Democracy defies definition
by Nagalingam Kumarakuruparan
"Democracy arose from
men thinking that if they are equal in any respect they are equal in all
respects" - Aristotle
There is widespread ignorance of the meaning of democracy. The
ignorance extends both to democratic theory and practice. Indeed it is
the absence of a theoretical basis that may lead to a distortion of
democracy in practice.
The misunderstanding of the meaning of democracy runs the wide gamut
the world over. Some believe that democracy exists where power is
concentrated in the hands of a clique in the name of the proletariat.
Others are convinced that democracy means rule by a strong leader,
provided he represents the people and not some special interest group
still others, possibly a majority of those who profess faith in
democracy, consider it primarily a welfare system. What many do not
realise is that democracy is in its very essence a political system,
designed for specific political objectives, the foremost of which is
political freedom.
Socialism
Democracy is not the same as socialism even though socialist goals
may be attained through democratic methods, as in the case of Sweden,
for example. Nor is democracy to be equated with capitalism, even though
free enterprise and private property may flourish within its framework,
as found in the United States.
Those who misunderstand democracy and misuse its name also fail to
realise that means are at least as important as ends. A violation of the
means, that is to say, contempt for ethical values and human dignity,
corrodes the heart of democracy.
Many fail to understand democracy because of its complexity. However,
simple democracy may appear on the surface. It is actually a system of
extreme intricacy, both intellectually and practically.
Definition
Democracy according to Woodrow Wilson 'is the most difficult form of
government'. He did not exaggerate. It is easy to preach "freedom",
"equality", and other concepts of democracy, but it is a totally
different matter to put these goals into practise by democratic
process.Many Western scholars are of the opinion that democracy is a
product of western and Christian civilisation. They frequently ask
whether it has any applicability to Asians and others whose culture is
neither occidental nor protestant. They expressed serious doubt whether
the democratic idea, so widely proclaimed as embedded in western policy,
could really be exported. They have questioned whether democracy was
suitable to any other group of people except the nations of North
America and Europe.
Christian expression
The sceptics may be too pessimistic. The democratic plant is hardier
and its allure greater than its critics admit. Although democracy has in
recent years flourished in certain parts of the West, it is not true
that it is a purely occidental or Christian expression.
There was democracy in ancient Greece and there is democracy in
modern Israel and in India. Christendom cannot rightly stake out a claim
to democracy. Most Christian countries have never, in fact, been
democratic and much of Europe has always been ruled
autocratically.Democracy transcends the occident its appeal is universal
and experience has shown that non-westerners can practise or appreciate
it. The idea of freedom which is embedded in democracy, seems to strike
a sympathetic chord in the human heart everywhere.
Once the people have tasted some of the fruits of democracy, they do
not easily forget it, as is proved by the millions who, at one time or
another, have resisted Fascism, Nazism, and other forms of
totalitarianism.
Despite the vast number of people who prefer to 'escape from
freedom', there are always many others who will fight or yearn for
it.Democratic political system is comparatively new in the history of
mankind. Even though democracy was practised in Greece 2,500 years ago,
it has achieved wide recognition only in our own times.The word
'democracy' acquired universal currency only in the 20th century until
recently, the people of the world, with a few exceptions had not been
exposed to democratic practices, appeals or possibilities.
In its totality, the democratic system - requiring patience with the
intractable, respect for the unpalatable and moderation in the face of
the fanatical and being based upon persuasion and law rather than brute
force - presents a picture of bewildering intricacy that only the most
mature try to manage. But those who understand it know that it is one of
the noble political inventions of mankind, that there is no substitute
for it if one wants to avoid cruelty and instability, and that its very
difficulties offer a challenge worthy of a civilised man.
Characteristics
As democracy is difficult to practise, so it is also hard to explain
it fully in words. It has never been easy to say with precision and
inclusiveness what democracy is, primarily because one of its salient
characteristics is its lack of rigid dogma or structured form. An
understanding of it may lie in feelings as much as in reason.
There are two general aspects to democracy, the political -
institutional and the behavioural. Briefly put democracy is a political
system wherein the citizens share power freely, choose their rulers and
retain control over their government.
In terms of political and institutions, democracy has at least five
essential characteristics: Equality under the law, Equality of voting,
Periodic election of representative, Legislation by majority rule and
Freedom of political action and policy making.
Democracy is a way of feeling about humanity and society. It is a way
of life. The way of democracy may be briefly described as centering
around the recognition of human dignity. It can bring dignity to the
life of the individual through 'freedom of the mind and spirit.
We may end with Woodrow Wilson that democracy beyond doubt is the
most difficult form of government. It expects a great deal from man. It
requires patience and prudence and compassion and goodwill. It calls, in
addition, for another quality not easily come by namely, civic alertness
and an active desire for freedom. But altogether its political and human
superiority is such that its attainment must always constitute a
challenge to civilised man.
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