DEMOCRACY : MEANING AND CHARACTERISTICS

DEMOCRACY

The word democracy is derived from the greek word 'demos' meaning 'people' and 'kratos' meaning 'authority or power'. There is no universal definition of democracy that has been given till now. However, according to Oxford languages dictionary, democracy is defined as a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of the state, typically through elected representatives.

Apart from the dictionary, some political scientists and thinkers also defined democracy in thier own languages. According to Lincon, democracy is a government of the the people, for the people and by the people. Similarly Seelay defined democracy as a form of government in which everyone has a share. Some writers and thinkers also tried to define the democracy while complaining about it as Cranston defines it as, democracy is nothing but different doctrines in different people mind. Similarly C.D. Burns stated it to be, 'few words have been more loosely and variously defined than democracy. It has literally meant all things to all people.' The UNESCO while stating about democracy aslo pointed out the looseness and vagueness of the term.

Features/characteristics

Some of the features of democratic governments are :-
1. Power is exercised by all the adult citizens either directly or through free and fair elections.
2. decentralisation of government to regional and local levels.
3. Accountability of government or choosen representative to the people.
4. Protection of all the fundamental/human rights such as freedom of speech and relegion etc.
5. Free and fair elections at regular intervals.
5. commitment to the values of cooperation, tolerance and compromise. 

Thus, at the end, in the nutshell, it can be concluded that Democracy is associated with Participation, Competition and Civil and Political Liberties. 



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Kailash Wati V. Ajodhia Parkash case summary

Image
KAILASH WATI Vs. AJODHIA PARKASH PUNJAB AND HARYANA HIGH COURT  19 NOV 1976 CASE UNDER SECTION 9 OF HINDU MARRIAGE ACT. Question before the court Whether the hindu marriage act sanctify or recognise (what may be called as) week end marriage as of a right at the unilateral desire of the wife. Facts of the case The appellant smt. Kailash Wati was married to the respondent Ajodhia Parkash in June 1964. Both of them before marriage were posted as village level teachers. Wife at her parental village of Bilga and husband at kot Ise Khan. After marriage the wife was transferred to her husband's station and they lived together in the matrimonial home for 8-9 months. Contention of the parties Husband : The allegation of the husband is that the wife has got herself transferred back to her parental village and ever since has been residing there with her parents against his wish. Therefore he filled an application for the restitution of conjugal rights under section 9 of HINDU MARRIAGE ACT. 
Read more

Savitri Pandey V. Prem Chandra Pandey summary

Image
SAVITRI PANDEY Vs. PREM CHANDRA PANDEY SUPREME COURT OF INDIA  2002 CASE FOR SECTION 13 OF HINDU MARRIAGE ACT ON THE GROUNDS OF CRUELTY AND DESERTION Facts of the case :  The appellant - wife approached the court for the dissolution of marriage under section 13 of HMA alleging cruelty and desertion against the husband.  Contention of the parties :  Petitioner : Petitioner plead for the dissolution of marriage on the grounds of cruelty and desertion by the husband. Respondent  : Respondent - husband argued that no acts of cruelty were performed to the wife and the petitioner is trying to take advantage of her own wrong.  JUDGEMENT :  The trial court passed the decree in favour of the wife. The court observed that although nothing can establish cruelty against husband, desertion by husband provides sufficient grounds for dissolution of marriage.    High court opined that there was nothing to prove cruelty as against husband and further there was also nothing to prove the desertion by th
Read more

Swaraj Garg V. K. M. Garg summary

Image
SWARAJ GARG  Vs. K.M. GARG DELHI HIGH COURT MARCH 7, 1978 . CASE UNDER SECTION 9 OF HINDU MARRIAGE ACT Question before the court : Where will be the matrimonial home located after the marriage when both the parties are gainfully employed and there does not exist any agreement either implied or written before the marriage.  Facts of the case : The wife Swaraj - petitioner lived in her village, Sunam, from 1956 and techer at the the school. She was the head mistress at government high school in 1969. She got married to the respondent in 1964. The husband was not having a satisfactory job and earn only 500 p/m in Delhi where he resides. She came to live with her husband for some time and then grt back to her village and continue living there. The Husband therefore filed the petition under section 9 of Hindu Marriage Act for restitution of conjugal rights.  Contention of the parties :  Petitioner  : The petitioner argued that respondent's condition is not satisfactory that he can maint
Read more