It is wisely said that no political system in itself is good or bad, but the prevailing conditions and leaders decide its fate they prefer and adopt. Accordingly, democracy government system is not exception.
At the present, as we know, the most preferred and cherished regime across the world is democratic rule barring some Islamic monarchies and communist regimes.
Comparatively in the developing nations, so far, India, the largest democracy, has already completed seven decades of democratic rule. It is worthy to mention because despite diverse social structure, culture and ways of living life there, the fragrance of democracy is still intact.
Overview of historical background of democracy government system
The ancient Athenian ruling system has widely been attributed for the origin and emergence of the modern democratic political regime.
After the trials and tribulations of two thousand years, it has become successful in engulfing entire globe in its fold, barring Islamic monarchies and communists’ regimes.
Nowadays, its tentacles are penetrating even in the barren land of democracy in the form of “Arab spring”.
Understanding concept clarity of democracy government system or regime
You know that democracy have many forms such as direct, representative, and constitutional democracies. Out of these, representative and constitutional democratic forms are common in the modern day politics.
Modern democracy government system is a type of political regime based on representative principle in which people of that nation elect their candidates to govern on the behalf of them within the ambit of constitution.
In other words, citizens of a nation elect representative through free and fair elections to advance their interests according to the checks and balances of constitution
Different forms of democracy government system or regime
Following forms of democracy government system are prevalent in present day world. Constitutional and representative democracy government system are predominant.
1.Direct democracy
2.Constitutional democracy
3.Representative democracy
4.Parliamentary democracy (RD)
5.Presidential democracy (RD)
Now, let’s explore the details of each type of democracy government system or regime one by one.
A. Explanation of direct democracy system
Generally, people vote to elect theirs representatives to make policies, laws on the behalf of them. But, in direct democracy, people themselves vote policy decisions instead to vote for representatives.
In other words, it is the purest form of democracy government system in which everyone participate to decide policies, laws, and any decisions regarding government.
Examples of direct democracy
Athenian democracy in the ancient times, way back some 600 BC, and Government system of Switzerland in the present day politics are the examples of direct democracy government system.
Advantages and limitations of Direct democracy
Practically speaking, direct democracy precipitates both negative as well as positive results. On the one hand, it ensures accountability, transparancy, co-operation among the people who participate.
On the other hand, it is not free from drawbacks like conflicts between opposing views, indecision due to lack of concensus, and difficulties in participation in decision making.
B. Understanding representative democracy
When people vote to theirs representatives to take decisions regarding policies and laws on the behalf of them, is called representative democracy.
Unlike direct democracy, representative democracy or indirect democracy government system consider the will of people indirectly instead to involve them directly.
Presidential democracy, and parliamentary democracy are the sub types of the indirect democracy government system.
Nowadays, both presidential and parliamentary democracy dominate almost total globe.
Characteristic features of modern day democracy government system
Supremacy of the constitution, free and fair elections, all and equal participation of citizen, human and fundamental rights for all, rule of law are the major characteristic features of modern day democratic system.
Modern day politics across the world barring some Arab monarchies, is dominated by the democratic way of governance. Here too, my attempt is to understand the modern day democratic system in detail. First of all, let’s see the major features of democracy.
1.Supremacy of constitution
Today, as per the need and situation, various nations intermixed many features of different forms of democracies. Generally, in all the democratic nations, the status of constitution is supreme.
It is, undoubtedly, an effective legitimate checks and balances over the ambitious elected representatives. This could only be achieved through the separation of powers among, executive, legislature, and judiciary institutions for healthy functioning.
The supremacy of constitution means, the decisions taken by representatives should not be inconsistent to the constitution. Otherwise, the interests of minorities might be compromised.
Moreover, the chances of corruption and nepotism cannot be ruled out in the absence of such measure. Nowadays, most of the notable democracies have their own supreme constitutions.
2.Free and fair elections
Elections are the powerful checks on the leaders misusing power. Hence, the means of election is utmost important. It is a purifying process through which corrupt is punished; whereas, honest deserves reward. This is the reason why people emphasis on the free and fair elections to elect next government.
Here, free and fair means anyone who has a right to vote can exercise his right. For this, it is the duty of election commission to make such accessible arrangement so that all legitimate voters could caste their vote.
