What is Democracy?
The word democracy comes from two Greek words:
- Dēmos = People
- Kratos = Rule or Power
Literally, it means “Rule of the People.” It is a system where the citizens have a say in the decisions that affect their lives.
Types of Democracy
1. Direct Democracy
In this system, every citizen participates directly in decision-making.
- Example: A class voting on where to go for a picnic. If 20 students raise hands for Place A and 10 for Place B, Place A wins. Every student’s opinion is counted directly.
2. Representative Democracy
In large countries like India (with 1.4 billion people), it is impossible for everyone to meet and vote on every single decision. Instead, people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
- MLAs (Members of Legislative Assembly): Elected at the State level.
- MPs (Members of Parliament): Elected at the National level.
- Process: Through elections, citizens vote for candidates. These elected members meet in assemblies to debate and pass laws.
Tip
Grassroots Democracy: This refers to a system that encourages the participation of ordinary citizens at the lowest level (the “grassroots”), ensuring that even the common person has a voice in governance.
Democracy in India
India is the world’s largest democracy. In 2024, there were approximately 970 million voters.
- Universal Adult Franchise: All Indian citizens above the age of 18 have the right to participate in elections.
- Role of Dialogue: Democracy is not just about voting; it is about discussion, debate, and convincing others to reach the best solution.