
Democracy comes from a Greek word ‘demokratia’. In Greek, ‘demos’ means people and ‘kratia’ means rule. So, democracy literally means people’s rule.

It's a form of govt. in which rulers are elected by the people.

It’s based on “free & fair” election where those currently in power have a fair chance of losing.

In a democracy, each & every adult citizen has one vote and each vote has one value.

In this form of govt., the final decision making power rests with those elected by the people.

A democratic govt. rules within the limits set by the law(s) of the land.

Now, let's talk about popular arguments against democracy —

In a democracy, leaders keep changing leading to instability.

It's all about political competition & power play and hence there is no scope for morality.

So many people have to be consulted leading to delays in decision-making.

Democracy leads to corruption as it’s based on electoral competition.

Ordinary people generally don't know what's good for them, so they shouldn't decide anything.

Now, let's discuss why democracy is considered to be the best form of govt. —

A non-democratic govt. may and can respond to the people's need, but it all depends on the wishes of the people who rule. If the rulers don't want to, then they don't have to act. A democracy requires that the rulers have to attend to the needs of the people. Hence, it's a more accountable form of govt..

A democratic decision always involves many people, discussion, consultation & meetings. This takes time, but reduces the chances of rash or irresponsible decisions which further improves the quality of decision-making.

In a diverse society, people are bound to have differences of opinions and interests. To iron out these differences, democracy is the only known solution as there is no permanent winner and no permanent loser.

Democracy is based on the principle of political equality i.e. the poorest and the least educated has the same status as that of rich and educated. Thus, it enhances the dignity of citizens.

In a democracy, people are not subjects of rulers but they are the rulers themselves. Thus, people are themselves responsible for their own conduct and they can’t blame others for their collective choice.

Like other forms of govt., in a democracy mistakes are bound to happen. But the advantage is that it can’t be hidden for long. There is space for public discussion and room for correction. Either the rulers have to change their decisions or the rulers themselves can be changed by the people. Hence, it allows us to correct our own mistakes