DEMOCRACY

Democracy

Democracy

Introduction

Democracy is a very famous and most misunderstood and misused word ever used. The strength of the democratic perception and idea has succeeded through a long chaotic history, and the democratic form of government, despite of long-lasting great challenges and disputes, democracy continues to grows, evolve and flourish all the way through the world. To analyze the democratic existence of any nation or country, it is important to first determine the characteristics and requirements of the democracy. Determining primary features of democracy requires the knowledge and information about the origin and evolution of democracy in the world.

Description

The word Democracy is originated from the Greek word “demos” meaning people. Democracy is principally a form of government in which the people have the ultimate power to select its leadership. It is the government in which all powers and selection authorities are provided to the citizens of the country (Schumpeter 2008, pp 4-8). In many cases, democracy is controlled by the people of the nation directly. In this form of government, people frame the entire government.

The memorable expression of President Abraham Lincoln also explains the meaning of democracy through a simple phrase, according to him; democracy is government of the people, by the people, and for the people. The point of concern over here is that democracy and freedom are often used together and interchange ability, but this point must be noted that the two points are not similar and are not synonyms. Democracy is nothing but a set of concepts and ideas related to freedom, it also includes procedures, methods and practices that have been shaped through a long and often tortuous history.

Democracy is nothing but the institutionalization and the development of frame work for freedom. People living in a democratic society must play an important role to serve as the ultimate guardians of their own liberty and must also develop their own way toward the concept of democracy (Encarnación 2002, pp 38-48). United Nations Declaration on Human Rights explains that the recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and unchallengeable rights of all human family members, it is the basis of justice, freedom, and especially peace in the world.

Democracy is not just a set of specific government institutions or governmental bodies; rather it depends upon a well understood set of attitudes, values and practices. All o these may take different expressions and forms depending upon different societies and their cultures. Democracy depends upon strong foundations of people and different fundamental principles; it does not depend upon uniform practices.

Basic Democratic Characteristics

Democracy is basically a government in which the civic duties and responsibilities, and power are exercised by all the adult citizens of the nation. This is done directly or by means of freely elected representatives.

Democracy depends upon the rules and principles of majority rule and personal and individual rights are given special importance. Democratic governments guard against all the internal threats and efforts to derail the elected government (Karl 1990, pp 1-21). Democratic government realizes at levels that it is ...