english literature

Introduction to democracy.

Assignment: “Democracy is not only a system of Government; it is a way of life.”

Written by: Amna Ashraf Chohan Semester I B. English

“Democracy is not only a system of governments, it is a complete way of life.”

What is Democracy?
Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines Democracy as
a. a form of government in which people choose leaders by voting
b. a country ruled by democracy
c. An organization or situation in which everyone is treated equally and has equal rights.
Democracy has been usually described as “rule of the people, rule by the people and rule for the people”.

Historical background
The word democracy has very deep roots. It is usually implemented that the word is derived from Greek words demos (i.e. people) and kratos
(i.e. power). After that it was probably used in middle French as democratia and also in late Latin as democratie. In the Greeks demokratia was used as an antonym to aristocratie (i.e. rule of elite).
Democracy has a vast historical background. We find the practice of democracy as past as 508 B.C. In the ancient city of Athens the elite male adults possessed the right to vote and take part in the direct matters of the state. All the eligible citizens had the right to vote and speak in the assembly, which set the laws of the state.

Modern concept of Democracy
Since ancients Greeks, both theoretically and practically democracy have undergone many changes. In the ancient city of Athens “Direct Democracy” was practiced as the population was less and the right of vote remained with some special individuals. These were those people who were male, adults, not slaves and were mentally fit. Since then the most major changes which have occurred are that the practice of Direct Democracy has shifted to “Representative Democracy”. It means that people elect there representatives who then act on there behalf at national levels. Secondly the right to vote has been provided to all the adult citizens regardless of gender, cast, creed or occupations.

Democracy in the Government. A democratic government is that government, where the people are given the right to choose there representatives and then through elections these representatives take part in the matters of state. In a democratic government the elected members of the society are answerable to the people for what the do in there benefits or not. In a democratic state the elections are held periodically to choose the representatives on the basis of there previous performances or there ideologies.

Democracy as a way of life
Democracy is not only a form of govt. rather it is an institution which runs our everyday life. Democracy is a vast concept and it embraces several elements. It appears in political ideas, economic and social forces, ethical principles, form of government and a way of life. Democracy is associated with peaceful bringing of ideas. This ensures the dominance of reason in human relations. The rule of force is hostile to the spirit of democracy, for it is destructive of reason. Hence, democratic ideal is a society where reason dominates.

Examples of democracy in everyday life.
Democracy is a natural principal. It is seen in the daily use. It is a logical entity rather then presumptive. For example
1. Democracy in politics. The people elect there representatives by elections. They go on the national platform where they voice the problems and enquires of the people. This all happens by democratic means i.e. the people elect there representatives by vote.
2. Democracy in Ethical values. Only those practices become moral and ethical which are approved by a vast number of people. Those ideas which are not liked are never made the ethical values.
3. Democracy in Business. Those rules and regulations are applied in the business circles which pass the test of the majority.
4. Democracy in Fashion. Those ideas or practices become common which are approved by the people in majority not those which are discarded by the majority.
5. Democracy in Educational institutions. In educational institutions we find many examples of democracy. Like in a class a CR is made by consensus of the majority of the students. The syllabus is compiled by the collective approval of the board. The holidays are given by the degree of the administration’s collective all clear.

Conclusion Thus we conclude that democracy is the way of life, it is the logical seal of nature. It is not only necessary in government but in the daily routine as well.