Chapter - 1 What is Democracy? Why Democracy? –
What is Democracy?
"Democracy is a form of government in which the rulers are elected by the people."
Democracy is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, where all citizens have equal rights to participate in the decision-making process.
- Democracy is a form of government in which:
- The rulers are elected by the people.
- People have the right to vote and choose their leaders.
- Elections are held regularly and fairly.
- There is freedom of speech, expression, and equality.
- One person , one vote one value.
- The government functions according to the law and Constitution.
Features of Democracy
- Elected Leaders: Leaders are chosen by the people through free and fair elections.
- Majority Rule with Respect to Minority Rights: The decision of the majority is followed, but the rights of minorities are also protected.
- Rule of Law: Everyone is equal before the law, even leaders.
- Accountability: The government is responsible to the people.
- Independent Judiciary: Courts are free from political influence.
- Freedom and Rights: Citizens have rights like freedom of speech, religion, and equality.
Why Democracy? (Merits of Democracy)
- More accountable than other forms of government.
- Improves the quality of decision-making (because it's based on discussion and debate).
- Provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts peacefully.
- Respects people’s rights and dignity.
- Allows people to correct their own mistakes (leaders can be changed in the next election).
Arguments Against Democracy (Demerits)
- Leaders keep changing — leads to instability.
- Democracy involves delay in decision-making.
- Elected leaders may not be aware or well-informed.
- It may lead to bad decisions if people are not educated.
- Sometimes democracy is about numbers, not quality.
Example of Pakistan – Is it a Democracy?
- General Pervez Musharraf took over power in Pakistan in 1999 through a military coup.
- In 2002, he held a referendum in which people were asked to vote for keeping him as President. It was claimed to be democratic, but:
- The referendum was not fair or free.
- People had no real choice.
- In 2002, Musharraf changed the constitution and gave himself the power to dismiss the national or provincial assemblies.
Why Pakistan Was Not Considered a True Democracy:
- Military rule – The leader was not elected by the people in a fair election.
- The real power was in the hands of a military ruler, not elected representatives.
- No free and fair elections.
- People did not have the right to choose their leaders freely.
Example of China – Is it a Democracy?
- China is officially called the People’s Republic of China.
- Elections are held regularly after every 5 years.
- The National People’s Congress is the Chinese parliament, and it has nearly 3,000 members.
But why China is not a true democracy?
- Only one political party – the Communist Party of China.
- People can vote, but they can only choose candidates approved by the Communist Party.
- No real competition – no opposition parties allowed.
- So, even though elections are held, people don’t have a real choice.
Example of Zimbabwe – Is it a Democracy?
- Zimbabwe became independent in 1980.
- Robert Mugabe was the leader of the ZANU-PF party (Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front).
- He ruled the country for many years through elections.
Why Zimbabwe is not considered a true democracy:
- Elections were held, but they were often rigged.
- Opposition parties were harassed and threatened.
- Public protests were banned.
- Government controlled media, so people didn’t get the full truth.
- Robert Mugabe remained in power for a very long time, even though democracy means changing leaders through fair elections.
Jaspreet
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