Question

What is a must for a successful democratic government? (3m)

Answer 1

•Free and fair election should be conducted
•Fundamental rights
•Fundamental duties
•Universal Adult Franchise
•Equality
•Sovereignity
•Socialism
•Liberty...........etc......

Answer 2

While admitting that Democracy
is the best system, we have to
remember that there are several
possible demerits which must be
controlled.
In-fact, the success of Democracy
can be possible only when it
works in such conditions as are
essential for its successful
working.
It can be successful only when
following conditions are secured:
1. Democratic Society:
A democratic society is essential
for the success of a democratic
government. A democratic society
is one which willingly accepts the
values of liberty and equality. It
is a society which is not
characterised by a democratic
thinking, no democracy can be
successful. Without being
supported by a democratic
society, no democracy can
successfully work.
2. Economic Equality: Economic equality in society can
guarantee the success of
democracy. Without economic
democracy, political democracy
remains true only on papers.
People cannot be fed on votes,
they need foods. They cannot live
on mere slogans and populism.
Economic equality involving
equitable distribution of income
and wealth and adequate
opportunities for livelihood, is an
essential condition for the success
of democracy.
3. Educated and Enlightened
Citizenship:
Democracy is a system which
involves a continuous and active
involvement of the people in the
political process. Without
popular and effective political
participation, no democracy can
be successful. For this purpose, it
is essential that literacy should be
widespread and people must be
enlightened in respect of their
rights, freedoms and duties as
citizens of a democratic system.
No democracy can work
successfully if its citizens are not
prepared to sacrifice their
individual interests for the sake
of social good. Only educated and
enlightened citizens are expected
to realize and follow this vital
condition for the success of
democracy. Illiteracy and
ignorance always hinder the
success of democracy. The
experience of our own country is
before us.
4. Full respect for Fundamental
Rights and Freedoms:
Democracy is regarded as the
best form of government because
it grants and guarantees
fundamental human rights and
freedoms to all its people. For
this purpose it is essential for a
democracy to take all steps which
are necessary for granting,
preserving and protecting the
rights the people. For this
purpose Rule of Law, Separation
of Powers, Judicial Review,
Decentralisation of Power and
Independence of Judiciary have
to be ensured.
5. Freedom of Press:
Without freedom of press, we
cannot even imagine the working
of a democratic government.
Public opinion has to be the basis
of all policies and decisions of a
democratic government. The
government must keep a
continuous track of the demands
of public opinion.
Press is the means for
transmitting the public opinion to
the government. Only a free press
can perform this task in a desired
manner. It is only through a free
press that the people can exercise
their right to freedom of speech
and expression as well as their
right to discuss and debate,
criticize or support the policies
and programmes of their
government. Press is often
described as the fourth essential
but non-governmental institution
of democracy.
6. Well Organised and Active
Opposition:
In a democratic system political
parties play a key role. These
contest elections, wield power
when voted to majority or act as
opposition when not is majority.
The majority party uses power of
the government and the
opposition parties criticise the
policies of ruling party. Both
have to play their respective
roles and only then can a
democracy work.
The ruling party can misuse its
position by ignoring the interests
of the minorities and the people
in general. There is every need to
keep it under supervision and
check. It must be prevented from
misusing its power in the name of
majority. For this purpose the
existence of a strong, well-
organised and well-functioning
opposition is always essential.