Democracy
Democracy is that form of government in
which the ruling power of a state is legally vested not in any particular class
or classes, but in the members of the community as a whole. it is a government
in which the will of he majority of citizens rules without overriding the
rights of the minority. The ideal of democracy is that of equality, freedom and
welfare for all. it involves the abolition of very form of restriction and
privilege. Ancient democracy was based on the direct participation of the
masses in public affairs. Modern democracy is representative in character and
it demands not only universal adult suffrage, but also the active participation
of the people in government. Thus, in a democratic state, the acts of the
government are in accordance with the will of the people, since they have the
right to elect and remove their leaders and the right to determine the main
lines of policy. Nevertheless, democracy is a matter of degree, and no complete
expression has yet been given tot eh ideal of democracy.
"Our constitution is named a
democracy, because it is the hands not of the few, but of many. But our laws
secure equal justice for all private disputes, and our public opinion welcomes
and honors talent in very branch of achievement, not for any sectional reason,
but on grounds of excellence alone." These words of Pericles uttered in
the 5th century B.C., still hold good and may be considered by far the best
definition of democracy. democracy is in truth, "government of the people,
by the people and for the people." Thus, if the people of Malaysia rule
the people of Malaysia for the benefit of the Malaysians there is democratic
form of government in Malaysia. every citizen has a share in the government of
a democratic state. demo
cracy rests on the will of the people and not on force.
Democracy implies political liberty.
Political liberty consists of the right to vote, the right to sand as a
candidate for election, the right to hold public offices, freedom of speech, of
association, of worship and of opinion. All these secure the individual, the
most fundamental right of political participation. By giving everyone a share
in the government, democracy prompts patriotism.
Democracy is based on the doctrine of
equality. Inequality has been the cause of all the revolutions which have
changed the face of the world. Popular government resting on the will of the
people and on the principle of equality are immune from all revolutionary
disturbances. moreover, this form of government also implies the possibility of
an alternative government in place of an inefficient one. These characteristics
ensure the stability of the democratic form of government.
The greatest merit of democracy is that it
elevates the character of the citizens. It demands a high standard of morality
and honesty on their part. It provides for the fullest possible development of
all its citizens and gives each citizen, a sense of responsibility. In a
democratic society, reason governs the conduct of men and each man feels responsible
for his actions. Here every person contributes some thought or feeling to the
common life. Thus, democracy is not only a form of government, but also a way
of life. In a democratic state, each citizen is an integral and irreplaceable
part of the whole. it gives each citizen, a sense of responsibility. "When
political institutions call upon him to bear a part in their working, he is
taken out of the narrow circle of his domestic and occupational activities,
admitted to the larger life, which opens wider horizons, associated in new ways
with his fellows forced to think of matters which are both his and theirs"
says Bryce.
The above principles imply that every
citizen in a democratic state should have the opportunity to develop his
personality. he must have access to knowledge, must be able to earn an adequate
wage. The state must guarantee him the right to work as well as leisure. It
must protect him from being exploited by the well-placed sections of the
community or the privileged class. All these raise the important questions of
education of the citizens of a democratic state. Education must teach them not
only to assert their rights, but also to discharge their duties. It must teach
them to think and act freely and express their views boldly. But, the system of
education must guard against making the citizens selfish or overcritical. The
education system must be adapted to suit the needs of democracy.
Also leadership and proper organization are
other important requisites of democracy. Without proper organization, the
people cannot express themselves effectively. The leader of the party must be
responsible, honest and courageous. He must be able to think clearly and act
boldly. He must have the ability to judge public opinion correctly. Above all,
he must adhere to high principles. An unscrupulous leader might easily become a
dictator and endanger democracy.
Given favorable conditions, democracy is
the best form of government known so far. It reconciles liberty and authority;
it imbues the citizens with a sense of patriotism; it is a government by
discussion; it rests on the will of the people; it treats all individuals as
equals and tolerates the opposition; it aims at giving the greatest happiness
to the greatest number of citizens in a state. Under the democratic form of
government, human character develops and the individual realizes his best self.
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