Broader Meaning of Democracy

The most familiar form of democracy in our time is that of representative self-government. In republican countries; the whole population doesn’t rule; the majority is allowed to hold ground on behalf of the people and they don’t rule directly but through their marked representatives. It becomes necessary because

• Ultramodern democracies are based on mass population and it isn’t physically viable to sit and collaborate on an idea or reform.
• Even with the slightest possibility, citizens don’t have the energy, time, or desire to choose and engage in all the ideas.

It gives us a clear but minimal understanding of the republic. This transparency helps us differentiate democracies from non-democracies. But this does not allow us to differentiate between a democracy and a good democracy. For this, we have to turn to the broader meaning of democracy.

Every democracy has to try to ascertain the ideals of popular judgment-making. This can not be achieved formerly and for all. This requires constant trouble to save and strengthen popular forms of decision-making. What we do as citizens can make a difference in making our country more or less popular. This is the strength and weakness of democracy, the condition of the country does not depend on what the autocrats do, but on what we do as citizens.

A decision in a democracy involves the participation and consent of all those affected by the decision. Those who are not so superior have the same power as those in power. This application is possible for a government, family, or any other organization. Thus, democracy is also a principle that can be applied to any other sphere of life. It helps to sort a parity in any situation or circumstance in day-to-day life and helps to better the position of all involved and bring parity.

This is what distinguishes democracy from other unequal governments. Different forms of government such as monarchy, dictatorship, or one-party rule do not tolerate all citizens to participate in politics. Most non-popular governments want citizens not to participate in politics. But democracy depends on the functioning of the political participation of all citizens. Therefore, the study of democracy should focus on popular politics.

Some challenges to  proper functioning of Democracy:

1. Social and Economic inequality: Discrimination based on religion, caste, and race causes social inequality.
2. Communalism: Communalism is another challenge before democracy in India. Communal conflicts have taken place several times in different states.
3. Consternation: Terrorism is posing a serious challenge to democracy in recent times. Terrorism has different facets and has political, religious, and international causes.
4. Illiteracy: Basic education is the strength of democracy. A major part of the Indian population is made up of illiterate
5. Casteism: The caste division in India is very clear. Discrimination and dissent are rampant in many parts of the country due to caste division.
6. Rational Imbalance: The economic progress of a nation requires equally balanced development.    

Democracy is a form of power in which autocrats are elected by the people. It reminds us that self-government is the ground rule of the people. One chief feature common to all democracies is the government is chosen by the people. 

A democratic form of government is a better form of governance because it is more accountable to the people. It also improves the process of decision-making. It provides a mechanism to deal with differences and conflicts. It enhances the dignity of citizens and allows to correct their own mistakes. Democracy is also referred to as representative democracy.