Second, fair means free from bias and discrimination. All citizens, irrespective of gender, class, caste, religion, and region do exercise their right. Unquestionably, elections are the lifeline of democratic system.
3.All and equal participation of citizens
Obviously, the fate of democracy depends on the people’s active participation in the all form of processes. Mere voting doesn’t mean that people are actively participating.
So then, they have to stand in elections to lead like-minded citizens. Besides, it is theirs duty to demand for consistent laws, development, and so on to make the “carnival of democracy more relevant and successful”.
“This system is designed for people and the will of people is the ultimate reality. Then, without active participation, the system will become the puppet in the hands of traditional oligarch.
4.Human and Fundamental Rights
This is so important features of democracy. Human and fundamental rights are highly instrumental to express people’s grievances or will in a democratic manner. After elections, this is the only means through which they can convey their demands and feeling about decision taken by government.
In addition, no one could confiscate citizens’ property, restrict freedom, and deprive life without due process of law. Thus, the role of human and fundamental rights is highly important to safeguard the interests of citizens in case of misuse of power.
5.Rule of law or equality before law
If we are treating all citizens the ultimate source of power; then, they cannot be ruled by the different laws. For this, the law of constitution is supreme and all are equal before that law. No other law could violate it. Second, no one is above the law.
In other words, everyone is treated equally and no one is above the law. In addition, no other law is applicable except the law of constitution. This is the best means to enforce the will of people. These are some notable features of democracy government system we live in.
Describing Constitutional democracy government system
Constitution is a heart of any constitutional democracy in the world. Constitution is a legal legitimate supreme document that includes the consensus set of rules accepted by citizens and pledged to abide by it forever. It is the ultimate source of power for both ruler, as well as ruled.
When the people of nation are ruled according to the rules of constitution; rights of minorities are properly safeguarded; and there are adequate independent, strong institutions to ensure checks and balances. Then, it is called the constitutional democracy which is totally different from manipulated conservative majoritism.
Examples of constitutional democracy government system of India and USA
In USA, the pace of development of minority cannot be attributed to the liberal policies of successive governments, nor decline of glory of majority, but for consistent hard work they took ever since the liberation from inhuman slavery.
On the other hand, the loosing lustre of majority is mainly attributed for their sense of complacency, conservative mentality, and luxurious attitude.
The relative decline of their status not the result of Mexican immigration either. But, ongoing US President Donald Trump tactically aroused the sense of insecurity among the well-off minority, as well as immigration from poor nations. Border fencing along Mexico and frequent racial conflicts are the strong evidence to support this claim.
Democratic government in India and policies
In case of India, the situation was quite different than USA ; nevertheless, the political tyrant successfully implemented the tactics that Donald Trump employed.
In India, cause of power change wasn’t the social deprivation, nor any considerable immigration but corruption, nepotism and unemployment. Despite these things, people in power shrewdly diverted the attention of public from committed promises and burning issues towards the minority and Gandhi dynasty to perpetuate opportunistic rule.
Chances of misuses of democracy government system
Surprisingly, leader of both nations used to eulogize each other to cover-up theirs failures and weaknesses. But, nowadays, in reality, people under these tyrant manipulative rules are feeling more suffocated due to unemployment, intolerance, polarization and lack of freedom of speech.
Success and failure of Indian democracy/Evaluation of Indian democracy government system
India is well known for its unity in diversity. Despite having different languages, religions, and traditions, its impeccable unity is the great message for the entire global community.
Over the seven decades of journey of Indian democracy, it has precipitated many things to cheer and introspect. Here is the short summary of success of Indian democracy.
We know that it is too difficult to provide every details in a short piece of writing but a glimpse. So, just take an overview of the success of Indian democracy.
1.Supremacy of constitution
Not even a single incident is noted for undermining the constitutional authority in the period of seven decades. Being the guardian of constitution, Supreme Court many a time declared laws passed by legislature as unconstitutional.
Obviously, it means that there is clear-cut separation of powers among the major institutions to ensure better checks and balances. Apex court has, so far, successfully protected the fundamental rights of citizens from encroachment by executive.
