What Is Democracy? Why Democracy?

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• Questions
• Summary

There has been a criticism of democracy by various people. The charges are that:

1. It creates instability by changing its leaders frequently.
2. Democracy is about power play and political competition. There is no scope for morality.
3. So many people have to be consulted before any issue is solved. It leads to delay.
4. Elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people.
5. It leads to corruption for it is based on electoral corruption.
6. Ordinary people do not know what is good for them, so decision making should not be left to them.

There has been a criticism of democracy by various people. The charges are that:

1. It creates instability by changing its leaders frequently.
2. Democracy is about power play and political competition. There is no scope for morality.
3. So many people have to be consulted before any issue is solved. It leads to delay.
4. Elected leaders do not know the best interest of the people.
5. It leads to corruption for it is based on electoral corruption.
6. Ordinary people do not know what is good for them, so decision making should not be left to them.

1. A democratic government is a better government because it is a more accountable form of government.
2. Democracy improves the quality of decision-making.
3. Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts.
4. Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens.

Merits of democracy:

1. Democracy is better than any other forms of government because it responds to needs of the people
2. Democracy improves the quality of decision making as it is based on consultation and discussion.
3. It provides a peaceful solution to every problem.
4. In a democracy, no one is a permanent winner or a permanent loser.
5. It allows us to correct its own mistakes.
6. Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts.
7. It enhances the dignity of citizens.