Democracy (Meaning, Features, Different Forms and Types)

Democracy is a type of government in which the citizens have the power either through elected representatives or directly. It derives its name from two Greek words, namely demos, which means "people," and kratos, which means "rule." Some of the important features of democracy include free and fair elections, political equality, basic rights, rule of law, and governance of accountability.

There are 2 broad categories of democracy. 1st is the direct democracy wherein the citizens make decisions themselves. In 2nd type representative democracy, it is done by representatives. India, which is the largest democracy in the world, formulated its constitution on 26th November 1949 and started working from 26th January 1950. Universal adult franchise allows all Indian citizens who have attained the age of 18 to cast their votes, regardless of their social background, caste, religion, gender, and economic status.

The democracy is a system of governance wherein the citizenry exerts control either directly or indirectly via representatives. USA's President Abraham Lincoln's definition of democracy was "government of the people, by the people, for the people." The concept of popular sovereignty implies that the final say politically belongs to the citizenry.

The practice of democracy rooted in ancient Greece in Athens in the 5th Century BCE. Where people exercised democracy by participating in political affairs directly. Democratic systems have undergone evolution and change to develop mechanisms that ensure representation and curb government powers.

For instance, the Magna Carta (1215), provided the groundwork for restricting the powers of the King of England. The American Revolution of 1776 was instrumental in promoting independence and representative democracy, and the French Revolution (1789) gave wide acclaim to the ideals of liberty and equality. Today, citizens choose their representatives to run the government for them. In India, the practice of democracy grew strong during the freedom movement and adoption of the Constitution in 1949.

• Popular Sovereignty: Ultimate political authority lies in the hands of the people, where they elect representatives and affect decision making in government.
• Free and Fair Elections: Elections provide the means by which citizens select their representatives through a free, competitive and impartial process.
• Universal Adult Suffrage: Universal adult suffrage gives an equal voting right to each adult citizen irrespective of his caste, creed, gender or economic position.
• Political Equality: Each and every citizen enjoys political equality and has access to political opportunities.
• Rule of Law: All are under the jurisdiction of law and no one, not even the government, is above the law.
• Fundamental Rights Protection: Democratic states protect certain fundamental freedoms such as equality, liberty and freedom of expression.
• Independent Judiciary: The independent judiciary guarantees rights of the citizens, interprets laws and restrains unconstitutional actions of the government.
• Accountability and Transparency: Elected representatives are accountable to citizens, and have to explain their actions and work in an open manner.
• Freedom of Speech and Expression: Citizens are allowed to freely express their views and criticize the government policies.
• Multiparty Political System: Multiparty political system enables the citizens to have more than one political party competing in the election with different margins.

1. Direct Democracy

Direct democracy is a form of government where the citizens are directly involved in decision-making and developing policies for themselves as opposed to being completely dependent on the elected officials.

Features

• Citizens directly vote for laws and public issues.
• Public involvement is an essential part of the decision-making process.
• Referendums and initiatives from the citizens help to formulate laws.
• Citizens have direct power over the political decisions made by them.

Examples: One of the best examples of a direct democracy is Switzerland, where laws are formulated through referendums and popular initiatives. The citizens of some cantons of Switzerland have maintained their direct political involvement.

2. Indirect or Representative Democracy

Indirect democracy is a form of government where the people elect representatives to pass laws, frame policies, and rule on their behalf.

Characteristics of the Indirect Democracy:

• Elections take place on a regular basis.
• Voters select their representatives.
• The representatives elected by the people are responsible to the electorate.
• There is competition among political parties to form a government.

Example: India, the UK, and the USA follow indirect democracy, but they have different forms of government.

Parliamentary Democracy

In parliamentary democracy, the executive is chosen from among the members of the legislature and is answerable to the legislature. The Prime Minister usually heads the government, whereas the head of the state acts as the constitutional head.

Example: India and UK.

Presidential Democracy

In presidential democracy, the President is both the head of the state as well as the head of the government. The executive is institutionally different from the legislature, and the President is elected for a constitutional term.

Example: USA.

3. Other Forms of Democracy

Participatory Democracy

This form of democracy involves active participation by the citizenry in politics apart from casting votes during election periods. Consultations, community discussions, and participatory budgets are some examples of participatory democracy.

Deliberative Democracy

This type of democracy involves well-informed debate, persuasive reasoning and exchange of diverse perspectives before decision-making. Citizens' juries and public deliberation forums may promote this type of democracy.

India can be regarded as the world's largest democracy where its citizens have a chance to take part in their governance through elections and other constitutional provisions. The preamble of the Indian constitution declares India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic and also provides for the ideals of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.

According to article 326 of the Indian constitution, elections to Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies are held on the basis of universal adult suffrage where all the eligible citizens who are above eighteen years of age get an opportunity to cast their votes. The election commission of India created under article 324 of the Indian constitution conducts elections so as to conduct free and fair elections. India practices parliamentary form of government where council of ministers including prime minister is collectively responsible to the lok sabha.

Citizens have an important part to play in building democracy through active participation in governance and protecting democratic principles.

• Voting Wisely: Citizens must vote based on understanding the candidate, his policies and credibility to elect competent representatives.
• Being Well-Informed: Being updated about credible news, government policies and public issues allows citizens to take decisions wisely.
• Respecting Others' Rights: Respecting the rights of individuals to their freedom, equality and diversity creates an inclusive democracy.
• Questioning Elected Representatives: Citizens need to question the elected representatives, monitor their performances and seek accountability in public administration.
• Active Participation in Public Hearings: Active participation in public hearings, meetings and consultations allows citizens to influence policies and local development.
• Adhering to Constitutional Values: Upholding the principles of justice, liberty, equality, fraternity and rule of law builds democracies.
• Being Tolerant of Other Views: Engaging with other views in a respectful manner facilitates peace and conflict resolution.