2.Successful seventeen general elections
In India, elections are used to be the democratic carnival. Despite being the second largest country, it is widely acknowledged for its election process across the world.
So far, seventeen general elections have been successfully completed without any obstructions and doubts. Geographical barriers failed to thwart the spirit of election campaigns. For this, democratic institutions like election commission is largely appreciated.
3.Equal participation and rule of law
People irrespective of caste and religion participate in the democratic processes. Even the poorest of the poor can stand in elections to run office.
People’s participation
Without fear, people stand in queue for hours to cast votes for theirs candidates. So far, there is no incidents of discrimination is recorded.
No person is treated above law except the law of constitution. In the last seven decades, millions of people uplifted out of poverty and ignorance.
welfare of public
Furthermore, adequate incentives in the form of reservations is given for the socially and educationally weaker sections in the democratic decision making.
Protection of fundamental rights
Citizen could approach supreme court in case of infringement of fundamental rights. In short, people in India are actively participating in the various democratic processes ever since the beginning of system. Now, let’s see some drawbacks of Indian democracy government system.
Challenges facing Indian democracy
Challenges of Indian demo“Though India is the largest workable democracy in the world, it is not absolutely free from the shortcomings”.
And, it is well said that challenges, loopholes, bottlenecks are part and parcel of any system in process. Here, I’m going to highlight the major challenges of Indian democracy facing.
1.Power politics vs development
Nowadays, it is a common thing in the election campaigning. Political leaders irrespective parties, are actively pursuing wrong policies to influence the public opinions. Therefore, genuine issues are taking secondary position.
2.Bypasses for development issues
In India, emotional appeal is the age old tactics. In this case, voters easily fall for leaders temptation, neglecting the most important issues like unemployment, price crash of agricultural commodities, farmers suicides, drought etc.
It is undeniable fact that political system is designed to achieve collective goals. So, what would happen when people are deceived by such manipulative tactics to fulfil narrow minded goals?
3. Mushrooming Nexus politics
Since, one or two decades, leaders are addicted of power politics. It means they are desperate for power at any cost. Use of money power, nexus between politicians and business houses is too common.
4.Questionable role of fourth pillar
Apart from this, role of media, whether it is print or electronic, is great cause of concern. It is well known to educate people but they are busy to advance the interests of ruling class.
5.Dynastic politics
Most importantly, dynastic politics is rapidly mushrooming and penetrating at the local level. Leaders openly accept that people are more in favour of dynastic politics than new face.
6.Crony capitalism, social backwardness and regional disparity
Political leaders business interests is also the most serious problem. Here, we must not forget that the fate of any system depends on the Will and satisfaction of the citizens. In India where farmers are losing hope and youth is jobless.
Moreover, the condition of tribals is more than both. In this situation, who will dare to convince them that Indian democratic system is one of the best in the world. These are some noticeable challenges of Indian democracy at the present.
“Greek philosophers Plato and Thucydides regarded democracy as a bad form of government or mob rule, whereas Aristotle saw much virtues of it on condition that it is exercised for common good.”
Last words on democracy government system,
So far, I have explained the meaning, types, characteristics features of democracy government system. For example, I have also provided account of Indian democracy with achievement and failures.
Beyond doubt, at the present, except some monarchies and communist regimes, whole world has been engulfed by the democratic government system in general and representative democracy in particular.
However, it is undeniable fact that most of the time, to capture power, opportunistic elements drive on the populist policies neglecting minorities and principles of democracy.
Despite all, democracy government system is more or less fares well compare to other forms like monarchies, communist, and dictatorships.
Solved questions on democracy government system
Understanding complexity of given topic, it is equally important to make this topic more simple and easy to understand. Accordingly, here are some useful solved questions on this topic. Take a look at the following examples.
Q.1. What is the difference between Direct and Indirect democracy government system?
Ans: In indirect democracy, people vote to elect theirs representatives to make policies, laws on the behalf of them. But, in direct democracy, people themselves vote policy decisions instead to vote for representatives.
Direct democracy is possible only in smaller states, and it will not possible to work in big states having billion population like India.
Hence, nowadays, representative democracy or indirect democracy is the most successful across the globe.
Indian politics after independence
Classification of Political ideologies