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    Democracy - Introduction

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    Akshay Jha
    This document provides an introduction to democracy, including its definition, history, key features, and merits and demerits. It defines democracy as a form of government where citizens participate directly or indirectly in making laws. The document traces the history of democracy from ancient Greek times to its modern forms today. It outlines features such as participation of the people, equality, rights and freedoms, and constitutional government. Both benefits like equality and peaceful transfers of power, and drawbacks like rule by incompetent majorities are mentioned.

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    Democracy - Introduction

    Uploaded by

    Akshay Jha
    279 views9 pages
    This document provides an introduction to democracy, including its definition, history, key features, and merits and demerits. It defines democracy as a form of government where citizens participate directly or indirectly in making laws. The document traces the history of democracy from ancient Greek times to its modern forms today. It outlines features such as participation of the people, equality, rights and freedoms, and constitutional government. Both benefits like equality and peaceful transfers of power, and drawbacks like rule by incompetent majorities are mentioned.

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    Democracy – Introduction

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    This document provides an introduction to democracy, including its definition, history, key features, and merits and demerits. It defines democracy as a form of government where citizens participate directly or indirectly in making laws. The document traces the history of democracy from ancient Greek times to its modern forms today. It outlines features such as participation of the people, equality, rights and freedoms, and constitutional government. Both benefits like equality and peaceful transfers of power, and drawbacks like rule by incompetent majorities are mentioned.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pptx, pdf, or txt
    279 views9 pages

    Democracy - Introduction

    Uploaded by

    Akshay Jha
    This document provides an introduction to democracy, including its definition, history, key features, and merits and demerits. It defines democracy as a form of government where citizens participate directly or indirectly in making laws. The document traces the history of democracy from ancient Greek times to its modern forms today. It outlines features such as participation of the people, equality, rights and freedoms, and constitutional government. Both benefits like equality and peaceful transfers of power, and drawbacks like rule by incompetent majorities are mentioned.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pptx, pdf, or txt
    of 9

    Democracy – Introduction

    By- Dr. Garima Singh


    Unit -1
    Political Science
    Ba.llb, Semester-III
    Subject Code – 209
    VSLLS, VIPS
    Introduction
     Democracy - a form of Govt – in which all citizens participate
    directly or indirectly in the proposal, development and
    creation of laws.
     Abraham Lincoln “that government of the people, by the
    people, for the people”.
     Term originate from Greek word “demokratia”- rule of the
    people. Coined from demos and kratos- “People” and “
    Power” Respectively.
    History dates From Ancient Greek Times till today.
     Participation of the people in democracy was different and
    universal adult enfranchisement was achieved much later.
     Democracy contrasts with form of govt where power is
    concentrated.
     Democracy has become a sacrosanct concept.
    Conti...
     Often a confused concept and considered
    positive in use – Every state- liberal, socialist,
    dictatorship boast of being Democratic.
     It is diffused and pervasive – wars fought on the
    idea of democracy.
     Democracy most popularly accepted as the best
    form after 1st WW and decolonisation.
     It has its root in ancient times.
     Since the time of the ancient Greeks, both the
    theory and the practice of democracy have
    undergone profound changes
    History
     Was popularly accepted in Greek city states- the
    best example of direct participation.
     In ancient Greek times- citizenship had negative

    connotation.
     Similarly at the same time, system seen in Rome –

    Republic – Public Affair


     Decline of Rome, Rise of Feudalism
     Renaissance – politics redefined, Emergence of

    secular vision, education, idea of Individualism.


     17th and 18th C- modern democracy - the American

    and French Revolutions and their respective


    aftermaths.
    History
     Slavery declared Illegal and later abolished.
     the idea of universal suffrage took hold and

    gained currency in the UK and spread to the


    western countries.
     The process of decolonisation had attracted

    the newly independent ones to the idea of


    democracy.
     Widespread calls for Democratisation- Arab

    spring (2010) .
    Chief Features of Democracy
     Democracy is a government of the people, by the people
    and for the people.
     Seelay – “Democracy is a govt in which everyone has a
    share”.
     People participation is an essential feature.
     Democracy – a high level of Political Participation in the
    selection of Public Policy and public official at regular
    intervals.
     It is based on principle of equality.
     Enlightened and intelligent citizenship- essential feature
     Strong and responsible opposition- as important as
    ruling party.
    Conti....
     Guarantee of basic rights such as right to
    vote, free and fair election, Freedom of
    speech and expression
     Constitutional government an essential

    attribute of democracy.
     Impartial and independent Judiciary is an

    essential attribute.
     Democracy – strong sense of solidarity
     The removal of all disparities based on caste,

    colour, religion.
    Merits and Demerits
     Importance of Individual Realised.
     Democracy is built on the basis of equality.
     Peaceful change in the government Possible.
     People are vested with sovereign authority in

    democracy.
     Aristotle called democracy as the worst form

    of govt – “Perverted Form”


     The rule of ignorant and incompetent people
     More emphasis on quantity – Tyranny of

    Majority.
    Thank You

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